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New project in Baden-Württemberg: Using agricultural by-products sustainably!
Together with KIT, the University of Hohenheim is developing tools for the utilization of agricultural side streams in BW in order to promote sustainable economic sectors.
New project in Baden-Württemberg: Using agricultural by-products sustainably!
In Baden-Württemberg, a major project called ReBioBW has targeted the potential of agricultural by-products. The initiative was launched by the University of Hohenheim and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Every year, around 7.7 million tonnes of agricultural by-products are produced in the region, most of which are currently used in animal husbandry or remain directly in the fields. ReBioBW aims to use these resources more efficiently.
Two main tools have been developed to promote the use of these side streams: the ReBioBW factsheet and the ReBioBW GIS tool. The fact sheet records over 350 different substance-specific information on the side streams and analyzes their utilization options in various sectors such as the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, construction and chemical industries. The GIS tool, on the other hand, provides an interactive map that visualizes the biomass potential at the community level.
Opportunities for the bioeconomy
The aim of the project is to identify opportunities for regional bioeconomic value creation and to create new sources of income for farmers. Prof. Dr. Franziska Schünemann, the project manager, points out the high recycling potential of residual materials, which have often remained unused until now. Intelligent management of these material flows is necessary in order to make optimal use of their limited availability Bioeconomy BW determines.
In addition, the complete utilization of biomass should be promoted in order to obtain food and feed as well as materials and energy from these residues. This is not only important for closing cycles, but also for avoiding CO2 emissions and protecting natural resources.
Political support and promotion
The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection is supporting the project with around 630,000 euros, with the University of Hohenheim benefiting from around 475,000 euros. Minister Peter Hauk emphasized that the analysis and use of agricultural by-products represents an important step towards sustainable value networks.
A survey carried out to agricultural companies in Baden-Württemberg will help create a research base. This survey, open until June 30, 2023, aims to find out what by-products are produced in agriculture and how they are currently used. The focus is on complete recycling in order to further expand the infrastructure for a sustainable bioeconomy University of Hohenheim informed.
Overall, the ReBioBW project shows Baden-Württemberg's commitment to developing into a leading region for a bio-based, circular economy and to meeting the challenges of modern agriculture through innovative approaches.