Agricultural residues range from wheat and grapevines to hemp, hops, tomatoes and zucchini. A novel fiber technology, developed by CleanTech start-up BIO-LUTIONS and Zelfo Technology GmbH, enables this rich array of plant residues to be processed into sustainable products such as packaging and disposable tableware. For this, the developer duo from Schwedt was awarded the Brandenburg Innovation Prize in the plastics and chemistry category. The prize is awarded by the state of Brandenburg and recognizes innovative companies in the region and their forward-looking products, concepts and working methods.

Nationwide first production plant in Schwedt

With the award, the jury honored a technology that mechanically processes agricultural residues and converts them into self-binding fiber material. "Sustainable products made from the specially developed natural fiber mix offer an optimal alternative to common products made of plastic," the jury's statement reads. The minimization of transport routes and a lean production process would also reduce CO2 emissions.
BIO-LUTIONS was founded in 2017 and is based in Hamburg, Germany. Its first factory was established three years ago in Bangalore, India. The first production plant in Germany is currently being built in Schwedt to produce sustainable products from agricultural residues for the local and European market in the future. "This award is a great signal for us that the Brandenburg region supports us and recognizes the value of innovative companies," says Eduardo Gordillo, founder and CEO of BIO-LUTIONS.

Companies donate prize money

The Brandenburg Innovation Prize was awarded to a total of three companies this year. BIO-LUTIONS and Zelfo Technology intend to donate the prize money totaling 3,333 euros to two Brandenburg educational institutions.

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