Source
Christine Ziegler
Image
ChristArt/stock.adobe.com
In-depth report
Insects as a resource
Their great diversity and broad food spectrum make insects a unique resource for the bioeconomy. This in-depth report sheds light on how humans utilise insects and the natural products they produce and highlights the research into innovative applications.
Image
wikipedia/CC BY-SA 4.0
Success story
Sustainable production of synthesis gas from biogas
As part of the Biogasohol project, researchers from Rostock are working with Vietnamese partners to develop new catalysts and processes to convert carbon dioxide and methane from biogas into synthesis gas and make it usable for the chemical industry.
Image
Tryfonov/stock.adobe.com (Ausschnitt)
In-depth report
Bioeconomy in space
Space is an extraordinary and fascinating environment. Biobased innovations can help open up the universe as a space suitable for living. At the same time, satellites and other innovations in space research help to further develop the bioeconomy on Earth.
Image
dropStock/shutterstock.com
Studies and statistics
IIASA (2023): Feeding climate and biodiversity goals with novel plant-based meat alternatives
Replacing 50% of meat and dairy products with plant-based alternatives by 2050 can reduce agriculture and land use related greenhouse gas emissions by 31% and halt the degradation of forest and natural land, according to a recent study.
Image
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
Biotech start-up Insempra secures millions in financing
The start-up Insempra has raised 20 million US dollars in a financing round. The Munich-based company specialises in the biotechnological production of natural ingredients for the food, cosmetics and textile industries.
Fungal networks in the forest: evidence for Wood Wide Web
An international research team with the participation of the University of Bayreuth sees mycoheterotrophic plants as the key to the previously controversial existence of the underground mycorrhizal network in forests.
Adapting soils to climate change with regenerative arable farming
Can soils be protected from heat, drought and heavy rainfall through reduced cultivation and permanent planting? A research team from Hesse has produced some promising initial results.
Major agricultural study: diversity in agriculture pays off
A global study led by the Universities of Hohenheim and Copenhagen shows that diversified agriculture not only benefits biodiversity, but also contributes to food security.
Interviews
07.05.2024 Christine Ziegler
"Uncovering the key signals of plants under water stress"
Christine Ziegler is researching how plants perceive water stress and the underlying mechanisms. The biophysicist was awarded the Synergy Grant by the European Research Council in 2023.
Source
Sven Ellger
28.04.2024 Anja Wagemans
"Animal protein is difficult to replace with alternative protein"
Anja Wagemans wants to give meat substitute products more "bite". To this end, the food technologist is working on the structure formation of alternative plant-based and microbiological biopolymers.
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.
In the spotlight
About the bioeconomy
Bioeconomy - this refers to a modern and sustainable form of economic activity based on the efficient use of biological resources such as plants, animals and microorganisms. All industries that produce, process or use biological resources in any form contribute to the biobased economy.
Polyamides and fragrances from thistle oil
The Linopol project has developed a process to produce polymer intermediates from biological sources.
Bioeconomy inside
Source
Woodio Oy
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%.
Source
Plantera GmbH
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.
Source
Pixabay
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!
Source
Haepsi GmbH
Kebab bag
Kebabs to go are usually wrapped in aluminium foil. An award-winning innovative paper packaging offers a more sustainable solution.
How much packaging waste is generated statistically per capita and year in Germany?
No, its about double.
Correct. This is the per capita consumption of the year 2020.
Source
LEAF FAMILY - Elke Zettl und Gerhard Jacke GbR
Wallet
Concerns about animal welfare, the climate and the environment are increasingly prompting consumers to buy vegan imitation leather. Leave-based leather alternatives impress with their unique look and are biodegradable.
According to PETA, how many animals are killed worldwide each year for leather products?
That's wrong.
Correct
Events
16.05.2024 bis 16.05.2024 Halle (Saale)
sciencemeetscompanies2024
04.06.2024 bis 04.06.2024 Leipzig
12. Bioeconomy Conference 2024
10.06.2024 bis 14.06.2024 Frankfurt am Main