Transformative bioeconomies for materials transitions

Introduction

Phasing out fossil feedstock not only requires a transition towards renewable energy, but also a transition towards renewable materials. We need to develop new ways of producing the materials we use (plastics, textiles, building materials, etc.) and also device strategies to support and speed up this transition.

The materials transition requires effective integration of knowledge from several fields:

• Expertise in technologies for renewable carbon production, re-use, recycling and de-materialization, based in several natural science disciplines;
• Expertise in sustainable and fair transitions, incorporating options and insights from several disciplinary perspectives e.g.sociology, ecology and economics;
• Expertise and perspectives from societal stakeholders on whom transition in society eventually critically depends;

Objective

We aim to strengthen the collaboration and coordination between scientists from widely diverging disciplines as well as between these scientists and societal stakeholders.

To explore the materials transition, we focus on two sectors (textile and building material) and on four transition pathways (1. biobased materials, 2. recycling, 3. CO2 capture and utilization technologies, and 4. dematerialization).

Method

We develop innovative methodologies, concepts, tools and modes of working that facilitate enhanced mutual understanding and integration of knowledge across disciplines. We explore, develop and test novel solutions and principles that have a potential to contribute to the materials transition. We work primarily in the sectors of textiles and building materials, but the methods and principles developed are geared to having a wider relevance.

(Expected) results

• Facilitated collaboration between different stakeholders.
• Understanding of collaborative approaches work best to facilitate the materials transition.
• Sets of approaches to support material transition in transdisciplinary projects.