News from the economy

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Spinnen von AMSilks Seidenprotein

Amsilk: Millions for production expansion

The biotech company Amsilk, which specialises in the production of spider silk proteins, has raised tens of millions in fresh capital in a financing round to expand production of the high-tech biomaterial.

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Orangensaft mit Orange

BRAIN Biotech: Alliance for new nature-based ingredients

The Zwingenberg-based enzyme specialist BRAIN Biotech will be collaborating with the Dutch company Corbion in the future to develop new sustainable ingredients for food preservation.

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Internationale Bioökonomie-Konferenz in Halle

Bioeconomy in a Shifting Global Landscape

At the 13th International Bioeconomy Conference in Halle, the spotlight was on the role of the bioeconomy in a world shaped by overlapping crises and evolving geopolitical priorities. In a global economy that is increasingly fragile, companies are under pressure to future-proof their operations - while also confronting the complexities of transitioning away from fossil-based systems.

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Im neuen Technologiezentrum lassen sich Prozesse zur Herstellung neuer Lebensmittel im übertragbaren Pilotmaßstab evaluieren und die Produktion mit Hilfe von Zellkulturen und mikrobieller Fermentation testen, die mit vor- und nachgeschalteten Prozessstufen verbunden sind.

GEA opens pilot plant in the USA

With the opening of a new technology centre in the US state of Wisconsin, Düsseldorf-based plant manufacturer GEA is taking a further step towards advancing food innovations based on alternative proteins.

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Agroforst, hier als Alleenkultur, kann die Erträge von landwirtschaftlich genutzten Pflanzen stabilisieren – selbst bei schwankender Verfügbarkeit von Wasser.

Agroforestry stabilises yields

A long-term study by the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart shows that agroforestry makes agricultural systems in temperate climate zones more resilient to climate risks. It therefore represents a resilient and sustainable alternative to conventional agriculture in Europe.

Sectors

Construction

Whether as a building material, for insulation or interior finishing: Renewable raw materials boast good material properties, improve the eco-balance and are often better for human health. However, even for conventional construction products such as concrete, bio-based, sustainable strategies are now available.

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Sector: Construction

Mechanical engineering

Germany is a global leader in mechanical engineering. Modern machinery, devices and processes can help make production sustainable and efficient in any industrial or ­economic sector. This is why innovation in mechanical engineering is an important driver of the ­bioeconomy.

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Sector: Mechanical Engineering

Food industry

The food industry is a significant element of the bioeconomy. This is where  agricultural products are processed into food and animal feed. Resource-efficient technologies help to produce healthy, high-quality and safe products. 

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Sector: Nutrition

Consumer goods

Whether cosmetics, dishwashing and washing detergents or household appliances – a wide range of bio-based processes are already used in the production of everyday products. They enable the development of innovative consumer products with new features. Bio-based packaging solutions are also becoming increasingly popular.  

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Branche:Konsum

Energy

Bioenergy from renewable resources remains an important element in the energy mix of the future. Agricultural farms can use biogas plants to produce electricity and heat. Even­ in a future electric mobility system, biofuels will still be needed for shipping and aviation.

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Sector: Energy

Agriculture and forestry

Agriculture and forestry are important pillars of the bioeconomy. Plant biomass produced in meadows, fields and forests is one of the foundations of the bio-based economy. Modern cultivation technologies enable a more sustainable and resource-efficient production.

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Sector: Agriculture and forestry

Chemistry

While the chemical industry is still predominantly based on petroleum, a fossil raw material, it is increasingly tapping into biomass, a complex and versatile raw material. More and more companies are turning to green chemical production based on renewable raw materials and biotechnical processes. 

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Sector: Chemistry

Pharmaceuticals

Medicinal herbs have been used against illnesses for thousands of years. Today, medicines are more and more often produced using biotechnological processes. Biopharmaceuticals, which include active ingredients such as antibodies, enzymes and vaccines, account for about one third of the pharmaceutical market – and their share is growing rapidly. 

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Sector: Pharmacy

Textiles

The textile industry has always used renewable raw materials, from plant fibres such as linen or cotton to animal products such as wool, silk or leather. With the increasing drive towards more sustainability, bio-based innovations are on the rise. Examples include ­biotech silk, vegan leather and vegetable tanning and dyeing agents. 

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Branche: Textilien

Automotive sector

The car will continue to be an important component of mobility in the future. Alter­native drive technologies are on the rise in response to climate targets and international ­competition. Manufacturers are turning to bioplastics and biocomposites to build ever lighter vehicles, conserve resources and implement a circular economy.  

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Branche: Automobil

Bioeconomy inside

Schalladsorber aus Pilzmyzel

Sound Absorber

When neighbours play loud music at home or colleagues in the office are constantly on the phone, it can be not only annoying, but persistent noise often causes stress and is harmful to health.

What is the size of the largest fungal mycelium found to date?

Unfortunately, that is incorrect.

The largest specimen found to date is a dark honey fungus, which is considered to be the largest living organism on Earth.

Brot mit Frischkäse und Tomaten

Cheese alternative

For many, cheese is a staple – enjoyed with bread, pasta, or on its own at the end of a meal. For centuries, it has been a cornerstone of culinary traditions around the world.

What was the per capita cheese consumption in 2024?

That was the per capita consumption in 2021.

One kilogram more than in 2023.

Wandregal aus Nussbaumholz kombiniert mit natürlichen Blüten, Moos oder Heu.

Furniture coating

Wooden furniture is typically coated in lacquer, varnish or plastic. Natural alternatives, such as oil or wax, are more environmentally friendly, but there are other options too.

How many pieces of furniture does the average household in Germany own?

Correct! According to studies, there are over 200 individual pieces of furniture.

That's wrong.

Marinierte Stücke vegan

Meat substitute

More and more people are looking not only for a healthy diet, but also a plant-based one. Yet there is no need to give up eating meat - an alternative comes from Switzerland.

How many tonnes of solid waste in the form of spent grains can be produced per 1,000 tonnes of beer?

Wrong!

Correct!

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.

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