The transformation of the plastics industry toward a resource-efficient circular economy requires new approaches for the development of materials. Companies face the challenge to combine sustainability requirements, regulatory mandates, and economic conditions with the technical requirements of their products. The Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE, with its six research departments, develops innovative material solutions based on renewable carbon sources (biomass and recycling) and supports companies in integrating these materials into applications and value chains.

The Research Department Circular Polymers contributes its expertise in the production, modification, and evaluation of materials derived from renewable carbon sources.

 

Circular polymers: materials for the plastics industry of tomorrow

 

The Research Department Circular Polymers focuses on bio-based plastics such as polybutylene succinate (PBS), which is being evaluated for packaging applications such as films and foams, among others. New biogenic raw materials are also being investigated. One example is the polyester building block 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), which has been used for the production of thermoplastic copolyester elastomers. Furthermore, the bio-based plastic polylactide (PLA) is still a subject for further developments. Soft grades for film applications as well as innovative PLA fiber grades (sc-PLA; sc: stereocomplex) are being considered. Polymer building blocks derived from chemical recycling form a new feedstock. For this material stream, it is essential to ensure that the monomeric building blocks are of polymer-grade quality after processing, separation, and purification. In addition, the team is investigating ways to specifically tailor material properties through copolymerization, blends, additives, and fillers. These efforts result in material solutions that can be tailored to specific application requirements. The goal of all these approaches is to provide high-performance materials for a circular plastics industry.

 

Bioeconomy as an opportunity for industry and the circular economy

 

Bioeconomy offers great potential for transforming the plastics industry. However, what matters most is not just the use of renewable raw materials, but their integration into functioning circular systems.

The focus is on questions such as: What sustainability benefits do bio-based polymers actually offer? How do bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics differ from petro-based plastics? And how can environmental benefits be matched with economic and technical requirements?

The Fraunhofer CCPE addresses these issues in collaboration with industry partners and supports companies in translating scientific findings into market solutions.

 

Knowledge transfer at the DECHEMA FORUM 2026

 

How companies can utilize the potential of bio-based polymers for their products and business models is the focus of the workshop “Bioeconomy & Bio-based Polymers – From Material to Application” on September 15, 2026, at the DECHEMA FORUM in Frankfurt.

The workshop is organized by Dr. Daniel Zehm and Dr. Antje Lieske from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, as well as Dr. Inna Bretz and Astrid Wessel from the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT. Together, they bring their expertise in polymer development, the bioeconomy, sustainability assessment, and industrial applications to the workshop.

Following a concise overview of current developments in the bioeconomy, the focus will be on discussion and active participation. At three interactive stations, participants will discuss challenges along the value chain, compare different materials, and develop specific approaches for applications and collaboration.

Material samples, practical examples, and real-world use cases make opportunities and limitations of bio-based plastics accessible. At the same time, the workshop provides a space to raise own questions and discuss potential solutions together with the experts from Fraunhofer CCPE.

 

Platform for exchange and cooperation

 

The workshop serves as a platform for knowledge transfer and networking between research and industry. Fraunhofer CCPE will demonstrate how companies can be supported in material selection, feasibility studies, material development, and joint research and technology transfer projects.The goal is to highlight the potential of bio-based polymers, identify opportunities for innovation, and jointly develop solutions for the plastics industry of tomorrow.