Bioplastic degrades very slowly
Environmental pollution caused by plastic waste is a hot-button issue right now - whether it's waste islands in the oceans or microplastics in the fields which eventually end up in the intestines of humans. However, plastic packaging cannot be dispensed off everywhere. Thus, more and more biodegradable plastics are being produced, which are supposed to have less impact on the environment.
The concrete mixer
"Regarding technology, Europe will have to learn from Africa.” For many Europeans, this will sound strange, but it is Wolfram Schmidt's firm conviction - at least when it comes to the production of concrete. After all, the Earth's most important building material could be much more sustainable - without any loss in quality. In Africa, people are beginning to understand this for pragmatic reasons. In Europe, regulations and rigid views prevent the industry from massively improving its climate balance.
Fertilizer
Vital element
Phosphorus is essential not only for plants, but also for humans. An adult human needs about 0.8 grams of the mineral per day, but consumes up to 3 grams per day through food. Excess phosphate compounds are excreted by the kidneys. In this way, large quantities of phosphorus-containing waste water reach the sewage treatment plants every day.
Paper and cardboard made of grass
Short-sleeved, full of innovative ideas and absolutely convinced of the benefits and necessity of a sustainable and bio-based industry – that is what Uwe D'Agnone in a nutshell. The 53-year-old inventor and CEO of Creapaper is committed to the sustainable, resource-efficient use of raw materials in the paper industry.
Drinking straw
Into the stomach instead of the garbage
Every year, billions of plastic tubes end up in the garbage. But there is an alternative: the Eatapple straw consists of specially treated apple residue. In the initial phase of the company, the drinking straw was produced with the help of a converted pasta machine at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Production now takes place at the German Institute of Food Technology - where it is possible to produce between 10,000 and 100,000 drinking straws per day.
Deruster
Counteracting rust
The brown coating is formed when iron oxidizes. Rust is not only unattractive, it also causes damage because it continues to decompose the metal. Conventional rust solvents contain acids as an effective component, usually phosphoric or hydrochloric acid. These reverse the process and stop the formation of rust. Acids, however, are dangerous to handle and pollute the environment.