Extracting plant compounds from lignins Worldwide, the paper industry and bioethanol production generate more than 50 million tonnes of lignins. In addition to supplying energy, these byproducts could also furnish many plant-based molecules of interest. Consequently, INRAE researchers and their collaborators have been exploring how to obtain useful ingredients and materials from lignins, their associated recalcitrant cellulose, and the humins arising from sugar condensation. This work was the focus of the ZELCOR project. Researchers broke down, transformed, and reassembled these byproducts, employing environmentally friendly methodologies and cascading. The overarching aim was to generate as much value as possible from the products of interest. To this end, the researchers used enzymes, an approach that aligns with green chemistry principles. More specifically, they took a detailed look at populations of bacteria, fungi, and insect microbiota and identified 16 previously unknown enzymes capable of modifying lignin structure and function. These enzymes were then produced at different scales 3. Stéphanie Baumberger / IJPB Joint Research Unit / BAP Division INRAE Centre of Île-de-France-Versailles-Saclay Transforming complex materials 02. Lignins biological compounds that are one of the main components of wood, along with cellulose and hemicelluloses. Cellulose a compound found in plant cell walls that is used to manufacture paper and textiles. Humins The insoluble organic matter present in soils.