Research Projects
Sustainable building materials
FRENVI GmbH is involved in numerous publicly funded research projects aimed at developing new innovations in the field of green technology and bioeconomy.
TEEBAU Research-Projects – Sustainably insulated building boards made from tea waste
Funding: approx. €1,500,000 funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Food, Rural Affairs, and Consumer Protection
Partners: University of Hohenheim (Prof. Dr. Andrea Kruse), Vision Domes GmbH, bwcon research gGmbH
The challenge:
In 2019, the construction sector was responsible for 38% of global CO₂ emissions – a significant proportion that highlights the urgency of finding sustainable alternatives. In view of the climate crisis and the need to use resources more efficiently, FRENVI is focusing on innovative solutions to pave the way for a circular and climate-friendly building materials industry.
Our solutions:
One promising approach is the use of tea leaves, which are a by-product of the industrial production of black and green tea extracts. These biogenic fibre residues offer great potential as completely bio-based and highly insulating building materials. The advantages of these materials include:
- Resource conservation: No additional cultivation areas are required.
- Environmental protection: Production is sustainable and the building materials are biodegradable.
- Energy efficiency: They reduce energy consumption in buildings thanks to their excellent insulating properties.
- Climate protection: The building materials bind the greenhouse gas CO₂ (net sink).
By converting waste into valuable resources, FRENVI consistently pursues the principle of circular economy.
Future prospects:
The TEEBAU research project is a prime example of innovation and responsibility. It shows how residues from the food industry can be converted into high-quality building materials. FRENVI is continuously working on the further development of such products and ideas in order to shape a sustainable future.
For more information about our work, please visit our FRENVI Fibre Materials page, where you can learn more about our current projects and products.
DIGIBIORAFF: Sensible utilization of residues from the beer industry
Digitization of biorefinery concepts for the cascading use of biogenic side streams from the beer industry
Funding: approx. €400,000 funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism
Partner: Biberach University of Applied Sciences (Prof. Dr. Heike Frühwirth)
In cooperation with Prof. Heike Frühwirth from Biberach University of Applied Sciences, FRENVI GmbH is developing a groundbreaking process for the sustainable recycling of spent grain. As head of the “Industrial Biotechnology” department, Prof. Frühwirth contributes her expertise in biomass extraction and spirulina algae production to this forward-looking project. FRENVI processes the fibre-rich components into cutlery, and the university uses the mineral nutrients in the spent grain to cultivate algae.
The challenge:
Germany produces around 1.7 million tons of spent grain every year. Due to the rapid perishability of the material, there have been no large-scale recycling options for this valuable by-product of beer production until now.
Innovative solution through multiple use
The two-stage process we have developed enables optimal cascade use:
- Nutrient extraction: Valuable macronutrients such as phosphates are extracted in a water-based process.
- Material recycling: The fibre materials are processed by FRENVI into completely bio-based and compostable 3D tableware solutions and cookies.
- Algae production: The extracted minerals are used by Biberach University of Applied Sciences as a nutrient medium for the cultivation of spirulina algae, which is valuable for pharmaceutical purposes.
Sustainable cycle:
This innovative approach means that one product line—beer—now gives rise to two further high-quality product lines: spirulina algae for human consumption and sustainable tableware products as an alternative to conventional disposable packaging. The process is completely waste-free.
Future prospects:
FRENVI is continuing its development work to integrate beer grains into the food cycle on an industrial scale in a value-adding way, thereby making an important contribution to resource efficiency.
Links
Research Projects: Working together for a sustainable future
Do you have by-products or residual streams that you would like to recycle more sustainably? We offer individual consulting and innovative solutions to transform your waste streams into valuable resources. Let’s work together toward a circular future!