The present invention relates to a liquid lignin mixture comprising 3-50 wt % methanol, 12-50 wt % lignin and 5-85 wt % aqueous alkali solution wherein the concentration of said aqueous alkali solution is 1 to 50 wt % of alkali in water, based on the weight of said alkali solution prior to mixing with the other components of the mixture. The liquid lignin mixture can be used to manufacture lignin-based phenolic resins, which are particularly useful in the manufacture of laminates.