Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM), Yulee, Fla., USA, and Borregaard ASA (BRG), Norway, announced earlier this week that LignoTech Florida, owned 45% by RYAM and 55% by BRG, officially begun operations at the new lignin plant in Fernandina Beach, Fla. The plant has production capacity of 100,000 dry metric tons of lignin with the option of a second phase that can later expand production by an additional 50,000 dry metric tons.

"We are excited to complete construction phase of the plant, on time and within $110 million combined budget," said Paul G. Boynton, chairman, president and CEO of Rayonier Advanced Materials. "This investment provides new jobs for the Fernandina Beach community, diverse and environmentally-friendly products for Rayonier Advanced Materials, and a solid return on capital for our investors."

Lignin, a natural component of wood, is a co-product of Rayonier Advanced Material’s sulphite cellulose manufacturing process in Fernandina Beach. The new operation will process the lignin into value-added products that provide environmentally-friendly alternatives to fossil fuel-based products used globally in construction, agriculture and other industrial applications.

LignoTech Florida has received unwavering support from the City of Fernandina Beach, Nassau County and the State of Florida throughout the evaluation and construction process. The economic and logistical support provided by local and state governments helped to bring this investment into the community and created more than 50 new high-paying jobs at the plant.