Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPECCPE Institutes in Focus: Meet Fraunhofer IAP
What does it take to make plastics truly circular? It requires more than recycling – it means developing new polymers, renewable raw materials and tailored material solutions. Meet Fraunhofer IAP, bringing its expertise in polymer synthesis, biobased materials, polymer modification and additives to the Fraunhofer CCPE.
Institute and Expertise
Fraunhofer IAP contributes expertise in polymer synthesis, biobased plastics, polymer modification, additives and fiber technologies. Within the CCPE, the institute combines polymer development with additive solutions to improve the performance, processability and circularity of plastics.
Research Departments
Circular Polymers
Developing and optimizing polymer materials based on renewable and circular carbon to reduce dependence on fossil resources while meeting application requirements. Fraunhofer IAP contributes expertise in polymer synthesis, modification and processing, including biobased polymers such as PBS and PLA.
Circular Additives and Compounds
Developing tailored additive and material solutions that improve the functionality, processability, stability and lifetime of circular polymers. Fraunhofer IAP contributes expertise in thermoplastic elastomers, polymer modification and bio-based additive concepts, including materials based on renewable carbon.
Project Spotlights
xPBS – Biobased Materials for Industrial Applications
Can a biobased polymer replace conventional fossil-based materials without requiring major changes to existing processing technologies?
In the xPBS project, Fraunhofer IAP focuses on polymer synthesis and tailoring the material properties of polybutylene succinate (PBS). Together with Fraunhofer ICT and other CCPE partners, the project explores biobased PBS as a sustainable alternative for applications such as films and foams.
Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomers – Next-Generation Circular Materials
Can high-performance elastomers be produced from renewable carbon?
At Fraunhofer IAP, researchers are developing thermoplastic elastomers based on renewable carbon, including carbon from biomass or chemical recycling. The work combines polymer synthesis and material development to create new high-performance materials while reducing dependence on fossil resources.
Together, these examples highlight Fraunhofer IAP’s contribution to the CCPE – from developing circular and biobased polymers to tailoring polymer properties with innovative additive and material concepts.