Fraunhofer Group for Materials and Components - Materials

Sustainability is an aspect that more and more consumers pay close attention to when buying furniture. As part of their research project titled LinumTube, researchers from the Fraunhofer WKI have created modern seating furniture that is easy to disassemble, adapt and transport, and is also highly recyclable.

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.

The SAMSON project – “Smart automation systems and services for fruit growing on the Lower Elbe” – funded by the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH) and now extended until December 2027, is characterized by the fact that dialogue and professional as well as practical exchange with apple growers from the Altes Land region has been an essential part of the research and development work (R&D work) right from the start.

Functional tissue models are gaining importance in drug development, toxicology, and regenerative medicine. Cryopreservation, however, remains labor-intensive, error-prone, and difficult to scale. The Fraunhofer IWS, together with other Fraunhofer institutes, has developed an automated platform that standardizes vitrification and delivers reproducible results.

Microbial biosurfactants are an alternative to chemically synthesized surfactants in dishwashing detergents, household cleaners, and shower gels. After many years of intensive research and development, the Fraunhofer  IGB now provides samples of high-purity glycolipid biosurfactants – versatile, biodegradable and produced from local renewable raw and residual materials.

Periodontitis is widespread and can have serious consequences for overall health. Researchers at Fraunhofer have identified a substance that selectively inhibits only those bacteria that cause periodontitis, thereby preserving the natural balance of the oral microbiome.

Sustainable design made by Fraunhofer