Plants instead of petroleum – making new bio-based material solutions tangible on a pilot scale
![EU project INN-PRESSME EU project INN-PRESSME](/en/projects/project-inn-pressme/jcr:content/fixedContent/pressArticleParsys/textwithasset/imageComponent/image.img.jpg/1716288074374/INN-PRESSME-Logo-620x500.jpg)
The INN-PRESSME joint project, funded by the European Union with around 14 million euros, was launched three years ago. The aim of the 27 project partners from nine European countries is to establish a Europe-wide ecosystem for the development and production of plant-based, recyclable, and/or biodegradable packaging, energy, and transportation solutions, as well as consumer goods. The planned nine test cases with prototypes have currently been completed, and the results are very encouraging.
The European Green Deal aims to create a sustainable, green European economy with zero net emissions by 2050, supported by the HORIZON research program through initiatives such as INN-PRESSME. This program promotes the development of plant-based, recyclable materials using nanotechnology to match or exceed the performance of fossil-based materials. It also promotes digitization to help companies model the entire lifecycle value chain and optimize raw material use in a circular economy with comprehensive LCA, LCCA and LCI studies.
After three years, INN-PRESSME has completed nine test cases across multiple sectors, successfully demonstrating pilot-scale production of bio-based materials for green applications in packaging, energy, transportation and consumer goods, with expansions to existing pilot plants.
In the INN-PRESSME project, the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC took on the challenging task of preparing the products made from plant-based raw materials with special bio-based functional coatings for their respective requirements in use. The Fraunhofer ISC was involved in a total of six test cases. The institute modified the bioORMOCER® materials, which were designed as barrier layers for the packaging sector. In addition to barrier layers for paper-based packaging, scratch-resistant and optical layers for automotive applications were produced by using these special ORMOCER® materials. Antimicrobial and easy-to-clean coatings for sports products and shoe soles were also developed.