Press release - 23/04/2021 For which plastic products is biodegradation a viable endof- life option? The BioSinn project found products and applications for which biodegradation at the end-of-life is a real option. 25 fact sheets answer technical and regulatory questions for each application. The market volume of these applications was also estimated: in Germany it is about 170,000 tonnes, in the European Union about 1 million tonnes per year!https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/pm/bei-welchen-kunststoffprodukten-ist-der-biologische-abbau-eine-sinnvolle-end-life-option
Press release - 21/04/2021 A study identifies the top 50 life and biological sciences and technologies driving innovation in the bio-based sectors in Europe. The study “Life and Biological Sciences and Technologies as Engines for Bio-based Innovation”, funded by the European Commission, DG Research and Innovation has been published and is now available for download from the website of the Publications Office of the European Union.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/pm/study-identifies-top-50-life-and-biological-sciences-and-technologies-driving-innovation-bio-based-sectors-europe
Press release - 08/04/2021 How to enhance innovative value chains in the bioeconomy in the Alpine Space? The European Interreg project AlpLinkBioEco in comes April 2021 to a successful end. The final conference of the project was conducted on the 31st of March 2021 and attracted over 160 participants from different parts of Europe. AlpLinkBioEco, of which BIOPRO Baden-Württemberg is a partner, has been running for three years (2018-2021) as part of the EU-Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP).https://www.bio-pro.de/en/information/press-release/how-enhance-innovative-value-chains-bioeconomy-alpine-space
Alternative source of protein - 07/04/2021 Smart insect farms as sustainable protein sources of the future It is estimated that by 2050, if not before, the world's population will have grown so much that it will be difficult to provide adequate supplies of food for everyone. It is therefore high time to look for alternatives. One option could be insects as an environmentally friendly source of protein for humans and animals. The start-up company Cepri is developing smart insect farms with the goal to make primary production, which is not yet…https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/smart-insect-farms-sustainable-protein-sources-future
Press release - 06/04/2021 Showcase Bioeconomy: Industrial crops make unproductive farmland profitable European project with participation of the University of Hohenheim investigates how unprofitable fields can be used sustainably while adding value with renewable raw materials.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/pm/schaufenster-biooekonomie-industriepflanzen-machen-unproduktives-ackerland-rentabel
Press release - 01/04/2021 Joint Masterplan on bioeconomy in the Alpine macro-region unveiled AlpLinkBioEco Interreg project presents one of its main results. https://www.bio-pro.de/en/information/press-release/joint-masterplan-bioeconomy-alpine-macro-region-unveiled
Press release - 23/03/2021 AFYREN and Südzucker reach long term deal to supply factory producing biobased organic acids AFYREN secures procurement of sugar beet co-products, major feedstock for industrial- scale production of its sustainable chemicals.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/pm/afyren-and-sudzucker-reach-long-term-deal-supply-factory-producing-biobased-organic-acids
Press release - 18/03/2021 DBFZ presents exensively expanded online database on biogenic raw materials Systematically prepared and easily accessible research data can provide an essential basis for decision-making for a wide range of stakeholders from politics, science and industry. The resource database developed by the DBFZ, which contains a wealth of information on various biomass potentials and their current use, has been extensively expanded and is now also available in two languages (DE/EN) with a variety of new functionalities.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/pm/dbfz-presents-exensively-expanded-online-database-biogenic-raw-materials
Paper technology - 10/03/2021 PLAFCO – a sustainable plastic substitute made from paper Plastic is indispensable: it is cheap and practical and found in many disposable products such as drinking straws, disposable tableware or even packaging like bonded beverage cartons or bags – and it has a disastrous effect on the environment. The start-up company Plafco Fibertech Oy has developed a sustainable plastic substitute made of paper that could replace many disposable plastic products in the future.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/plafco-sustainable-plastic-substitute-made-paper
Press release - 26/02/2021 European Parliament report recognizes potential role of bioplastics in the circular economy On 8 February, the European Parliament adopted its Own Initiative Report on the Circular Economy which recognised the role of bioplastics for the future. Amongst other issues highlighted, the MEPs emphasised the potential role of bio–based and biodegradable and compostable plastics in the circular economy whilst noting that bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics alone will not provide a solution to the environmental concerns related to plastics.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/pm/european-parliament-report-recognizes-potential-role-bioplastics-circular-economy
Press release - 23/02/2021 Commission gives the green light to the successor of BBI JU The European Commission agreed on the successor of BBI JU – the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) in a legislative proposal adopted today. The new partnership between the EU and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) is expected to build on the success of BBI JU while stepping up its contribution to the EU’s climate targets, in line with the European Green Deal. The European Parliament and Council will now study the…https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/pm/commission-gives-green-light-successor-bbi-ju
Press release - 08/02/2021 Water-repellent and more: coating textiles sustainably with chitosan Textiles can be coated with the biopolymer chitosan and thus made water-repellent by binding hydrophobic molecules. The good thing is that this can also replace toxic and petroleum-based substances that are currently used for textile finishing. In the last few years Fraunhofer IGB and partners have developed technology to provide fibers with the desired properties using biotechnological processes and chitosan.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/pm/Water-repellent-and-more-coating-textiles-sustainably-with-chitosan
Press release - 02/02/2021 Cyanobacteria could revolutionize the plastic industry Microbiologists at the University of Tübingen modify bacteria to produce climate-neutral and rapidly degradable bioplastics.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/pm/Cyanobacteria-could-revolutionize-the-plastic-industry
Press release - 26/01/2021 Report on the Mapping of Biomass Value Chains for Improved Sustainable Energy use in the Baltic Sea Region Countries Published The University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Polish partner of the BalticBiomass4Value project, published a report which maps biomass value chains for improved sustainable energy use in the Baltic Sea Region countries. The research focuses on the 9 Baltic Sea Region (BSR) countries: Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, and Norway.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/pm/report-mapping-biomass-value-chains-improved-sustainable-energy-use-baltic-sea-region-countries-published
Biobased building materials - 14/01/2021 Chitin for the development of sustainable materials for use in the construction and other industries Pliable and robust, light and stable - it sounds like an ideal material for the construction and many other industries. A team of researchers at the University of Stuttgart is researching what purposes the naturally good properties of chitin can serve.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/Chitin-for-the-development-of-sustainable-materials-for-use-in-the-construction-and-other-industries
Press release - 04/01/2021 Fungus as a sound absorber As healthy and tasty as mushrooms might be, they are good for much more than just the dinner plate. The Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT has now teamed up with the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP to investigate the use of fungus-based materials for the fabrication of eco-friendly sound absorbers.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/pm/Fungus-as-a-sound-absorber
Natural substance with herbicide potential - 10/12/2020 The same but different: What makes sugar 7Sdh a better herbicide? The sugar 7-deoxy-sedoheptulose (7dSh) is produced by cyanobacteria and inhibits the same metabolic pathway as the broad-spectrum herbicide glyphosate, thus making it an excellent herbicide candidate. Despite this amazing similarity, the microbiologist who discovered 7dSh, Prof. Dr. Karl Forchhammer, believes that this sugar has clear ecological advantages over glyphosate.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/The-same-but-different-what-makes-sugar-7Sdh-a-better-herbicide
Development of biogenic packaging - 16/11/2020 Sustainable packaging - the devil is in the detail Modern packaging often boils down to a tick list of biogenic origin and/or biodegradability. But comprehensive sustainable packaging concepts need more than just that. Perishable foods, for example, require special barrier properties. The Albstadt-Sigmaringen University of Applied Sciences is researching packaging concepts for their sustainability.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/sustainable-packaging-devil-detail
Dossier - 09/11/2020 Packaging of the future What will the packaging of the future look like, and what will be required of it? Can packaging be biobased, recyclable, sustainable and economic? In Baden-Württemberg, there are various approaches to developing packaging with the above properties from various sources including agricultural residual and side streams as well as municipal waste.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/dossiers/packaging-future
Funding European Circular Bioeconomy Fund Funding programme, Funded by: European Investment Bank (EIB), European countries/National Promotional Banks, Industry investors, Financial investorshttps://www.bio-pro.de/en/database/funding/european-circular-bioeconomy-fund
Funding European Circular Bioeconomy Fund Funding programme, Funded by: European Investment Bank (EIB), European countries/National Promotional Banks, Industry investors, Financial investorshttps://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/databases/funding/european-circular-bioeconomy-fund
Event - 03/11/2020 Building a Sustainable Network for Smart SMEs in the Alpine Region Online event, Registration deadline: 16/10/2020https://www.bio-pro.de/en/events/past-events/building-sustainable-network-smart-smes-alpine-region
Qualitative soil fertiliser - 10/07/2020 How natural cycles can be closed with wood ash Recycled material instead of waste: wood ash is good for soil and plants - if the quality is right. The German Federal Quality Association for Food Ash ensures reliable wood ash standards with its certifications. The RAL-Dünger label for fertilisers provides the necessary certification for natural wood ashes to be used in the circular economy.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/how-natural-cycles-can-be-closed-wood-ash
rezemo GmbH - 26/06/2020 Coffee capsules: wood instead of aluminium In Germany alone, around three billion disposable coffee capsules made of aluminium and plastic are sold every year. This creates a gigantic waste problem, as only a small proportion of the capsules can be recycled. Fully compostable wooden coffee capsules might be a solution to this problem. The capsules have been developed by a start-up company called rezemo, which also has other biobased packaging solutions in the pipeline.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/coffee-capsules-wood-instead-aluminium
Degradable biopolymers - 29/05/2020 Bioplastics make wood cycles more sustainable Innovative technologies and bacteria can transform wood residues into sustainable bioplastic packaging. Before bioplastics are broken down into CO2 and water in an environmentally friendly way, they can thus lead lives as products in the cosmetics industry, for example.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/bioplastics-make-wood-cycles-more-sustainable
The “Rhizo-Lentil" EIP-AGRI project - 20/05/2020 NovoCarbo turns plant waste into biochar NovoCarbo GmbH produces biochar from plant residues such as wood chips, nutshells and manure. Different feedstocks, and the way these materials are processed, create biochars with different properties. This makes biochar suitable for different uses, including as a soil conditioner, in biogas plants or as bedding for stables and cowsheds. The Rhizo-Linse project is currently investigating whether biochar is also suitable as inoculant carrier for…https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/novocarbo-turns-plant-waste-into-biochar
Dossier - 28/04/2020 Sustainable bioenergy Biomass from forestry and agriculture along with residues from industry and households can contribute to our energy and raw material shift. Sustainable, regenerative biomass-based energy can become part of the energy mix of the future within the framework of a bioeconomy.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/Sustainable-bioenergy
Urban agriculture - 23/04/2020 alphabeet – the green-fingered smartphone Given the challenges faced by modern agriculture, it is vital to raise people’s awareness of how to change their approach to food. The founders of the Stuttgart-based start-up company farmee GmbH see urban agriculture as the key to making this change possible. The company has developed “alphabeet”, an app designed to encourage consumers to produce their own food. After all, only those combining knowledge and practical experience can be expected…https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/alphabeet-the-green-fingered-smartphone
Biosensors - 09/04/2020 Sensors for the bioeconomy Sensor networks are one of the keys to achieving digitalisation of the bioeconomy. Sensor networks are on the way to becoming important analysis and control instruments for energy-efficient and sustainable material cycles. Dieter Hertweck, Professor of Business Information Systems at Reutlingen University of Applied Sciences, shows what is already possible in digital agriculture and waste recycling and what is feasible for the future.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/Sensors-for-the-bioeconomy
Polysecure GmbH - 16/01/2020 Recycling of the future – marked plastic as a circular product Plastics are harmful to the climate and human health both during manufacture and combustion and they also clutter our planet with garbage. Recycling is therefore a key issue, but it is not efficient. Polysecure has developed a process for permanently marking individual plastics that enables them to be separated efficiently and returned to a circular economy. This would counteract the vast amount of (micro) plastics and reduce CO₂ emissions.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/recycling-of-the-future-marked-plastic-as-a-circular-product
Producing valuable new products from waste materials - 07/01/2020 A vision: insect biorefineries as components of a sustainable bioeconomy Eco-friendly and responsibly manufactured products are more in demand than ever before. Specific research is being carried out into materials and applications for a wide variety of uses. The Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB is working with Hermetia Baruth GmbH on the vision of an insect biofactory that uses waste materials to produce a wide range of products such as biosurfactants, animal feed or foils. https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/A-vision-insect-biorefineries-as-components-of-a-sustainable-bioeconomy
Article - 21/10/2019 Plant pots made of natural fibres – "bio", no ifs or buts Plastic plant pots are not good for the environment; strictly speaking, they should not even be disposed of in recycling bins. Alternatives such as coconut fibre pots are compostable, but not pollutant-free and not "bio" at all. The Karlsruhe-based company Fiber Engineering has developed a truly ecofriendly way to grow plants: pots made of hemp or grass, which are preserved with biological components and decompose completely within a…https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/pflanztoepfe-aus-naturfasern-bio-ohne-wenn-und-aber
Article - 10/07/2019 More than just a nut – new products for the bioeconomy Plants are often used for one particular purpose only. However, walnut trees have much more to offer than just delicious nuts. The AlpBioEco project is studying the potential of walnut trees for the bioeconomy and how the potential can be exploited commercially. The international team of researchers is also focusing on apples and herbs.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/mehr-als-eine-harte-nuss-neue-produkte-fur-die-biookonomie
Expert interview on NTDs – part 2 - 29/05/2019 Neglected tropical diseases - Gisela Schneider: the burden of disease "Leaving no one behind". The motto of the 2030 Agenda with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which was signed by the United Nations (UN) in 2015 makes clear that combatting poverty and its consequences is an essential part of sustainable development. The fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is defined as a major aim of the Agenda’s sustainable development goals. The World Health Organisation (WHO) regards twenty…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/neglected-tropical-diseases-gisela-schneider-the-burden-of-disease
Article - 08/05/2019 Environmentally friendly alternative to fossil natural gas: methane from biomass In cooperation with the research unit of the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW), KIT researchers have built a pilot plant in which biogas produced by fermenting residual organic materials can be upgraded to synthetic methane (synthetic SNG). Biobased methane is not only a sustainable energy source for the heating and transport sectors, but also opens up new opportunities for temporary storage of renewable…https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/environmentally-friendly-alternative-to-fossil-natural-gas-methane-from-biomass
Event - 28/05/2019 - 29/05/2019 Sustainable Transformation of the Danube Region and the Future of the Bioeconomy-based Competitiveness Prague (Czech Republic)https://www.bio-pro.de/en/events/past-events/sustainable-transformation-of-the-danube-region-and-the-future-of-the-bioeconomy-based-competitiveness
Dossier - 15/04/2019 The alternative: “bioplastics” Plastic waste takes years to decompose and pollutes the environment. Nevertheless, plastics are an indispensable part of everyday life. It is therefore all the more important to find a meaningful alternative that is sustainable, environmentally friendly and has better properties and more functionality than conventional plastics. In addition, such an alternative should not be dependent in any way on fossil resources.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/dossiers/the-alternative-bioplastics
Article - 02/04/2019 Simple sugar could soon compete with glyphosate For many decades, glyphosate has been a common component of agricultural pesticides worldwide, although it is a controversial herbicide that may be harmful. The good news is that a more sustainable alternative is now in sight: researchers from the University of Tübingen have discovered a sugar molecule called 7-deoxy-sedoheptulose (7dSh) which inhibits the growth of plants and microorganisms, but appears to be completely harmless to human cells.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/simple-sugar-could-soon-compete-with-glyphosate
Article - 21/03/2019 Education as the key to a successful transition into a bioeconomy National and international policy papers emphasize the role of the education sector in the transition into a bioeconomy. On the practical level, various actors are working on programmes to prepare professionals for future challenges. The University of Hohenheim, for example, offers a bioeconomy master's programme and is one of the universities that have laid the cornerstone for the “European Bioeconomy University” consortium. https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/bildung-als-schluessel-fuer-eine-erfolgreiche-biooekonomie-transformation
Dossier - 04/03/2019 Sustainable textiles Baden-Württemberg is known for innovation in textiles and for playing a decisive role in the development of sustainable textiles for the future both in the clothing and the booming technical textile sectors. Companies and research institutes are focused on making the entire textile value chain from raw materials, production and useful life to disposal more sustainable than ever before.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/dossiers/sustainable-textiles
Article - 11/02/2019 Natural biopolymers - the sustainable almost-all-rounders Wood pulp as well as hemp and flax are renewable raw materials that can be processed into fibres of a new performance class using innovative technologies. They are environmentally friendly and help to solve waste problems. Products and processes for these fibres of the future are being developed at the DITF Denkendorf. They are suitable for textile and technical applications.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/natural-biopolymers-the-sustainable-almost-all-rounders
Overview Perspectives on the bioeconomy https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/bw/definition/perspectives-on-the-bioeconomy
Overview Processes and technologies in the bioeconomy https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/bw/definition/processes-and-technologies-in-the-bioeconomy
Event - 18/10/2018 Tourism meets Bioeconomy Sofia (Bulgaria), Workshop https://www.bio-pro.de/en/events/past-events/tourism-meets-bioeconomy
Funding Funding of the German Federal Environmental Foundation Funding programme, Funded by: DBUhttps://www.bio-pro.de/en/service/funding/funding-of-the-german-federal-environmental-foundation
Funding Funding of the German Federal Environmental Foundation Funding programme, Funded by: DBUhttps://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/databases/funding/funding-of-the-german-federal-environmental-foundation
Dossier - 09/04/2018 Digitisation in agriculture - from precision farming to farming 4.0 Automated steering systems, data-driven targeted application of fertilisers and pesticides, field robots and drones, soil analysis sensors, autonomous driving - digitisation is advancing in agriculture as elsewhere. The question asked by farmers and by society in general is whether the increasing adoption of digital technologies in agriculture is a curse or a blessing.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/dossiers/digitisation-in-agriculture-from-precision-farming-to-farming-40
Dossier - 08/03/2018 Building sustainably - actively protecting the climate Using renewable and recycled raw materials, minimising the use of water and energy during construction works and subsequent operation of a building, conserving resources and protecting the environment while maintaining biodiversity are all important components of sustainable building construction.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/dossiers/building-sustainably-actively-protecting-the-climate
Save the date - 05/12/2017 Phytopharma Day Stuttgart, Meet & Match https://www.bio-pro.de/en/events/past-events/phytopharma-day
Dossier - 20/03/2017 Lignin – a natural resource with huge potential Petroleum is the raw material for basic chemicals. Growing demand and dwindling resources mean that the chemical industry is increasingly focusing on renewable resources. Lignin is a wood component that is proving to be a promising resource. It is currently almost exclusively used for generating energy, although it could also be used for other purposes. In Baden-Württemberg, a research consortium is specifically focused on exploring its…https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/dossiers/lignin-a-natural-resource-with-huge-potential
The Baden-Württemberg healthcare industry Company foundation https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/location/start-up
Dossier - 30/09/2014 Industrial biotechnology a challenging change to the raw material base Biogenic raw materials have never been as popular as they are now. Efforts to tap renewable carbon resources are already underway, despite the fact that new oil drilling technologies are boosting fossil fuel stockpiles. In the medium term, industry will have to expand its raw materials base, and in the long term it may have to renew it completely. Industrial biotechnology is one of the key technologies in the transition.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/dossiers/industrial-biotechnology-a-challenging-change-to-the-raw-material-base
Dossier - 23/09/2013 Bioeconomy a new model for industry and the economy On the one hand, a bioeconomy relies on renewable resources to meet society’s need for food, energy and industrial products. On the other, it emphasises the role of biogenic material flows. The bioeconomy model is expected to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels in the long term. In order to implement the shift to a biobased economy on the regional level, the Baden-Württemberg government launched the Bioeconomy Research Strategy in summer 2013.https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/dossiers/bioeconomy-a-new-model-for-industry-and-the-economy
Dossier - 20/12/2012 Medical technology serving healthcare Modern healthcare would be impossible without medical technology. The achievements in medical technology are indispensable for our health and quality of life. The range of medical technology available covers surgical instruments and implants to diagnostic methods and medical devices.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/dossier/medical-technology-serving-healthcare
Dossier - 22/10/2012 Environmental biotechnology Biotechnologists are increasingly learning how to apply the knowledge about biological metabolic processes in the field of environmental protection including waste management and environmental rehabilitation. Environmental biotechnology is a field with great potential. In future bacteria and other microorganisms will most likely also contribute to sustainability and cost efficiency in other areas including the cosmetics and detergent industry as…https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/dossiers/environmental-biotechnology
Dossier - 18/06/2012 Biobanks treasure chests for biomedical research Biobanking is still a very specialist subject. The Research Committee at the German Bundestag, the Office of Technology Assessment at the German Bundestag and the German Ethics Council are all interested in this biomedical research tool, which is both necessary and meaningful. However, opinions with regard to the ethical, legal and technical approach to biobanks differ. Since March 2012 it has become absolutely clear that Germany will not pass a…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/dossier/biobanks-treasure-chests-for-biomedical-research
Dossier - 14/05/2012 Biogas a promising source of renewable energy? In addition to sunlight water and wind biogas is a regenerative source of energy that contributes to saving fossil resources. Germany is home to around 7100 biogas plants including 796 as of 2011 in Baden-Württemberg. In 2010 these facilities produced 11 per cent of the electricity generated from renewables in Germany. Energy-rich methane is the major constituent of biogas and is produced when organic compounds are broken down by bacteria in the…https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/dossiers/biogas-a-promising-source-of-renewable-energy