Crispr editing reduces poplar lignin content

Tall green plants in a greenhouse

Source: © Daniel B. Sulis et al, Science 2023

Gene-edited wood could reduce waste and save energy during pulping process

Gene-edited poplar trees that contain less lignin could improve the efficiency and environmental impact of wood processing.

Lignin is one of wood’s three main components, but it is left over as a by-product during processing. Lowering wood’s lignin content would reduce the waste generated during pulping, as well as the energy used in the process.