BioFoamBark - New European Project
A new European project just started at the Institute of Forest Utilization and Work Science (FobAwi).
Prof. Marie-Pierre Laborie, also member of the Freiburg Material Research Center (FMF),coordinates the project BioFoamBark, which aims at developing fully bio-based tannin foams in order to substitute petroleum based foams. The tannins are extracted from the bark of prevalent softwood species in Europe. Further components for the foam formulation like glycerol and furfural or nanocellulose can be recovered as by-products from biodiesel and the pulp and paper industry. One aim is to develop foams with excellent properties for application as insulating building materials and for conversion into synthesis gas at the end of the product life. In this project it is also planned to assess the environmental performance, techno-economic feasibility and market potentials of those biomaterials. Therefore the central technological developments will be guided by the sustainability and economic viability of the products.


