Hub Net Zero presented a lignin-based innovation that transforms agricultural biomass waste into high-value materials at Thailand Inventors’ Day 2026, held from 5–9 January 2026 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC). Organized annually by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), the national event brought together researchers, innovators, and industry stakeholders from across the country to present inventions, innovations, and research outcomes with strong potential for national development and industrial application.
The featured project, “Lignin: From Biomass Waste to Thai Agro-Industry Wealth,” highlights the potential of lignin—one of the most abundant yet underutilized components of agricultural biomass, accounting for 15–30% by weight. The project focuses on unlocking lignin’s value through the development of customized, user-designed lignin, with tailored physical and chemical properties such as molecular weight, solubility, and color.
By developing extraction techniques and applying structural modification, the research enables the transformation of lignin derived from agricultural residues into high-value functional materials. These customized lignins can be used as functional additives in plastics, biomaterials, textiles, cosmetics, and animal feed, as well as serving as feedstocks for chemical production.
Thailand generates over 50 million tons of agricultural residues annually, much of which is currently disposed of through open burning, contributing to PM2.5 air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This project demonstrates a sustainable pathway for converting agricultural waste into value-added products, supporting industrial innovation while addressing environmental challenges.
Coordinated by Hub Net Zero, the project is a collaborative effort between the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and the Joint Graduate School of Sustainable Energy and Environment (JGSEE) at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT). The research is funded by the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC).
Held under the theme “Unlock Thailand – Power of Invention and Innovation,” Thailand Inventors’ Day 2026 featured exhibitions, NRCT award presentations, panel discussions, and training programs. The event also hosted several major innovation competitions, including the Bangkok International Intellectual Property, Invention, Innovation and Technology Exposition (IPITEx), the Thailand New Gen Inventors Award 2026 (I–New Gen Award 2026), and the I–New Gen Junior Award 2026.
Photo Credit: NRCT
