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April 8, 2025
Lignin-Rich Masterbatch Revolutionizes Ecofriendly Injection Molding in Automotive Industry
Sweden-based Lignin Industries has introduced a game-changing bio-based masterbatch poised to reshape the global automotive industry. Developed under the name Renol, this patented masterbatch combines lignin—a renewable bio-oil byproduct—with polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) carrier resins, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics.
Especially impactful in injection molding, Renol enables the production of lightweight, bio-rich automotive components such as dashboards, door panels, and roof boxes. The masterbatch, which contains up to 95% lignin, can be compounded with recycled plastics to achieve carbon-negative outcomes when used at concentrations above 40%.
In cutting-edge trials, Renol demonstrated exceptional compatibility with Ku-Fizz—a microcellular injection molding technology originally developed by Volkswagen. The results: 10% weight reduction, 30% shorter cycle times, and a remarkable 70% drop in clamping force requirements. These gains translate to reduced machine size and energy use, further amplifying environmental benefits.
Unlike traditional glass fibers, Renol retains its properties through multiple reprocessing cycles and delivers isotropic performance for easier manufacturing of flat surfaces—crucial for high-volume automotive applications.
Tailored for flexibility, Renol masterbatches support thermoforming and film extrusion and can be customized with additives like UV stabilizers and impact modifiers. Backed by collaboration with Vinnova, Scania, AutoForm, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Lignin Industries is setting a new benchmark for sustainable plastics manufacturing—one injection-molded part at a time. Learn more about this topic here.
Especially impactful in injection molding, Renol enables the production of lightweight, bio-rich automotive components such as dashboards, door panels, and roof boxes. The masterbatch, which contains up to 95% lignin, can be compounded with recycled plastics to achieve carbon-negative outcomes when used at concentrations above 40%.
In cutting-edge trials, Renol demonstrated exceptional compatibility with Ku-Fizz—a microcellular injection molding technology originally developed by Volkswagen. The results: 10% weight reduction, 30% shorter cycle times, and a remarkable 70% drop in clamping force requirements. These gains translate to reduced machine size and energy use, further amplifying environmental benefits.
Unlike traditional glass fibers, Renol retains its properties through multiple reprocessing cycles and delivers isotropic performance for easier manufacturing of flat surfaces—crucial for high-volume automotive applications.
Tailored for flexibility, Renol masterbatches support thermoforming and film extrusion and can be customized with additives like UV stabilizers and impact modifiers. Backed by collaboration with Vinnova, Scania, AutoForm, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Lignin Industries is setting a new benchmark for sustainable plastics manufacturing—one injection-molded part at a time. Learn more about this topic here.
April 25, 2025
Simplifyber Secures $12M to Scale Sustainable Moldable Liquid Cellulose
Simplifyber Secures $12M to Scale Sustainable Moldable Liquid Cellulose
Materials innovation startup Simplifyber has raised $12 million in Series A funding to advance its groundbreaking approach to soft goods manufacturing. The round was led by Suzano Ventures, the corporate venture arm of Suzano S/A, the world’s largest wood pulp supplier, and included support from At One Ventures, Techstars, and others. This follows a $4.2 million seed round completed in July 2022.
Simplifyber is pioneering a novel 3D molding process using Fybron—a proprietary natural liquid fiber that bypasses traditional textile steps like spinning, weaving, and sewing. The resulting products are fully bio-based and biodegradable in many applications, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic, fossil-based materials.
Founded in 2021, the company unveiled its first product—a molded shoe upper made from cellulose-based fibers—at Paris Fashion Week in September 2024 through a collaboration with fashion brand Ganni. The technology also shows promise in sectors such as automotive, where molded natural fiber interiors could significantly reduce environmental impact.
The new funding will support the expansion of Simplifyber’s manufacturing capacity, pilot-scale facilities, and R&D efforts in materials science and mechanical engineering. It will also accelerate business development and strategic partnerships across apparel, automotive, and other industries.
Paula Puzzi of Suzano Ventures noted, “Simplifyber’s pioneering approach has the potential to disrupt soft goods supply chains and replace fossil-based materials with sustainable, bio-based alternatives. We’re proud to support their mission.”
Simplifyber continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable manufacturing—one molded fiber at a time. Learn more here.
Simplifyber is pioneering a novel 3D molding process using Fybron—a proprietary natural liquid fiber that bypasses traditional textile steps like spinning, weaving, and sewing. The resulting products are fully bio-based and biodegradable in many applications, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic, fossil-based materials.
Founded in 2021, the company unveiled its first product—a molded shoe upper made from cellulose-based fibers—at Paris Fashion Week in September 2024 through a collaboration with fashion brand Ganni. The technology also shows promise in sectors such as automotive, where molded natural fiber interiors could significantly reduce environmental impact.
The new funding will support the expansion of Simplifyber’s manufacturing capacity, pilot-scale facilities, and R&D efforts in materials science and mechanical engineering. It will also accelerate business development and strategic partnerships across apparel, automotive, and other industries.
Paula Puzzi of Suzano Ventures noted, “Simplifyber’s pioneering approach has the potential to disrupt soft goods supply chains and replace fossil-based materials with sustainable, bio-based alternatives. We’re proud to support their mission.”
Simplifyber continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable manufacturing—one molded fiber at a time. Learn more here.
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