Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing sorbents on the basis of a cellulose-containing material and at least one smectic clay mineral capable of swelling, which form lumps when absorbing liquids. The method is characterized in that: (a) the cellulose-containing material and smectic clay mineral in fine particle form are intimately mixed together, whereby total water content of the components to be mixed is between approximately 25 and 40 weight percent, or is adjusted to be within this range by the addition of water (b) this mixture is compressed by means of a matrix press, and (c) the compressed moulded bodies emerging from the matrix press are cut substantially perpendicular to the direction of emergence and dried. The invention further relates to a sorbent obtained by the above procedure and its use.