Biomass Conversion and Nutrient Recycling

The "Biomass Conversion and Nutrient Recycling" research group addresses key challenges in the bioeconomy and circular economy through scalable, market-relevant solutions and developments. Our goal is to systematically evaluate organic materials and waste streams and make them usable as valuable resources. We also aim to efficiently close water and nutrient cycles. To this end, we combine innovative physical, chemical, and biological processes and develop them further in a targeted manner—in some cases using ceramic components. We analyze the resulting energy sources and material products in terms of economic viability, environmental impact, and their integration into existing value chains and market structures. In this way, Fraunhofer IKTS contributes to the efficient use of resources and the implementation of new recycling pathways.

 

Resource development and utilization pathways

Energy Sources

To ensure a sustainable and flexible energy supply, we convert biomass into solid, liquid, and gaseous energy sources (biogas, biofuels, bioethanol, etc.).

Material Products

In addition, we develop high-quality material products from biomass, including organic fibers for the paper and materials industries (e.g., plastic substitutes and functional molded parts), as well as innovative fertilizers and peat substitutes. These secondary raw materials help replace fossil resources and strengthen regional value chains.

Water Cycles

A key aspect of processing biogenic raw materials—for example, in the food, paper, and agricultural industries, as well as in the bioeconomy—is the consistent closure of water cycles. To this end, we are developing materials and processes for treating process and wastewater that enable direct reuse within the facility or use as high-quality irrigation water in agriculture. Our portfolio ranges from chemistry- and biology-free systems (membranes, advanced oxidation processes) to specialized biological processes.

Nutrient Cycles

Closing nutrient cycles in an agricultural context is another key focus area that significantly contributes to increasing resource efficiency. Through our expertise in nutrient management and the processing of organic residues, we prepare recycled materials for safe and efficient use as fertilizers in agricultural systems. This includes both chemical and phytotoxicological assessments.

 

Analytical Process Evaluation

The development of new products and technologies is supported by systematic, ongoing process evaluation. This is based on comprehensive specialized analytical methods used to examine key material and process properties (including particle size distribution, viscosity, nutrients and their plant availability, as well as trace substances). This analytical data forms the basis for feasibility studies as well as for the evaluation and further development of processes. Through the close integration of experimental research, techno-economic analysis, and ecological assessment, we enable well-founded and independent evaluations of technologies and products—in close collaboration with industry partners.

 

Services offered

We offer partners from academia and industry a comprehensive range of services and opportunities for collaboration:

• Potential and feasibility studies: Conducting data-driven, analytical, and experimental investigations, including on-site analyses and tests using mobile pilot-scale plants
• System and material flow analyses: Comprehensive assessment of operational processes at the customer site as well as on a laboratory and pilot scale
• Fermentation process optimization: Substrate digestion, optimization of the anaerobic conversion process, material separation and product processing, increasing process intensity, and enhancing the flexibility of biogas production
• Innovative process and wastewater treatment: Implementation of modular separation and reactor concepts (membrane processes, AOP, ultrasound) to optimize water reuse
• Nutrient recycling and product development: Recovery of macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) from biogenic material streams, as well as the formulation of fertilizer products and growing media
• Controlled-Environment Agriculture (CEA): Development and testing of system solutions for hydroponics, algae cultivation, and indoor farming
• Scaling and strategic assessment: Preparation of life cycle assessments (LCA), techno-economic evaluations, and technical support for the piloting and scaling of innovative processes