The German government has introduced a 'National Sustainability Strategy' with a view to promoting the development of bio-based products by means of funding programmes. Biodiesel or bioethanol as fuel for vehicles, and toys and plastic bags made of maize starch are just a few examples of many. But the path leading from an economy based on mineral oil to one based on sustainable bio-products is not without its obstacles.

Flax, also known as linseed, is a fibrous plant that was used as the basic raw material for textiles for hundreds of years, before being eclipsed by cotton. But for some time now, flax has been drawing attention again: Specifically, materials researchers are discovering new potential in it. The very stiffness and durability of the fibres that is something of a disadvantage for textiles is what the scientists are looking for in order to create new composite materials. "The plant has a thin stalk that is extremely rigid.

Methanol is one of the chemical industry’s most important source materials. It is colourless, flammable and smells of alcohol, and the starting point for manufacturing paints and varnishes as well as fuel. In 2015, the global demand for methanol was about 65 million tonnes. However, this compound of carbon monoxide, water and oxygen is produced mainly from finite resources such as mineral oil, natural gas or coal.

No plant and no motor can run without lubricants. The metalworking industry is especially dependent on grease and oil. However, most lubricants consist of mineral oil of fossil origin. Recently, though, bio-lubricants made of sunflowers or rapeseed have been entering the market. They can certainly compete with mineral oil based products. But to date they are no more than niche products. The problem: Bio-lubricants are generally more expensive. Also, using these plants directly to make lubricants denies the foodstuffs industry of valuable raw materials.

The best advice against pathogens is to wash your hands regularly. But experts also warn not to go overboard; because aggressive cleaning does not only remove nasty germs, but also destroys good bacteria that are necessary for a healthy skin flora. The head of research and development at the Berlin-based Organobalance GmbH Detlef Goelling explains “If you destroy those, you create more room for pathogenic strains to attack the skin and cause infections.”

Insects, worms, and crabs are already a delicacy in many countries, and due to their high protein content they are also more and more appreciated as a healthy alternative food source in Germany. Although they’re still rarely seen on the menu of our restaurants, they’re gaining a lot of momentum with scientists for one simple reason: their shells contain chitin, the second most common polysaccharide on this planet – surpassed only by cellulose.

Even though only few households own a 3D printer thus far, research and development have been relying on the tool for quite some time now. Over the last few years the three dimensional processing technique has become a particular favourite for the applications of bio based materials. More and more sustainable materials are entering the market and expand the range for 3D printing.

The sugar beet is one of the more recent arrivals on the fields of the world’s temperate zones, not least because it took until the 18th century for German plant breeders to significantly increase the sugar content of fodder beet. Once this had been achieved, the groundwork was laid for the industrial production of sugar. Today, about one third of the sugar consumed worldwide derives from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), generating an annual turnover of around €25 billion. Beet is also used in the production of bioenergy, including bioethanol.

The development of agricultural crops that can meet the requirements of the future is demanding innovative approaches to research. Climate change and the growing world population are motivating researchers to look for new ways of safeguarding human nutrition. Here, knowledge about the genomic sequence of important agricultural crops represents a crucial basis for breeding new varieties that provide stable harvest yields even in varying weather conditions, and which are equipped to combat diseases and pests.