Solvolysis process

A process for converting lignin to renewable liquid product(s), characterized in that the process comprises the following steps,

• (a) providing a feed mixture (30) of lignin feedstock (10) or lignin-based feedstock (10), and recycled product fraction (20);
• (b) treating said feed mixture (30) in a thermal liquefaction step by heating (110) the feed mixture (30) at a temperature between 30° and 420° C., and maintaining said temperature for 2-60 minutes at a pressure below 35 bar;
• and
• (c) obtaining a product mix (40),
• wherein the recycled product fraction (20) is provided by separating (120) a liquid product mix (50) and an aqueous phase (53) from said product mix (40), fractionating (200) one or more fraction(s) (60, 61, 62) from said liquid product mix (50), or part thereof, at least a first fraction (61) having a boiling point between 300° C. and 600° C. at atmospheric pressure, and wherein at least part of said first fraction (61) is used as said recycled product fraction (20).