Lignin is by far the most abundant substance based on aro- matic moieties in nature, and the largest contributor to soil or- ganic matter. Millions of tonnes of several lignin preparations are produced by the paper industry every year, and a minimal amount of lignin is isolated by direct extraction of lignin from plants. Lignin is used either directly or chemically modified, as a binder, dispersant agent for pesticides, emulsifier, heavy metal sequestrant, or component for composites and copoly- mers. For value-added applications of lignin to be improved, medium- and long-term conversion technologies must be de- veloped, especially for the preparation of low-molecular- weight compounds as an alternative to the petrochemical in- dustry.