a process for the isolation of lignin from black liquor and modification of lignin for use in many plastic applications is disclosed . the isolation of lignin consists of removing all of the non - lignin components from black liquor solution . the non - lignin components including but not limited to organic acids , sugars , and inorganic materials can be removed using either solvent extraction or ion - exchange resin or a combination of both methods . the isolated lignin is water soluble . the non - lignin components can be further isolated and sold or reused in the pulping or lignin isolation processes . the isolated lignin can be further modified in order to meet the needs of the desired plastic application .