Waste2Value Applies for Phase 2

In January 2022 the innovation alliance Waste2Value entered the implementation phase. What has happened since then? We asked Dr. Stefan Dröge, Head of the Biotechnology Department at PFI, what the current status is and what further steps are planned.

What are the goals of the Waste2Value innovation alliance?

Dr Stefan Dröge: One could put it this way: Waste2Value – Microorganisms are transforming the West Palatinate. Under this motto, a broad alliance of West Palatinate companies and regional research institutions was launched in 2022 to explore new ways of sustainably utilising residual and waste materials. This was made possible by the BMBF's WIR! – Change through Innovation in the Region programme. The aim of the programme is to create broad alliances between industry and science that initiate innovation-based transformation in structurally weak regions. The Waste2Value alliance successfully demonstrated its concept of using residual materials to develop and produce bio-based plastics and adhesives while also advancing new recycling approaches, securing approval for the first implementation phase.

How did the project start?

Dr Stefan Dröge: During Phase 1, a total of twelve collaborative projects were launched with an overall budget exceeding €10 million. The research topics include the development of novel adhesives, the fermentative production of bio-based chemicals, the manufacture of bio-plastics from waste streams, the use of flue gases for algae cultivation, and various innovative recycling methods.

What are the next steps? How can these concepts be practically implemented?

Dr Stefan Dröge: The next step is to translate the promising R&D approaches into real-world applications through pilot and demonstration projects. This is the core objective of the second phase of the WIR! programme. In close collaboration with numerous industry partners, the key partners – PFI, HS-KL, and ZWR – have assembled three research consortia to implement these demonstration projects in the next phase. The focus areas include bio-based platform chemicals derived from residual materials, novel adhesives and bonding agents, and the extraction of algae-based value-added compounds using CO₂ from flue gases.

Will further funding be available?

Dr Stefan Dröge: Based on these initiatives, additional investments amounting to approximately €6.5 million in federal funding and private sector contributions are planned for forward-looking, practical technology projects. The partners submitted their concept to the BMBF in September 2024, and it is currently under review by external experts. We remain optimistic – if the evaluation panel delivers a positive verdict, the first projects could commence as early as the second half of 2025.