Bioplastics in the Life and Working Environment of Tomorrow

FoundationThe TouchTomorrow Truck contributes to this mission as a mobile hands-on laboratory, offering practical learning stations focused on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). — Foundation The TouchTomorrow Truck contributes to this mission as a mobile hands-on laboratory, offering practical learning stations focused on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
© Dr. Hans Riegel Foundation

How plant-based residues can be transformed into packaging or consumer goods made from bioplastics is demonstrated by the »Plastic from Wood« station in the TouchTomorrow-Truck of the Dr. Hans Riegel Foundation. The truck travels to schools throughout Germany and presents topics from mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology. More than 10,000 students from Berlin and Brandenburg have already visited the truck and learned about the bioplastic polybutylene succinate (PBS) and its future applications at the station. PBS is being developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP.

The chemical industry is facing the challenge of further developing its raw material base and finding new approaches for a long-term secure supply. This involves opening up alternative sources of raw materials and developing materials that can be processed using existing industrial processes.

The »Plastic from Wood« station in the TouchTomorrow-Truck shows how renewable raw materials can be used as a starting point for the development of new plastics. © Dr. Hans Riegel Foundation

Bioplastic PBS in the TouchTomorrow-Truck

The PBS station »Plastic from Wood« in the TouchTomorrow-Truck addresses these topics for young people. At the station, students learn which feedstocks are used to produce PBS and how it can be processed into different products. The bioplastic can be produced from plant-based residues and is biodegradable as well as recyclable.

A STEM coach explains the properties of the bioplastic and its relevance for future material cycles using a PBS drinking bottle as an example. © Dr. Hans Riegel Foundation

The TouchTomorrow-Truck has been touring Germany since 2018. Since the introduction of the PBS station in 2021, it has been deployed at around 50 schools in Berlin and Brandenburg. Dr Jens Balko, Head of the Schwarzheide Processing Technology Center at Fraunhofer IAP, trains the STEM coaches in the truck on plastics, PBS and the circular economy.

»The PBS station gives young people a practical insight into the fascinating world of chemistry, biotechnology and plastics. We are excited about the impact with which the TouchTomorrow-Truck brings these topics to schools,« says Balko.

The coaches then explain the background of the material to students at the thematic station and highlight career opportunities in these technology sectors. The project is therefore co-funded by the Berlin-Brandenburg Regional Directorate of the Federal Employment Agency.

Which products can be made from PBS?

The properties of the bioplastic during processing depend on its composition: Fraunhofer IAP develops PBS types together with industrial partners, produces them on a pilot scale and processes them further. Depending on the material type, processes such as injection moulding, blow moulding, thermoforming, extrusion and spinning can be used. For plastics processors, it is crucial which PBS type meets the requirements of their product and process. Potential applications include packaging, consumer goods and textiles.

Which raw materials does the plastics industry of tomorrow need?

In addition to investigating how PBS can be processed, Fraunhofer IAP is also examining which raw materials could be used for its production in the future.

»We are continuously advancing PBS for industrial applications. In doing so, we are also investigating how residues from agriculture available in Europe and even used textiles can be used as sources of raw materials,« explains Balko.

A sustainable raw material base is crucial for the future of the plastics industry: Regional, renewable residues can help reduce dependence on fossil raw materials.

About the Dr. Hans Riegel Foundation

The Dr. Hans Riegel Foundation carries forward the philanthropic legacy of former HARIBO co-owner Dr. Hans Riegel, with the primary goal of empowering and sustainably supporting young people throughout their educational journey. One of the foundation’s major initiatives is the TouchTomorrow campaign, which aims to provide interactive insights into the world of tomorrow’s living and working environments.