Ligneneutre

Ligneneutre is a neologism used in some interdisciplinary discussions to describe an approach that treats lignin-containing plant materials not only as chemical substances but as a focal point for understanding biological, ecological, technological, and cultural dimensions of biomass. In this sense, ligneneutre encompasses both the chemistry of lignin and the broader meanings attached to wood-derived resources in science, industry, and society.

Etymology and coinage: The term blends the lignin-related prefix lign-, derived from Latin lignum meaning wood, with a suffix inspired by hermeneutics and interpretation. It emerged in academic writing and conferences addressing bio-based materials and sustainability, and does not have a single standardized definition. As a result, its exact meaning may vary among authors.

Scope: Proponents describe ligneneutre as an integrative framework for studying lignin valorization, forest products, and carbon cycling, while also examining how knowledge about lignin is produced, communicated, and valued culturally. Topics may include lignin chemistry, processing methods, materials development (for example, lignin-derived polymers and carbon fibers), life-cycle assessment, policy implications, and the rhetoric surrounding biomass in consumer markets.

Criticism and status: Because ligneneutre is not widely established, critics argue that the term risks academic vagueness or diluting discipline-specific terminology. Supporters counter that it can foster interdisciplinary dialogue and highlight connections between material science and social considerations in biomass use. It remains a minority term and is used primarily in exploratory or opinion writing rather than as a conventional methodological label.

Related topics include lignin, lignocellulosic biomass, bio-based materials, and sustainability science.