Abstract We report the results obtained on lignocellulosic kraft wastewater cleaning by adsorption using the Rohm & Haas polymeric adsorbent Amberlite XAD-7. This resin shows a suitable retention capacity for ligninic compounds, but not for carbohydrates derived from cellulose and hemicelluloses. Regeneration has also been studied. This can be efficiently achieved with 1 N NaOH.