Within the “bündnis mikroplastikfrei” a successful general assembly and subsequent networking event took place on the campus of the University of Vienna. On 4 March 2025, the event brought together around 20–30 participants from the fields of science, business and politics, who are working together on solutions for a microplastic-free future.
After a warm welcome, the official programme started with the general assembly. This was followed by a fascinating lecture by Prof. Dr. Thilo Hofmann on the topic of ‘How can plastics be used sustainably in agriculture?’. His presentation offered exciting insights into current research results and possible applications for bio-based materials.
One of the main topics of discussion was the innovative biocomposite material from the BeSoGreat project, in particular its possible applications in forestry and, increasingly, in agriculture. The lively interest and the professional exchange with like-minded people led to new ideas and impulses for cooperation.
Another interesting aspect was the discussion about the use of brewer’s grains in the food industry – for example, in vegan burger patties that are already available on the market. This example highlights the diverse potential of by-products in terms of a sustainable circular economy.
The event clearly showed how great the interest is in sustainable material solutions. The exchange with stakeholders from different sectors opened up new perspectives for research, application and interdisciplinary cooperation.