Bio-economy is a new model for reducing dependence on fossil fuels. "The vast majority of plastics are still petroleum-based," explains Prof. Ralf Kindervater, CEO of BIOPRO Baden-Württemberg and coordinator of the "View on Biobased Economy" at Research & Technology . This new group pavilion in Hall 2 is presented by BIOPRO Baden-Württemberg, Project Management Jülich, the project organizer, and the coordinating agency for renewable resources FNR. Here, bio-based value chains meet innovative raw material concepts and creative ideas for new products and processes.

"Our vision is of a future where our economy is no longer dependent on fossil fuels," explains Kindervater. One of the greatest challenges in the future will be to feed an increasing population and at the same time make sure that regenerative resources are available to provide a steady supply of energy and raw materials for many different industrial processes "This requires a value-added network that allows us to sustainably utilize regenerative resources," says Kindervater, who also serves as a bioeconomy facilitator to the German Ministries of Education and Research (BMBF) and Food and Agriculture (BMEL).

The group pavilion in Hall 2 is presenting several parts of such a bioeconomy network, including various projects supported by BIOPRO Baden-Württemberg. Support from BMBF and BMEL comes through Project Management Jülich and FNR.

The special display "View on Biobased Economy" will demonstrate the significance of carbon-neutral, bio-based mobility. The idea is to turn biogas from plant waste into biomethane and inject it into the natural gas grid, making it available as fuel for cars at natural gas filling stations.

A research projected supported by BMEL is looking into new applications for lignin. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research are working on developing carbon fibers from mechanical wood pulp that will play a major role in the future of (automotive) lightweight construction.

Other projects at the group pavilion are showcasing cellulose-based plastics for 3D printing and new bio-based food packaging. In addition, the pavilion takes a look at raw material concepts for a bio-based economy and the overriding factors that need to be taken into account for bioeconomy networks.