Press | Media

A novel developed biomimetic tissue substitute combines precisely tunable mechanical properties with biological functionality and is now ready for applications in medical technology. The material was developed in the »PolyKARD« project by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP and the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute. From April 20 to 24, 2026, the new material will be presented together with further developments from Fraunhofer IAP at the Hannover Messe, at the Fraunhofer joint booth in Hall 11, Stand D33.

A new extruded foam made from polybutylene succinate (PBS), developed by the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE, offers industrial companies a direct path to sustainable material solutions – without the need to invest in new equipment. This approach simultaneously addresses CO₂ reduction, compliance with regulatory requirements, and economic efficiency.

A new pilot plant in Guben is set to enable the production of bio-based carbon fibers. The plant is part of the Carbon Lab Factory Lausitz and will make an important contribution to the transformation of the Lausitz region—from a traditionally raw material- and basic industry-oriented region to a hub for innovative high-performance materials. The German federal government and the state of Brandenburg are providing the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP with 53.3 million euros for this purpose.

Batteries must be powerful, safe, and sustainable — at the same time, they must be cost-effective to produce. At InterBattery 2026 in Seoul, Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP will present new materials for next-generation batteries. The focus will be on tailor-made polymer electrolytes, membranes and separators, bio-based carbon materials and high-performance catalysts — developed for industrial applications along the entire value chain.

Researchers at Fraunhofer have developed a new system that combines conventional product information, data for the digital product passport, and authenticity verification into a single counterfeit-proof QR code. This solution supports companies in complying with legal requirements while simultaneously enhancing product protection and traceability. The system can be easily integrated into existing printing lines. At this year’s Interpack—one of the world’s leading trade fairs for the packaging industry—the Fraunhofer consortium will showcase the ready-to-use technology for the first time.

Paper packaging offers a number of advantages over its plastic counterparts: It has a high recycling rate, lower CO₂ emissions, and lower disposal costs. However, it cannot yet be sealed without adhesives or layers of plastic—a disadvantage for manufacturing and recycling processes. In the PAPURE project, four Fraunhofer institutes are developing a laser-based process that enables completely adhesive-free paper packaging.

Polyurethanes (PUR) are found in many products, such as upholstered furniture, foam or insulation materials, flooring, paints and even medical catheter tubes. The production of these high-demand plastics, however, relies on toxic isocyanate. Fraunhofer researchers have now developed an alternative production process using harmless dicarbamate.

After two years of research and development, the German-Chilean project Power-to-MEDME-R&D was successfully completed. The focus was on sustainable production of green hydrogen as well as the derivatives methanol and dimethyl ether (DME) in Chile. Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP in Germany developed iridium-reduced catalysts for hydrogen electrolysis. These reduce the cost of hydrogen production and are scalable through a unique process – a central foundation for industrial-scale hydrogen production and economic utilization.

Combining expertise and accelerating future-oriented developments – at the beginning of the year, the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP in Potsdam Science Park is sharpening its institutional profile through structural and personnel changes, thereby strengthening its strategic orientation in line with growing research and industry requirements. The restructuring of the institute is reflected not only in personnel changes, but also in renaming and departmental changes.

Is it possible to recover plastic recyclates from previously unused waste streams in order to produce high-quality fibers and films? How can bio-based polymer fibers be manufactured so as to allow adjustable biodegradability? These are the questions being addressed by researchers from the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE in the Zirk-Tex project. As an alternative to mechanical processes, they are jointly developing innovative recycling methods for the production of sustainable roof underlayments and geosynthetics. This involves the analysis of the entire value chain at pilot scale.