This review discusses the application and carbon footprint evaluation of lignin-based composite materials. Lignin, a renewable aromatic biomass resource, is a multifunctional bioresource with natural antioxidant, UV-resistant, biocompatible, and biodegradable properties. It can be used as a carbon source for soil and as a feedstock for sustainable product production, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of composites. The paper systematically reviews current research on lignin-based composites, identifies key challenges, and explores future directions. The concept of "carbon footprint" refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout a product's life cycle, including raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal. It includes emissions from the product itself and its industrial and supply chains. Carbon footprint evaluation helps organizations assess and reduce emissions, and there are six main methods for measuring it, including life cycle assessment (LCA), which is widely used due to its simplicity, standardization, and comprehensive measurement system. The life cycle of wood composites includes processes from forest harvesting to manufacturing, use, and recycling. Trees absorb carbon dioxide during growth, and processing, production, and use generate carbon emissions. Harvesting and processing residues release carbon back into the atmosphere. The entire cycle represents the carbon footprint of wood composites. Lignocellulosic biomass is a vital renewable resource for sustainable technology. While polysaccharides like cellulose and hemicellulose are widely used, lignin and its derivatives are underutilized. Only 5% of lignin is currently used for energy or low-value applications, while the rest is either burned or discarded. However, lignin can be recycled to create high-performance materials or used as a feedstock for textile fibers. Lignin, with its rich reactive functional groups, is a significant renewable resource. It is used in bio-based composites to reduce toxicity, increase hydrophobicity and biodegradability, and support a circular economy. The carbon footprint of lignin composites is shown in Fig. 2. Lignin is a complex polyaromatic compound, offering great potential in green technology. It is a vital component of plant cell walls, acting as a binder between cellulose and hemicellulose.This review discusses the application and carbon footprint evaluation of lignin-based composite materials. Lignin, a renewable aromatic biomass resource, is a multifunctional bioresource with natural antioxidant, UV-resistant, biocompatible, and biodegradable properties. It can be used as a carbon source for soil and as a feedstock for sustainable product production, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of composites. The paper systematically reviews current research on lignin-based composites, identifies key challenges, and explores future directions. The concept of "carbon footprint" refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout a product's life cycle, including raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal. It includes emissions from the product itself and its industrial and supply chains. Carbon footprint evaluation helps organizations assess and reduce emissions, and there are six main methods for measuring it, including life cycle assessment (LCA), which is widely used due to its simplicity, standardization, and comprehensive measurement system. The life cycle of wood composites includes processes from forest harvesting to manufacturing, use, and recycling. Trees absorb carbon dioxide during growth, and processing, production, and use generate carbon emissions. Harvesting and processing residues release carbon back into the atmosphere. The entire cycle represents the carbon footprint of wood composites. Lignocellulosic biomass is a vital renewable resource for sustainable technology. While polysaccharides like cellulose and hemicellulose are widely used, lignin and its derivatives are underutilized. Only 5% of lignin is currently used for energy or low-value applications, while the rest is either burned or discarded. However, lignin can be recycled to create high-performance materials or used as a feedstock for textile fibers. Lignin, with its rich reactive functional groups, is a significant renewable resource. It is used in bio-based composites to reduce toxicity, increase hydrophobicity and biodegradability, and support a circular economy. The carbon footprint of lignin composites is shown in Fig. 2. Lignin is a complex polyaromatic compound, offering great potential in green technology. It is a vital component of plant cell walls, acting as a binder between cellulose and hemicellulose.