News from the economy

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Hotdogs

First approval of laboratory-grown meat applied for in the EU

Heidelberg-based Cultivated B is the first company in the world to submit an application to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for approval of a cell-based sausage product.

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Blick in einen Industriepark

Green methanol on its way to mass production

In the Leuna100 project, the partners involved want to combine technological innovations into a process suitable for industrial use.

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Kultiviertes Fleisch aus Muskelzellen in der Petrischale

More interest in cultured meat

A survey by Bitkom Research shows: More and more people can imagine eating cell-based meat from 3D printers and see this as a contribution to more sustainable food production.

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In dem automatisierten vertikalen Pflanzenzuchtsystem OrbiPlant vom Fraunhofer IME können pflanzliche Nahrungsmittel effizient und kostengünstig im Großmaßstab hergestellt werden.

Veganz relies on Fraunhofer indoor farming system

For the cultivation of food crops, Veganz, a company specializing in vegan foods, has secured the licensing rights to the vertical farming technology developed by Fraunhofer IME.

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Outdoorjacken

UPM cooperates with VAUDE in the production of sustainable textiles

UPM and VAUDE plan to produce the first fleece jacket from wood-based polyester. The biobased chemical is to be produced on a large scale at UPM's new biorefinery in Leuna.

Sectors

Chemistry

The chemical industry today is still primarily based on petroleum, a fossil raw material. Existing fully integrated modes of production have until now countered comprehensive structural transformation. The topic of sustainability, however, has become increasingly important, as a number of initiatives toward green chemistry have shown. Companies apply bio-based approaches above all when they save costs or improve product quality.

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Sector: Chemistry

Pharmaceuticals

For thousands of years, medicinal herbs have helped to relieve illnesses. Nature, in addition, offers a huge selection of therapeutic agents that serve as basis for advanced medications. Increasingly, biotechnological processes are employed in the production of medication. These biopharmaceuticals have become indispensable in the therapy of widespread diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

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Sector: Pharmacy

Mechanical engineering

Germany is one of the leading countries in mechanical engineering. Application of advanced machines, equipment and processes enables efficient and sustainable design of production processes – in all areas of industry and business. For further development of bioeconomy, innovations from mechanical engineering are key drivers.

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Sector: Mechanical Engineering

Textiles

For the textile industry, application of regenerative raw materials is a matter of daily routine. Plant fibres such as linen and cotton, as well as animal products such as wool, silk and leather – natural products are used in many textile areas. With regard to sustainability and resource efficiency, however, unconventional ideas are now being implemented. New high-tech fibres with previously unknown properties, for example, are now being produced from formerly discarded materials from the food and beverage industry.

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Sector: textiles

Consumer goods

For cosmetics, washing agents and home appliances: bio-based processes find application in manufacture of a great number and variety of products used in everyday life. These processes make an important contribution to greater sustainability in industry and enable innovative products with novel properties for the consumer.

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Branche:Konsum

Food and beverage industry

The food and beverage industry plays a prominent role in bioeconomy. This industry processes raw agrarian materials to foods, beverages and animal fodder. Resource-conserving technologies help to manufacture healthy, high-value and safe products. For storage, preservation and transport of food and beverages, the bio-based economy also provides innovative processes.

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Sector: Nutrition

Energy

In the form of firewood, fuel or biogas: a great diversity of energy media can be obtained from biomass. Bioenergy, as a regenerative energy form, is a key pillar in the energy mix of the future. Attention is now shifting to the efficient use of plant residue, in order to avoid competition with food production. Exploiting the potential of sustainably cultivated energy crops, and promoting innovative process technologies – these are important steps in the bioenergy sector.

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Sector: Energy

Agriculture and forestry

Agriculture and forestry are two key pillars of bio-economy. Plant-based biomass, produced in meadows, fields and forests provides the foundation for a bio-based economy. Livestock, in turn, represent an essential resource for the supply of food. Recent research approaches and technologies will further advance sustainable developments in agriculture and forestry.

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Sector: Agriculture and forestry

Construction

As raw materials for building, general construction materials, insulation and materials for interior finishing work: regenerative raw materials are appealing owing to their good material characteristics. They improve environmental balance sheets and are often more compatible with human health. Within this context, natural construction materials are increasingly interesting not only for new building, but also for restoration. In addition, there are now bio-based strategies for greater sustainability with conventional products in the construction sector as well – for example, concrete and asphalt. A constructive contribution to bioeconomy.

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Sector: Construction

Automotive sector

The mobility of today would be hardly imaginable without the automobile. In view of climate change, sustainable mobility concepts are increasingly in demand. The automotive sector is one of the largest users of bioplastics and is otherwise also increasingly sympathetic for bio-based materials.

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Branche: Automobil

Bioeconomy inside

Geldbörse aus Teakblättern

Wallet

Concerns about animal welfare, the climate and the environment are increasingly prompting consumers to buy vegan imitation leather. Leave-based leather alternatives impress with their unique look and are biodegradable.

According to PETA, how many animals are killed worldwide each year for leather products?

That's wrong.

Correct

Arbeitshose aus Bananenfasern, Biobaumwolle und Bambus

Work trousers

A large proportion of all items of clothing produced world-wide is made of synthetic fibres such as polyester – and the amount is rising. A German textile company is looking for alternative solutions and presents biodegradable workwear from plant based raw materials.

Statistically, about how many items of clothing are bought by each German per year?

Unfortunately not, it is about 3 times more.

Correct!

Rührei auf einem Teller

Egg substitutes

Reports on egg factory farms and the health condition of hens has spoilt some people's appetite for eggs. But eggs without chicken – is that possible? Innovative plant-based products conquer the market.

What was the per capita consumption of eggs in Germany 2022?

Less than that. About "1 egg a day" does not hold true in Germany.

Correct!

Zahnseide-Spender aus Biokunststoff

Dental floss

Originally, dental floss was made of natural silk. In the 1940s it was gradually replaced by the synthetic material nylon. Nowadays, products made of bioplastic continue to drive the evolution of dental floss.

How much dental floss does every German use on average per year?

Unfortunately not. But this is the recommended amount.

Correct

Tampon

Tampon

Conventional disposable tampons are made of up to 90% plastic - and are therefore not only harmful to the environment but also to the health of those wearing them. A new tampon offers a sustainable alternative.

1 hectare of fertile land is needed to grow 3.5 tons of soybeans. What area is needed for the same amount of algae?

In fact, there are significantly fewer.

Correct.

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