New facilities for the Research Facilities Department:

New facilities for the Research Facilities Department: A milestone for sustainable innovation

In mid-November 2024, after 1.5 years of construction and an intensive planning phase, the Research Facilities Department moved into its new premises at the International Shoe Competence Center (ISC) on Marie-Curie-Straße 20. The two-storey office unit has been seamlessly integrated into the existing hall and not only provides modern workspaces for 8 to 10 people but also offers innovative opportunities for research and development.

Efficient and sustainable planning

The new offices, accessible via the ISC hall and a separate entrance, have been consciously designed with sustainability in mind. Instead of constructing a new building, the department utilises existing heating, ventilation, and media supply systems. This approach has reduced costs and conserved resources.

A special highlight is the dedicated analysis room on the ground floor, which offers direct access to the hall and will soon house the compounding unit acquired through the InnoProKMU joint project. This state-of-the-art technology enables the production of plastic granules and forms the foundation for an independent plastics laboratory.

“The overarching goal is to establish an independent plastics laboratory where research and development of novel plastics and adhesives, including their modification with biological residues, can be advanced,” says Benjamin Pacan, Head of the Research Facilities Department. “This allows us to develop innovative solutions while contributing to sustainability.”

New approaches in material research

The aim of the plastics laboratory is to develop novel plastics and adhesives, as well as their modification, based on biological residues. In collaboration with the Biotechnology and Microbiology Department, a complete value chain will be represented on a technical scale:

• Production of bio-based polymers
• Processing and compounding
• Manufacturing of end products such as textiles, adhesives, or plastics

Thanks to the proximity to the ISC shoe factory, sample batches can be directly processed into prototypes such as shoes. These products will then be automatically dismantled in a demonstration facility to test the recyclability of the materials. The objective is to develop end products with minimal material diversity, making them easier to recycle.

A look into the future: Sustainability and biopolymers

The long-term vision of the department is clear – the development of biopolymers that can replace conventional plastics with high wear resistance. The focus is on materials that are biodegradable and prevent the accumulation of microplastics in the environment.

Planned research projects will further support the scientific advancement and continuous development of these materials. By doing so, the department makes a valuable contribution to more sustainable product life cycles, bridging the gap between innovation and environmental protection.

The new facilities and equipment of the Research Facilities Department mark a significant step towards the future. They lay the foundation for innovative projects and sustainable developments that have the potential to revolutionise material research and recycling processes.