As useful as it may be, plastic has become a household-synonym for "environmental pollution": It is based on fossil fuels and releases large amounts of CO₂ when broken down, thereby contributing significantly to global warming. Biobased plastics - or bioplastics for short - are often advertised as a sustainable alternative with a neutral carbon footprint.

Large quantities of fossil fuels are still used for the production of medicines, cosmetics or even food. However, such fossil-based raw material is not only finite, but also extremely harmful to the environment. That is why a number of chemists, process engineers and engineers are working towards a more environmentally friendly production by using enzymes and biobased processes.

Jasmine plants are known and loved for their bright white flowers and their fresh scent. This fragrance is based on the phytohormone jasmonic acid. The plant hormone bears its name because it was first discovered in the jasmine plant, but is also produced by other plants when they are eaten by insects or injured mechanically. The acid then causes a defensive reaction to protect the plant. Some species even transmit this acid signal via the air, in order to warn neighbouring plants.

Nuts have a long Christmas tradition. Walnuts and hazelnuts, either ground up or whole, are part of every Christmas bakery. The nuts are often difficult to crack, but delicious and decorative. Hence, long before the glittering baubles, nuts and apples adorned the Christmas tree. Today, they are valued for their many healthy nutrients and long shelf life and are mostly processed into food. However, researchers are convinced that their potential for biobased products is even greater.

The decision to phase out coal has been taken. Coal regions such as Lusatia and the Rhineland must realign their economies. With the "Structural Strengthening Act for Coal Regions", the German government is therefore supporting areas that are particularly affected by the coal phase-out. It is not only alternative energy sources that are being promoted here. Support is also provided for the development of new, particularly climate-efficient industries aimed at sustainable production methods and the creation of future-oriented jobs.

Next to cellulose, lignin is the most important plant raw material. Its structure-giving properties make the wood ingredient particularly interesting for the bioeconomy. The chemical industry in particular relies on lignin as a starting material for new bio-based plastics and materials. At present, however, the biopolymer is still used primarily for energy production. As a by-product of cellulose and bioethanol production, lignin has hardly been used so far due to its high sulfur content and has been burned instead.

There are 39,500 bridges along Germany's trunk roads. Of these, 87% are made of prestressed concrete or reinforced concrete. In 2019, the German Federal Ministry of Transport found that twelve percent of all road bridges were in "insufficient" or "inadequate" condition. Four of five major bridges inspected will most likely need to be redone. In the future, however, ongoing repairs could significantly extend the service life of bridges and other concrete structures.

Plastic waste has long been recognized as a global problem, but it is far from being solved. Recyclable and compostable plastics are expected to be part of the solution. Now, a research group has developed a new class of recyclable plastics that is also bio-based: Their basis is made of sugars derived from plants, specifically xylose molecules.

Plastic is a durable and versatile material. But the longevity of petroleum-based plastics is both a blessing and a curse, as plastic waste severely pollutes the environment. One alternative is biobased and biodegradable plastics, which are made from renewable raw materials or biogenic residues instead of petroleum. Researchers from Tübingen are now bringing a new player into play as a bioplastics manufacturer: cyanobacteria.