Startseite

Image
Vanille Dossier Visual

In-depth report

Achieving Vanilla Flavor through Bioeconomy

Vanillin is arguably the most important flavoring in the world. The bio-based economy can contribute in various ways to the sustainable, reliable and high-quality supply of vanillin. This dossier describes indoor farming methods for vanilla cultivation and highlights biotechnological and chemical approaches on the way to vanilla flavoring. 

Image
Von AlphaFold2 vorhergesagte Protein-3D-Strukturen

In-depth report

Exploring and designing proteins with AI

In recent years, AI technologies have revolutionized protein research and the possibilities for producing tailor-made protein molecules. This dossier highlights how AI-based tools are opening up new avenues for research and innovation. 

Image
Rinder auf der Wiese

Success story

Methane-reducing feed additives for livestock

As part of the ClimateCow project, researchers in Munich are developing a new type of feed additive for cattle in order to reduce the animals' methane emissions.

Image
Käse

Studies and statistics

University of Göttingen (2024): Acceptance of animal-free cheese

Both companies and research institutes are currently working on biotechnological processes for the production of animal-free alternatives to dairy products. Researchers at the University of Göttingen investigated the acceptance of such products by consumers.

Image
Preview Bioökonomie-Ausstellung

Bioeconomy Exhibition

The bioeconomy has rapidly developed in recent years. What has been accomplished in the last five years alone is truly impressive: Many bioeconomy products have become bestsellers. Bio-based start-ups have grown into medium-sized companies. And established, traditional industrial companies are integrating bio-based production steps into their existing structures.

The latest from the bioeconomy

Image
Constanze Schultz (rechts) vom Leibniz-IPHT und Dr. Thomas Wichard von der Universität Jena untersuchen das Wachstum der Grünalge Ulva mit Raman-Spektroskopie.

Symbiosis of a green alga investigated

Using Raman spectroscopy, researchers in Jena have succeeded in analysing the interaction between the green alga Ulva and its bacterial community in real time without disturbing the sensitive interaction.

Image
Weizenfeld

Securing food supplies with new wheat varieties

New wheat varieties utilise nitrogen better and can deliver higher yields under current climatic conditions. This is the conclusion of an international study conducted in collaboration with the Technical University of Munich.

Image
Internationale Zusammenarbeit

Internationale Zusammenarbeit

Research alliance with Queensland: first projects launched

The first projects with Queensland have been launched as part of the ‘Bioeconomy International’ research cooperation programme.

Image
Computergestützte Entwicklungszyklen in der Biologie. Zahnräder steht für die Synergie und das kontinuierliche Zusammenwirken von rechnergestützter (in silico) und synthetischer (in vivo) Arbeit.

Synthetic biology: Designing microbial communities

Thanks to increasingly sophisticated tools, bioengineers can now not only construct individual organisms, but even design complex microbial communities. A team of authors looks into the future of synthetic biology.

Interviews

Luisa Gronenberg, : VP Technology Integration & Strain Development bei der Insempra GmbH in Martinsried

"Our robust yeast can process a wide range of waste streams"

Luisa Gronenberg and her team from the Munich start-up Insempra are developing an innovative bioprocess to produce polyester and polyamides from residual and waste materials. The team is receiving millions in funding from SPRIND.

Worldwide strategies

The bioeconomy is gaining ground all over the world. A large number of countries have now adopted bioeconomy strategies - with various focus areas. You can find them in the following overview.

Read more

In the spotlight

Bioeconomy inside

Steckschaum für Blumenarrangements

Floral foam

Without it, many floral arrangements wouldn't make much of an impression. Floral foam is commonly used in floristry to stabilise cut flowers, grasses, and branches in bouquets, and to provide them with water and nutrients.

How much green waste was generated per capita in Germany in 2022?

That is wrong. This value is from the year 2021.

Correct!

Probiotischer Allzweckreiniger

All-purpose cleaner

Many cleaning products are based on surfactants derived from crude oil. They have been proven to fulfil their main task of dissolving dirt and grease. Bio-based alternatives do this in a more environmentally friendly way using renewable resources.

For how many Germans does sustainability play an important role when buying cleaning products?

No, sustainability plays a greater role in this segment.

That's right, around a third of Germans pay attention to sustainability when it comes to cleaning products.

Rundes Waschbecken

Washbasin

Stable, heat-resistant, scratch-proof. These are the properties that a washbasin should have. Sanitary ceramics are ideal for manufacturing the basins - but so is a bio-based composite.

How many cubic metres of damaged timber had to be felled in 2022, mainly due to long periods of drought and the spread of the bark beetle?

That is wrong.

Correct. This corresponds to a 59.5% share of logging due to forest damage. In 2012, the figure was still 17.8%.

Verschiedene Gemüsesorten und Milchprodukte in einer Kiste mit Isoliermaterial

Food packaging

Maize is first and foremost a foodstuff. Many of its plant components that are not edible are also suitable for the production of environmentally friendly products. For example, for products that bring other foods fresh to the consumer. 

In 1960, maize was grown on 6,000 hectares in Germany. How big was the area in 2023?

That's wrong.

That's correct. In 2012, the figure was as high as 526 thousand hectares.

Smartphonehülle

Phone case

Most users know that the production of smartphones places a heavy burden on the environment. But protective covers made of plastic can also be harmful to humans and nature. Manufacturers use plant-based plastic alternatives to develop more sustainable products.

How many smartphones are sold in Germany each year?

This is wrong, but roughly equivalent to the number of smartphone users in Germany.

Correct!

Events