On January 1, the Thuringian Center for Mechanical Engineering launched a large-scale research project aimed at making the manufacturing processes of plastic components more environmentally friendly. The ThZM is a network of five research institutions in Thuringia and is coordinated by the Technische Universität Ilmenau - the common goal of the EMProBio research group: plastic products should consume less energy and natural resources over their entire life cycle. The two-year project is being funded by the Free State of Thuringia with 982,000 euros, 341,000 of which is for TU Ilmenau alone, from the European Social Fund Plus.
Climate change, one of the greatest challenges of our time, requires a drastic reduction in the emission of climate-damaging greenhouse gases and the consumption of natural resources.and the consumption of natural resources. This has a particular impact on the manufacturing industry - especially on the production of plastic parts, as their production is still very resource-intensive today.
In the EMProBio research group ("Energy- and material-efficient production processes for biogenic plastics"), the Thuringian Center for Mechanical Engineering and its five partner institutions *) are working on technologies and processes to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in all phases of the life cycle of plastic components and, in particular, to make their production more environmentally friendly. The central approach is to increase energy and resource efficiency in production. For two years, scientists and engineers are developing sustainable production strategies to reduce energy consumption, emissions and raw materials.
Resource-intensive materials are to be replaced by so-called biogenic composite materials made from renewable raw materials, which consume less energy and resources and also bind carbon dioxide.Composite materials such as fiber-reinforced plastics are being used more and more frequently, particularly in lightweight construction. In addition to technical fibers made of glass, carbon or aramid, natural fibers from biological sources such as flax, hemp, jute or wood are becoming increasingly important.The focus of the EMProBio project is therefore on biogenic plastics: Plastics are to be combined with natural materials such as plant fibers. The aim is to create components that are not only durable but also environmentally friendly.
In order to meet the practical requirements of small and medium-sized plastics processing small and medium-sized companies in Thuringia, the project focuses on materials that are commercially available. An industrial advisory board made up of Thuringian companies from the plastics sector and experts in climate neutrality and sustainability ensures that the research is closely aligned with the needs of industry.
