Core Viewpoint - A new study from Finland indicates that lignin, a complex polymer found in the cell walls of terrestrial plants and an important byproduct of the wood industry, exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral and antibacterial properties, suggesting its potential as a green alternative for synthetic antimicrobial agents in coatings, packaging materials, and disinfectants [1] Group 1 - Lignin is widely present in terrestrial plant cell walls and is a significant byproduct of the wood industry [1] - The study highlights lignin's potential applications in various fields, including coatings, packaging materials, and disinfectants [1] - The research findings have been published in the latest issue of the journal "International Journal of Biological Macromolecules" [1]