Fraunhofer UMSICHT at K 2025: Sustainable Plastics Innovations for the Circular Economy

Thin bipolar plates made of conductive polymers for fuel cells and electrolysers; Copyright: Fraunhofer UMSICHT — Fraunhofer UMSICHT will be presenting new plastic solutions at K 2025, including conductive polymers for hydrogen technologies. The bipolar plates on display enable compact, seal-free stack designs in fuel cells and electrolysers. Copyright: Fraunhofer UMSICHT

22.08.2025

Fraunhofer UMSICHT presents innovative, sustainable plastics solutions at K 2025 in Düsseldorf. Highlights include biodegradable films from fruit residues, bio-based flame retardants for electronics, and conductive polymer films for hydrogen and heating applications – paving the way for a circular plastics economy.

Biodegradable films made from apple pomace as a sustainable alternative material; Copyright: Verena Brom — "A Matter of Fruit" shows how apple pomace from juice production can be processed into biodegradable films – for packaging, interior design, or as a leather substitute. Copyright: Verena Brom

Biodegradable Films from Fruit Residues

With the exhibit "A Matter of Fruit", Fraunhofer UMSICHT and designer Verena Brom present a joint development: apple pomace from juice production is used to create biodegradable film with leather-like characteristics.

The foundational concept and film development come from Verena Brom, who initiated the project and co-founded the start-up A Matter of Fruit. In a Fraunhofer-funded collaboration, her expertise in transforming apple pomace into films was combined with Fraunhofer UMSICHT's know-how in continuous plastics processing, enabling the concept to be further developed with a view towards industrial scalability.

Bio-based flame retardants for electronic plastics; Copyright: Fraunhofer UMSICHT — The researchers at Fraunhofer UMSICHT are developing bio-based flame retardants based on phytic acid – an environmentally friendly alternative to halogenated compounds for plastics. Copyright: Fraunhofer UMSICHT

Bio-Based Flame Retardants for Plastic Components

Flame retardants are essential in electronics and textiles, but many conventional ones are ecologically harmful. The project "Bio-Phy-FR" introduces a phytic acid-based alternative: a bio-based, environmentally friendly flame retardant for use in the plastics and textile industries.

In the project "Humic mulch", UMSICHT researchers developed a biodegradable mulch film enriched with humic substances. These films enhance vegetable growth, reduce water evaporation, and disintegrate into the soil along with the nutrients at the end of the season – boosting both sustainability and yield.

Conductive Polymer Films for Hydrogen Technologies

Researchers at Fraunhofer UMSICHT developed ultra-thin composite bipolar plates for fuel cells and electrolysers using a patented powder-to-roll process. These thermoplastic-based materials allow for seal-free stacks, reducing assembly complexity, material waste and costs.

Heat-Shrinkable and Flexible Heating Elements

In the "Power2Heat Compounds" project, UMSICHT developed surface heating films with tunable rigidity – ideal for diverse heating applications. Another highlight: heatable heat-shrink tubing, a safe, compact solution for pipe trace heating in the food and process industries.

Visit Fraunhofer UMSICHT at K 2025 in Hall 7, Stand C05!

Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT

At a glance

Fraunhofer UMSICHT will be showcasing innovative plastics solutions for a sustainable industry at K 2025: from biodegradable apple pomace films and bio-based flame retardants to conductive polymer sheets for hydrogen applications. The focus will be on circular economy, material efficiency, and industry-oriented implementation.