Podcast: How the bioeconomy and plastics innovation come together (in German)

Dr Matthias Scholz (TransBIB project coordinator, Technical University of Munich) and Philipp Wohlfahrt (TransBIB project team member at SKZ) were guests on the SKZ podcast KUNSTSTOFF:nachgefragt. In the interview, they provide insights into the role of the bioeconomy and highlight how the transfer from research to industrial application can be successfully achieved.

The focus is on the industrial bioeconomy as the key to keeping carbon, as a raw material, in the cycle in the long term. One thing is clear: a fully circular plastics economy remains unrealistic. Instead, what is needed is a combination of bio-based raw materials, CO₂ utilisation and new technologies.

The challenge posed by the ‘Valley of Death’ – the gap between research and market launch – becomes particularly clear during the discussion. High costs, a lack of infrastructure for scaling up, and regulatory hurdles are holding back many innovations.

This is exactly where TransBIB comes in: as a nationwide transfer network, we connect stakeholders, provide guidance and facilitate access to pilot plants, data and expertise – including via our AI-based one-stop shop. Our aim is to bring innovations into practical use more quickly.

For us, one thing is clear: the bioeconomy is not just a trend, but a prerequisite for a sustainable and competitive plastics industry. It is crucial that we consistently translate knowledge into market applications.