Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research
Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI

A project team consisting of researchers from the Fraunhofer WKI and two designers has developed floating islands which can carry plants and which are made from a bio-lightweight material. Through this project, a new form of green space will be created in the city: valuable biotopes, recreational spaces and meeting places on the water. Interested parties can help to plant and launch the islands on 1^st June 2022.

The project “Robinia” of the Fraunhofer WKI and three project partners was selected by the Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovations SPRIND for the challenge “Carbon-to-Value”. The goal of the challenge is to achieve a breakthrough for the use of CO₂ from the air in new products to make the fight against climate change economically viable. The project team is developing a composite material from the fast-growing and very robust tree robinia.

What can foundations do in order to anchor sustainability even more securely in science and research? On this topic, research-funding foundations discussed with the Fraunhofer WKI and with the Fraunhofer Future Foundation on May 10, 2022. The participants embraced the opportunity to experience live science at the Fraunhofer WKI's new Center for Light and Environmentally-Friendly Structures ZELUBA^®.

With support from the Fraunhofer WKI, designer Sofia Souidi has developed wood-based panels made from wood fibers and casein. Casein is a formaldehyde-free binder that was already being used as an adhesive many centuries ago. Mixed-in color pigments and granulates combined with 3D moldability enable a diverse range of design possibilities. The material consists of recycled components and is itself recyclable.

Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research
Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI

Bienroder Weg 54E
38108 Braunschweig

Phone +49 531 2155-0
Fax +49 531 2155-334

Email: info@wki.fraunhofer.de