Hannover Messe: The Bioeconomy in 2030 – What We Can Expect

A vision for the transport of the future. Cars are produced modularly and can easily be modified. Engines can be replaced as needed and components can be remade or altered using large-format 3D printers. The tyres contain 20 per cent dandelion rubber. Photo: BIO Deutschland.

BIO Deutschland was one of the exhibitors at the Bioeconomy Showcase stand at the leading trade fair IndustrialGreenTec at the HANNOVER MESSE in April 2014. The stand, which was designed by BIOPRO Baden-Württemberg GmbH, featured various dioramas (“bioramas”) depicting images of the bioeconomy in 2030. The aim of the four dioramas was to outline potential sustainability cycles in rural and urban contexts. The diorama on the self-sufficient city presented artificial photosynthesis in tree-like reactors and fully automated material recirculation for efficient recycling. The diorama on the “producer” children’s room showed rivalry over a 3D printer that makes toys. The third diorama focused on vertical farming in the suburbs, that is, food, natural cosmetics, precursors and energy generation in a single chain. The fourth diorama looked at bio-based transport and presented a range-oriented fuel mix, recyclable car-body systems with component shredders and reshaping by large-format 3D printers, oils, lubricants and tyres as 100 per cent bio-based. The stand also included material on current research projects, which could serve as the basis for visions for the future.

In addition to trade visitors, the stand also proved popular with guests from the political sphere. Over the course of the five-day event, these visitors included the former Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg and current European Energy Commissioner, Günther Oettinger; the European Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik; and the Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Stefan Müller. The visitors agreed that the topic is of great relevance to the economy and society, and that it does not receive enough media coverage.

The other exhibitors on the joint stand included Project Management Jülich, Fachagentur für nachwachsende Rohstoffe (FNR) and the BIOCATALYSE2021 cluster from Hamburg.