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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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Schilfrohr (Phragmites australis) ist eine Art, die in Paludikulturen auf wiedervernässten Moorflächen angebaut werden kann. Es ist ein guter Naturbaustoff, da es keine Feuchtigkeit aufnimmt und nur langsam verrottet.

How Europe's moors can be saved

According to a ZALF study, a mix of economic incentives and adapted land use models could drive the rewetting of peatlands in Europe and make the cultivation of paludiculture more attractive for farmers.

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Lichtmikroskopische Aufnahme von Glasschalen verschiedener, einzelliger Kieselalgen

Glass microalgae as a bioindicator for coastal marshes

Researchers at the University of Rostock were able to demonstrate the positive environmental changes following the rewetting of a coastal moor on the island of Rügen using the diatom.

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Im Wellenbecken haben die Braunschweiger Wissenschaftler*innen die Seetangfarm im Maßstab 1:20 nachgebaut.

Trial run for algae farms on high seas

As part of an international research project, researchers in Braunschweig are investigating how seaweed can be successfully cultivated in offshore facilities in order to relieve the pressure on coastal areas.

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Gerste produziert bestimmte Abwehrstoffe gegen Pilzbefall.

Barley defends itself against fungal attack

Researchers at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB) in Halle (Saale) and the University of Cologne have discovered a new group of defence substances in barley that protects its roots against fungal attack.

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

orangefarbener Hocker aus Obstschalen

Footstool

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%.

Verschiedene Gemüsesorten und Milchprodukte in einer Kiste mit Isoliermaterial

Food packaging

Maize is first and foremost a foodstuff. Many of its plant components that are not edible are also suitable for the production of environmentally friendly products. For example, for products that bring other foods fresh to the consumer. 

In 1960, maize was grown on 6,000 hectares in Germany. How big was the area in 2023?

That's wrong.

That's correct. In 2012, the figure was as high as 526 thousand hectares.