Lignin can be extracted in multiple ways from the cell wall matrix – generally biorefineries break down the lignocellulosic complex into its basic constituents cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin and further processes them.
Basically, lignin can either be extracted to produce cellulose fibers in a pulp mill, yielding a low molecular weight, probably soluble and meltable lignin. Or the cellulose and hemicellulose are degraded to fermentable sugars (e.g. for ethanol-production), giving a macromolecular, highly resistant lignin.