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Vanille Dossier Visual

In-depth report

Achieving Vanilla Flavor through Bioeconomy

Vanillin is arguably the most important flavoring in the world. The bio-based economy can contribute in various ways to the sustainable, reliable and high-quality supply of vanillin. This dossier describes indoor farming methods for vanilla cultivation and highlights biotechnological and chemical approaches on the way to vanilla flavoring. 

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Von AlphaFold2 vorhergesagte Protein-3D-Strukturen

In-depth report

Exploring and designing proteins with AI

In recent years, AI technologies have revolutionized protein research and the possibilities for producing tailor-made protein molecules. This dossier highlights how AI-based tools are opening up new avenues for research and innovation. 

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Rinder auf der Wiese

Success story

Methane-reducing feed additives for livestock

As part of the ClimateCow project, researchers in Munich are developing a new type of feed additive for cattle in order to reduce the animals' methane emissions.

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Käse

Studies and statistics

University of Göttingen (2024): Acceptance of animal-free cheese

Both companies and research institutes are currently working on biotechnological processes for the production of animal-free alternatives to dairy products. Researchers at the University of Göttingen investigated the acceptance of such products by consumers.

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Preview Bioökonomie-Ausstellung

Bioeconomy Exhibition

The bioeconomy has rapidly developed in recent years. What has been accomplished in the last five years alone is truly impressive: Many bioeconomy products have become bestsellers. Bio-based start-ups have grown into medium-sized companies. And established, traditional industrial companies are integrating bio-based production steps into their existing structures.

The latest from the bioeconomy

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Das klimaschädliche Kohlendioxid könnte bald schon als industrieller Rohstoff Karriere machen.

Funding round launched: Innovative methods for organic production

As part of the new funding guideline ‘Future technologies for the industrial bioeconomy’, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research is funding innovative projects that address bio-based products and processes for a climate-neutral and recyclable industry.

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Vollautomatisierte Mesokosmenanlage zur automatischen Bewässerung und Messung von Pflanzenstruktur, -vitalität und -wachstum. Sie befindet sich an der Universität Greifswald.

Millions in funding for peatland research

The Wetscapes 2.0 project is receiving 10 million euros from the German Research Foundation to research complex processes in the rewetting of fenland landscapes.

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Internationales Forschungsteam entwickelt neue Methode für de novo Proteindesign

Optimising protein structures with AI

Under the leadership of the Technical University of Munich, an international research team has developed a method with which proteins can be designed even better on a computer and produced with the desired properties.

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Wie hier im Schweizer Solothurn soll nun auch in Japan eine neue Biomethanisierungsanlage entstehen.

Electrochaea takes bio-methane to Japan

The Bavarian company Electrochaea has concluded a licence agreement and technology transfer for its patented power-to-gas technology with Japan's Hitachi Ltd.

Interviews

Ronja Breitkopf; wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin im Forschungsbereich Biomaterialien bei der Industrieforschungseinrichtung INNOVENT e.V. in Jena

‘We use residues to establish sustainability’

The ‘Biomaterials’ research group led by Ronja Breitkopf at the industrial research organisation INNOVENT not only develops its own sustainable products and processes for the bioeconomy, but also supports research partners to advance innovations.

Worldwide strategies

The bioeconomy is gaining ground all over the world. A large number of countries have now adopted bioeconomy strategies - with various focus areas. You can find them in the following overview.

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In the spotlight

Bioeconomy inside

Verschiedene beschichtete Lebensmittelverpackungen.

Protective lacquer

An Italian start-up is utilizing waste from tomato processing to develop an eco-friendly alternative to conventional packaging coatings. A bio-resin is extracted from tomato peels that is free of BPA and biodegradable.

What percentage of tomatoes grown in the EU come from Italy?

Correct! Italy alone contributes nearly 40% of the EU's total tomato production.

No, it is more.

orangefarbener Hocker aus Obstschalen

Stool

Orange peel, lemon peel and coffee grounds. What do these elements have in common? They are not necessarily a case for the organic waste bin, but can be reprocessed into practical everyday helpers and beautiful home accessories.

How many tonnes of food waste (edible and non-edible) are produced in Germany every year?

That's wrong. It is almost double the amount.

That is correct.

Steckschaum für Blumenarrangements

Floral foam

Without it, many floral arrangements wouldn't make much of an impression. Floral foam is commonly used in floristry to stabilise cut flowers, grasses, and branches in bouquets, and to provide them with water and nutrients.

How much green waste was generated per capita in Germany in 2022?

That is wrong. This value is from the year 2021.

Correct!

Probiotischer Allzweckreiniger

All-purpose cleaner

Many cleaning products are based on surfactants derived from crude oil. They have been proven to fulfil their main task of dissolving dirt and grease. Bio-based alternatives do this in a more environmentally friendly way using renewable resources.

For how many Germans does sustainability play an important role when buying cleaning products?

No, sustainability plays a greater role in this segment.

That's right, around a third of Germans pay attention to sustainability when it comes to cleaning products.

Rundes Waschbecken

Washbasin

Stable, heat-resistant, scratch-proof. These are the properties that a washbasin should have. Sanitary ceramics are ideal for manufacturing the basins - but so is a bio-based composite.

How many cubic metres of damaged timber had to be felled in 2022, mainly due to long periods of drought and the spread of the bark beetle?

That is wrong.

Correct. This corresponds to a 59.5% share of logging due to forest damage. In 2012, the figure was still 17.8%.