Review
Biopolymer Congress 2024 | Partner Country Australia
Professor Justin Cooper-White, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology (EAIT) at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, and Peter Putsch, Chairman of the POLYKUM Foundation in Merseburg, Germany, agreed in June 2023 on a strategic collaboration between their organizations to strengthen the transfer of knowledge and technology in the field of bioplastics between companies and research institutions in both countries. The University of Queensland is one of the leading centers for Australian bioplastics research. Therefore, the latest technological developments from "Down Under" will be a central focus at the BIOPOLYMER – Processing & Moulding 2024 congress, along with exclusive insights into the state of the Australian bioplastics industry.
Did you miss the BIOPOLYMER Congress 2024? No problem! You can find all the exciting presentations on YouTube.
Statements of participants
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Maik Feldmann,
Fraunhofer-Institut
Why are you attending the event or have you already contributed as a speaker?
In recent years, the Central German region has positioned itself through industrial engagement as well as major research projects in the transformation funds in the field of bioplastics and “Circular/Green Chemistry,” thereby increasing visibility. Not least, the congress contributes to this and enables exchange with researchers from different regions and countries. It was a particular pleasure for me to present the benefits of our plastic processing and analysis activities in Halle (Saale) and at the pilot plant center in Schkopau to industry partners.
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What characterizes this event for you?
A successful mix of industry and science contributions with high practical relevance and new, innovative approaches to solving existing challenges. The annual awards ceremony makes this particularly attractive for applicants and participants.
Why will you participate in 2026?
I look forward to the talks of the finalists of the awards ceremony and the guest contributions from the partner country Austria, and I am curious to see which interesting ideas and projects will be presented. The evening networking event is an ideal opportunity to talk with known but also completely new contacts and discuss current market developments as well as future projects.
Vitus Zenz,
Technische Hochschule Rosenheim
What motivated you to participate in the Biopolymer Innovation Award call, and what impact did the prize have?
We had applied for the Biopolymer Innovation Award back then without really being able to assess whether our process at this early development stage would have a chance against established technologies and market-ready products. The joy was therefore even greater when we took second place in 2024. The award not only surprised us but also brought valuable feedback from the professional community and made it clear how crucial it will be to further reduce the production costs of succinic acid (Bernsteinsäure) in order to offer truly competitive bioplastic PBS in the future.
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What makes the congress meaningful to you?
The congress is, for us, a highlight every year because it brings together in Germany the people who truly care about bioplastics. You can feel a special energy there—a mix of expertise, genuine enthusiasm, and a shared will to further establish biopolymers in the industry. That spirit inspires me year after year, and I always look forward to meeting engaged individuals with whom one can discuss openly and constructively.
Why should (or will) you participate in 2026?
One should participate mainly because the congress creates a familial atmosphere where encounters happen on equal terms. You meet people who not only talk about sustainable materials but actively work to anchor bioplastics in society and in industry; that is its particular value.
Eric Folz, Lehmann&Voss&Co. KG
What motivated you to participate in the Biopolymer Innovation Award call, and what impact did the prize have?
Biobased plastics are gaining significance. Not only because of the biogenic content in the polymer, but also because their properties can differ from those of classical polymers. By cleverly combining with special fibers, completely new material property profiles emerge, beyond the reduced carbon footprint. To demonstrate this, the Biopolymer Award provided an excellent platform. The media response to our award was remarkably high.
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How did you like the event overall
Participating in the award ceremony was a real pleasure. Refreshingly moderated, with the opportunity for intensive exchange afterwards. We found it to be a very successful event. The congress was scientifically very insightful and broadened the perspective on several topics.
Will you participate in the award and/or congress again in 2026?
We also plan to be back in 2026, not only for the congress. When it comes to using biobased materials, we have a clear message. So it is also planned to submit a component for the award again.
Impressions
Photos: Tobias Kupfer, kupfer media
