Transforming Hops Waste into Sustainable Materials

Date:1 Oct 2024

Country: Germany

Application

• Sustainable Building Materials: Converting hops waste into acoustic panels, thermal insulation, and building boards.

Description

HopfON is a Munich-based startup that transforms hops waste, including leaves and vines, into sustainable building materials like acoustic panels and thermal insulation. Founded by students from the Technical University of Munich, their aim is to reduce waste from both the beer and construction industries. The company also promotes a circular model, where products can be returned for recycling. Additionally, researchers in Bavaria are developing hop varieties that produce less waste without compromising quality.

Pathway Description:

The process begins by collecting hops waste and drying it immediately after harvest. Impurities and recyclable metals are removed, and the material is chopped and separated. A patent-pending technique uses natural binding agents within the plant to transform the biomass into products like acoustic panels and insulation. The final products are then sold and can be returned for recycling into new materials.