Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Biological Transformation

Biological Transformation means nothing less than the increasing application of materials, structures and principles of living nature in technology and management with the goal of sustainable value creation. It is driven by progress in the life sciences enabling a better understanding of biological processes. Combined with advances in digitization, as well as in materials and production sciences, entire new technological solutions and high-tech markets arise.

Last but not least, the Biological Transformation leads to far-reaching social and economic change processes – with sustainable growth strategies and lasting efficiency that affects all areas of value creation. Essential challenges of today's societies – resource and energy consumption, climate change and the lasting relationship between man and nature – can finally be addressed.

Industrialization, Innovation, Infrastructure – production processes inspired by nature

The scarcity of raw materials, dwindling landmass and the need to protect natural resources such as air, water and ecosystems are calling for a change in thinking in industrial production. We will soon be confronted with having to harvest food and pharmaceutical ingredients from outside walls, to forego animal testing and ensure ultra-efficient production.

 

Efficient and ecological: Palatable produce made from natural plant protein or aquacultures are opening doors to completely new possibilities – from food through to high-tech applications in the field of medicine. The ultimate goal is to create sustainable products for new markets.

 

Renewable resources to ensure health and nutrition

Circular economy – sustainable consumption and climate protection

Waste is a problem created solely by Homo sapiens – the only species to generate waste that cannot be recycled in a circular manner. Humanity’s ecological footprint can only be reduced if we learn to adapt products and processes in a way that puts waste to better use. Inspired by nature, the circular economy principle takes many forms. The recycling of wood waste, milk residues, organic waste or carbon dioxide are steps in the right direction.

 

 Project examples circular economy

 

bioORMOCER® coatings: high-performance biodegradable functional layers
ePhos®: Electrochemical phosphorus recovery
SteamBio – SteamBio – Flexible Superheated Steam Torrefaction and Grinding of Indigenous Biomass from Remote Rural Sources to Produce Stable Densified Feedstocks for Chemical and Energy Applications
Technology for Wood-Based Materials
Lignoplast – Functionalized lignin degradation molecules as platform chemicals
Carbon2Chem®: Keeping carbon in the loop