FOMOP
The “Modellfabrik Papier” (model paper factory) research cluster develops sustainable innovations for the paper processing industry.
How can renewable raw materials be converted into valuable products in an efficient and environmentally sustainable way? Process engineering provides answers to this key question in the field of the bioeconomy. It develops and optimizes processes that enable the conversion of biomass into materials, chemicals, and fuels – with a constant focus on resource efficiency and sustainability.
Process engineering is key to a competitive bioeconomy – it creates the processes that efficiently convert renewable resources into sustainable products.
Challenges
The growing importance of sustainable alternatives to fossil resources poses a challenge for the development of new production processes. Process engineering plays a key role in meeting these challenges.
- Scalable bioprocesses: The path from the laboratory to industrial application requires technologies that can work efficiently on a large scale. Innovative technologies for material conversion and upscaling strategies are needed to ensure that bio-based products can be manufactured in an economically viable and sustainable way.
- Modelling and simulation: Complex bioprocesses can be simulated and optimized using digital tools. This saves resources and allows new processes to be implemented more quickly and sustainably.
- Pretreatment and fractionation: In order to use biomass efficiently, all of its components must be separated in a targeted manner as far as possible. Holistic and efficient pretreatment technologies can thus lay the foundation for high-quality end products.
- Sustainable fibres and paper: Process engineering innovations are creating environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional paper and fibre products.
- Hybrid bio/chemical processes: Complex challenges in material conversion require the combination of enzymatic and microbial material conversion with chemical catalysis. This can only be achieved economically with innovative process engineering concepts.
Jülich solutions for sustainable processes
At Forschungszentrum Jülich, scientists are working on innovative processes that significantly improve the efficiency and sustainability of the bioeconomy. The HyImPact project is researching hybrid processes that efficiently combine different process steps. This minimizes waste streams and makes the best possible use of resources. The open-source CADET project is increasingly integrating biotechnological process models with state-of-the-art numerical solution algorithms. CADET uses computer simulations to optimally design bioprocesses and improve their scaling on an industrial level. The concept of upscaling through downscaling ensures that findings from small-scale experiments can be utilized for industrial applications. These projects show how process engineering is driving the design of circular material cycles and the use of biogenic raw materials.
Future prospects
Process engineering lays the foundation for a sustainable and competitive bioeconomy. At Forschungszentrum Jülich, we develop and connect technologies that efficiently convert renewable resources into products that offer both economic and ecological advantages. Our work makes an important contribution to shaping a sustainable future.
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Headerbild Copyright: Holger Klose
Last Modified: 13.05.2025