Bio-based material innovations for the circular economy

Whether panel materials made from fish scales, coconut fibres, seaweed or coffee skins: the scarcity of resources and the transformation process towards a functioning circular economy are currently giving rise to a large number of material innovations based on natural residues.

Circular economy as a source of innovation

The wood industry in particular has been facing challenges, not only since the price increases of the last two years and above all with a view to the increased utility value of wood for a large number of industries.

The increasing importance of the topic “sustainability” promotes in particular the innovation activity for the development of alternative materials from natural residues of the food industry, agriculture and previously unused resources from the sea.

A young generation of carpenters, designers and architects are increasingly finding innovative materials available, in which not only an unusual residual material such as coconut fiber or birch bark is used, but also natural binding agents.

Under the ideal of a circular economy, future materials will change extensively and should be able to circulate in closed cycles. The most far-reaching innovations can currently be found in the biological cycle in particular.

At the invitation of the Slovenian Wood Industry Cluster and the Slovenian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Hon.-Prof. Dr. Sascha Peters will give an inspiring lecture on current material innovations for a circular economy of the future on the occasion of the 10th Development Day of the Slovenian Forest-Based Sector.

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