Bio-plastics and clothing made from raw milk

Plastic breast implants and engine covers - these and other products could be produced in the future, especially from renewable resources. But the way is still long. Therefore, the federal government now wants to promote bio-economy projects.

By Annika Sepeur, NDR, ARD studio

The federal government plans to spend 2.4 billion euros for projects around the bio-economy by 2016. By then, the largest share, 1.6 billion euros to be spent on research projects.

"If we want this change in the economy, then we need new insights," said Education Minister Johanna Wanka of the CDU. With what we know so far, it was not done. The goal is to transfer knowledge in life sciences products and processes that are competitive and entail in the global world market points for the German economy.

Clothes, breast implants and engine covers


Clothing from a fiber that is obtained from raw milk that would otherwise end up in the trash. An engine cover, which consists of 70 percent bio-plastic or breast implants that are supposed to be once covered with a coating of spider silk produced by bacteria. So it should be fewer problems with inflammation in the body. These are all examples, try the German or company with whom they already make money. So why do we need any support from the state?

The scientist Christine Lang of Bioeconomy Council, which advises the federal government says that new developments are still connected to many companies with too great a risk: "Economically, it will then be when new areas are opened when I new properties. can build on biomaterials that I can not do through traditional channels. " Which would then have the simplest and quickest way to the shops and to the economy.

Food proceed

Bio-economy - this is the magic word. Raw materials that are to grow, eventually to replace all that is now made with petroleum. Federal Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner gives himself no illusions. "Until we have a comprehensive, based on renewable resources economy, there is still a long way," says the CSU politician.

Renewable resources that can be converted into valuable materials - the mountains and risks. For example, these materials could be missing as much needed food. When it comes to Federal Agriculture Minister Aigner, then it should apply: food against other products. Furthermore, the diversity of agriculture must be obtained. "The floors must be stable and sustainably.'s Why the balance has to be right on each hectare."

Bio-economy in Germany is at some point once show how new materials can arise primarily from waste.