The research project “MiMiWin: Mixed Plastics: From Problem to Solution Through Microbial Valorization” has been selected for the “99 Projects for a Post-Fossil Future” initiative, which was launched by the universities of the state Baden-Württemberg. In collaboration with the IBVT at University of Stuttgart and the University of Ulm, the IED is developing innovative processes to produce high-quality products, such as isobutanol, from plastic waste. To achieve this, the plastic waste is first gasified in a fluidized-bed reactor at the IED. Afterwards, the produced syngas is converted at the IBVT into valuable chemicals using specialized microorganisms. This interdisciplinary collaboration between high-temperature technology and microbiology generates new concepts for the chemical recycling of plastic wastes, which may provide a relevant contribution to the development of sustainable solutions for the branches of waste treatment and chemical industry.
The IED was and is participating in several other research projects for a post-fossil fuel future, among which BioH2Steel and KWK 4.0, which could not be considered for the list of 99 projects and are part of the complete list of the University of Stuttgart.