News from the economy

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Clariants Vorzeigeanlage zur sunliquid®-Zellulose-Ethanol-Produktion in Podari, Rumänien

Clariant: End of commercial biorefinery in Romania

The Swiss specialty chemicals company Clariant is discontinuing the loss-making production of cellulosic ethanol from straw at its plant in Romania, which was only opened in 2022. Corresponding activities in Straubing, Munich and Planegg will also be shut down.

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Drei Bundesminister auf dem Bioökonomieforum 2023

Bioeconomy Forum shines with political celebrities

Three federal ministers were present at the Bioeconomy Forum in Berlin. In front of more than 200 participants, they emphasized the potential of a sustainable, bio-based economy and made it clear what is important now.

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Internationale Zusammenarbeit

Internationale Zusammenarbeit

Bioeconomy International: New call for proposals launched

As part of the "Bioeconomy International" funding initiative, the BMBF is supporting the establishment of global research alliances for the eleventh time.

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Pilotanlage MicroHarvest

Hamburg-based MicroHarvest opens pilot plant in Lisbon

With the commissioning of the first pilot plant for the production of sustainable proteins, the Hamburg-based biotechnology company has taken a further step towards commercialization.

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Konferenz 10 Jahre Bioökonomie International in Bonn

Bioeconomy International: Looking back and forward in Bonn

The first cooperation projects of the BMBF's Bioeconomy International funding measure were launched ten years ago. To mark the anniversary, the BMBF hosted a conference in Bonn. The upcoming round of calls for proposals was also discussed there.

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

Smartphonehülle

Phone case

Most users know that the production of smartphones places a heavy burden on the environment. But protective covers made of plastic can also be harmful to humans and nature. Manufacturers use plant-based plastic alternatives to develop more sustainable products.

How many smartphones are sold in Germany each year?

This is wrong, but roughly equivalent to the number of smartphone users in Germany.

Correct!

Verschließbare Dönertüte aus Papier

Kebab bag

Kebabs to go are usually wrapped in aluminium foil. An award-winning innovative paper packaging offers a more sustainable solution.

How much packaging waste is generated statistically per capita and year in Germany?

No, its about double.

Correct. This is the per capita consumption of the year 2020.

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!

Success stories