Kelowna-based Pure Lignin Environmental Technology has patented a simple, efficient process for turning waste vegetation, such as beetle-killed pine trees and sugar cane waste, into three profitable products: pure lignin (wikipedia definition), commercial cellulose and carbons for bio-fuels and protein. The company’s portable plant combines chemicals in a unique, low-pressure closed-loop steam process that transforms the waste into usable products without emitting pollutants or toxins.
In January, Pure Lignin Environmentla Technology was nominated for the Okanagan Science and Technology Council’s 2008 Silicon Vineyard Awards and was a finalist in “Most Promising Emerging Technology of the Year Award”.