The paper "Application and Carbon Footprint Evaluation of Lignin-Based Composite Materials" by Yanfan Yang et al. discusses the growing concern in various industries about the carbon footprint of materials, driven by environmental concerns and the need for renewable resources. Lignin, a recyclable bioresource with multifunctional properties, is highlighted as the largest renewable aromatic biomass resource in nature. It is noted for its natural antioxidant, UV-resistant, molecular structure design flexibility, and biocompatibility, making it suitable for use as a carbon source for soil. The paper systematically reviews the current state of research on lignin-based composites, identifies bottlenecks, and explores functional applications and future development directions. The introduction explains the concept of the "carbon footprint," which refers to the accumulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout a product's life cycle, from raw materials to disposal. The paper emphasizes the importance of carbon footprint evaluation techniques, particularly the life cycle assessment (LCA) method, which is widely used to analyze the entire life cycle of a product or service. The LCA method is chosen for its simplicity, clarity, and uniformity in quantifying carbon emissions. The paper also delves into the life cycle of wood composites, highlighting the carbon storage changes over their life cycle. It discusses the potential of lignocellulosic biomass as a renewable resource for sustainable technology, noting that while polysaccharides are widely used, lignin and its derivatives are underutilized. The commercial processing of industrial lignin is limited, and most of it is either burned or discarded. The paper suggests that lignin, with its aromatic structure and high output, has significant potential in bio-based composites, where it can reduce toxicity, increase hydrophobicity and biodegradability, and support a circular economy. The scientific research on lignin has seen a marked increase over the past 20 years, driven by technological advancements, novel extraction methods, and the need for environmentally friendly materials. Lignin's rich reactive functional groups and aromatic structure make it a promising component in green technology, offering great potential in bio-based composites.The paper "Application and Carbon Footprint Evaluation of Lignin-Based Composite Materials" by Yanfan Yang et al. discusses the growing concern in various industries about the carbon footprint of materials, driven by environmental concerns and the need for renewable resources. Lignin, a recyclable bioresource with multifunctional properties, is highlighted as the largest renewable aromatic biomass resource in nature. It is noted for its natural antioxidant, UV-resistant, molecular structure design flexibility, and biocompatibility, making it suitable for use as a carbon source for soil. The paper systematically reviews the current state of research on lignin-based composites, identifies bottlenecks, and explores functional applications and future development directions. The introduction explains the concept of the "carbon footprint," which refers to the accumulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout a product's life cycle, from raw materials to disposal. The paper emphasizes the importance of carbon footprint evaluation techniques, particularly the life cycle assessment (LCA) method, which is widely used to analyze the entire life cycle of a product or service. The LCA method is chosen for its simplicity, clarity, and uniformity in quantifying carbon emissions. The paper also delves into the life cycle of wood composites, highlighting the carbon storage changes over their life cycle. It discusses the potential of lignocellulosic biomass as a renewable resource for sustainable technology, noting that while polysaccharides are widely used, lignin and its derivatives are underutilized. The commercial processing of industrial lignin is limited, and most of it is either burned or discarded. The paper suggests that lignin, with its aromatic structure and high output, has significant potential in bio-based composites, where it can reduce toxicity, increase hydrophobicity and biodegradability, and support a circular economy. The scientific research on lignin has seen a marked increase over the past 20 years, driven by technological advancements, novel extraction methods, and the need for environmentally friendly materials. Lignin's rich reactive functional groups and aromatic structure make it a promising component in green technology, offering great potential in bio-based composites.