The focus is on the use of new and alternative raw material sources for the production of natural polymers and their processing.

In contrast to previously known materials, new value chains of natural origin for the production of precursors for plastics and/or natural polymers that do not compete with agricultural land and the food industry will be discussed. With regard to the technology and development fields to be worked out, these are, for example:

– Natural polymers of marine origin

– Use of renewable carbon from pyrolysis processes

– Lignin-based material systems

– Use of natural fibers

– Intermediates from natural resource or waste streams (side stream)

In particular, these materials should not only replace fossil materials used to date, but also provide products with new functions depending on possible property profiles, or at least offer CO2 reduction or neutrality. Because the key lies in the transformation of renewable carbon of natural origin to produce plastics that can be applied in products.

What all the examples of new material flows have in common is the fact that although they are demanded by industry (and consumers), they are still largely unexplored. There is an enormous need for development within the industry with regard to the acceptance, establishment and exploitation of the potential of these new plastics.

With this background, the Poly4Nature innovation network serves as an ideal platform and brings together players from the entire value chain with the aim of using initial guidelines to develop products based on alternative raw materials and natural polymers or to demonstrate process capability. There is a chance that successful projects will act as multipliers, gradually establishing the materials group in the industry and creating a pull effect on a broad industry level (push-and-pull strategy).

Initial guidelines:

• Films for packaging of all kinds made from natural polymers with the aim of reducing CO2
• Functional coatings with barrier properties for e.g. cardboard packaging to increase recyclability
• Technical components and building materials for the construction industry with “carbon sink” potential
• Innovative single-use and/or technical products that exploit the property potential of raw materials

The network is characterized by companies and startups from different industries, so that a view beyond one’s own nose is guaranteed. The participating R&D institutions ensure a high level of expertise within the subject area and support potential projects and/or are themselves the source of ideas for innovative projects. The network project is divided into phases and pursues the goal of addressing innovative project/product ideas to project sponsors. Continuous network expansion is part of the twelve-month Phase 1, during which the network is established and a technological roadmap is developed. This will be followed by a two-year phase 2, in which the technological roadmap will be implemented and the innovation network will be made permanent.

You should participate in the network if you…

• have a material flow in the sense of the network concept
• think about a product idea for a concrete implementation/use
• have more questions than answers in the use and handling of alternative raw materials
• an OEM prompts to look for solutions together
• need to implement solutions on the customer side
• want to finance the development risk via subsidized project planning
• Seek easy access to project platforms and funding agencies

All information about the network can be found by clicking on the following cross-references: