biostudies-literatureJiju PSNSTC Taiwan88https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12373608biostudies-literatureUnknown12(1)Lignin, the second most abundant natural polymer, is emerging as a strategic feedstock for advancing a sustainable and circular bioeconomy. Traditionally underutilized byproduct of lignocellulosic biomass processing, lignin is now central to the development of bio-based chemicals, advanced polymers, and renewable fuels. This review explores recent progress in lignin valorization, focusing on emerging strategies in chemical, thermophysical, and biological depolymerization. Innovations in catalytic conversion, ionic liquid-assisted processing, and biocatalytic approaches are enabling the selective transformation of lignin into high-value products, offering viable alternatives to petroleum-derived inputs. Emerging lignin-based technologies are being adopted across key industries such as packaBioresources and bioprocessingSustainability through lignin valorization: recent innovations and applications driving industrial transformation.PMC12373608NSTC 112-2222-E-992-006-MY2Dong CDShruthy NSJiju PSPatel AKShalu SSinghania RRfalseSustainability through lignin valorization: recent innovations and applications driving industrial transformation.Lignin, the second most abundant natural polymer, is emerging as a strategic feedstock for advancing a sustainable and circular bioeconomy. Traditionally underutilized byproduct of lignocellulosic biomass processing, lignin is now central to the development of bio-based chemicals, advanced polymers, and renewable fuels. This review explores recent progress in lignin valorization, focusing on emerging strategies in chemical, thermophysical, and biological depolymerization. Innovations in catalytic conversion, ionic liquid-assisted processing, and biocatalytic approaches are enabling the selective transformation of lignin into high-value products, offering viable alternatives to petroleum-derived inputs. Emerging lignin-based technologies are being adopted across key industries such as packa2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Aug2026-04-08T07:10:55.678Z2026-04-07T23:30:56.98ZS-EPMC123736084084466410.1186/s40643-025-00929-x