We develop high-performance bio-based compounds for you—from formulation to industrial implementation:
| Performance range |
Our expertise |
| Material selection & Formulation development |
Systematic evaluation and selection of raw materials for your application: e.g., bio-based polymers (e.g., PLA, PHA, bio-PE, bio-PA), (bio-based) additives, fillers, and fiber reinforcement. Cost-effectiveness, raw material availability, processing properties, and recycling potential are also taken into account. |
| Compounding & Processing |
Formulation development or optimization of existing formulations, taking into account processability and required product properties e.g. through physical or chemical functionalization and modification of polymers, blending, additive incorporation, reactive modification and fiber reinforcement |
| Scale-up & Process optimization |
Transfer of compounding (i.e., production of plastic pellets) from the laboratory to the pilot scale using industrial equipment (throughputs up to 350 kg/h) |
| Characterization |
Comprehensive materials analysis in accordance with industry-standard norms or regulations, including mechanical properties, rheology, heat resistance, aging, flame-retardant properties and biodegradability. |
| Certification |
Support with life cycle assessment (LCA), carbon footprint calculation, or biodegradability assessment (DIN CERTCO) |
| Application testing |
Functional testing of compounds for various processing methods, including injection molding, blow molding, flat film production, and additive manufacturing. Recyclability testing (mechanical and chemical recycling) |
Whether you’re just starting with a product idea or facing challenges with existing processes – we step in exactly where you need us. From the initial idea generation to the optimization of existing formulations, we provide tailored support to address your specific needs.
Our expertise ranges from formulation development with small batches on a laboratory scale to sample production for processing tests on your equipment. You’ll benefit from accompanying material characterization and testing – all from a single source.
Fraunhofer UMSICHT offers you a team with many years of expertise and access to well-equipped laboratories and technical facilities:
- Extrusion technology: twin-screw extruders in various sizes for compound development
- Processing technology: injection molding, flat and blown film production, additive manufacturing
- Analytics: comprehensive in-house material characterization and testing
- Scale-up: industrial twin-screw extruder with throughput rates of up to 350 kg/h for seamless transfer to your production line
With this end-to-end infrastructure, we efficiently develop your bio-based compounds from the first laboratory trial to a production-ready solution.
Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT
