Borregaard of Norway and Sappi Saiccor of South Africa plan to expand capacity at LignoTech South Africa and its lignosulphonate plant in Umkomaas, South Africa, through the introduction of a new production line. A feasibility study is currently being undertaken. Production will be boosted from a current 55,000 tonnes up to 150–200,000 tonnes and the investment of the expansion will amount to USD 20–30 million. LignoTech SA is a 50/50 joint venture between the two companies and the present plant, which opened in March 1999, has already exceeded its original design capacity. LignoTech SA produces lignosulphonate, which is based on the binding agent of wood, and a co-product of pulp production. Lignin-based products are used as dispersing agents in concrete, textile dyes, pesticides, ceramics and as binding agents in briquetting, animal feed and dust suppression.
