Our research projects

Photo: Manuel Gutjahr

Project

Title
Neue Verfahren und Ausrüstungen zur Ernte und Aufbereitung von einheimischen Faserpflanzen
Acronym
Nafa-Tech
Start
01.01.2013
End
31.12.2014
Coordinating Institute
Sachsen-Leinen e.V.
Coordinator
Gerd Lehmann
Partner
BioFormTex
Kranemann Gartenbaumaschinen GmbH
Kröning Verpackungstechnik & Systemlösungen
Lehmann UMT GmbH
Mühlenmontagen Dresden GmbH
NFC GmbH Nettle Fibre Company
VOFA Vogtlandfaser GmbH & Co. KG
Winicker & Lieber e.K. - Maschinenfabrik
stfi Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V.
Leibniz-Institut für Agrartechnik und Bioökonomie e.V. (ATB)

Summary
In the network, 10 partner companies and research institutions unite along the value chain with the aim to optimize fiber plant use in Germany through the development of new and innovative harvesting techniques and processing methods, and to develop and popularize the manufacturing process for semi-finished materials on natural fiber basis. In the context of joint R & D activities, the network partners want to develop efficient processing technologies for natural fiber-based semi-finished products. The focus is on the integrative reorganization of the harvest and preparation processes. If it is possible to integrate finishing stages in a pre-process with new, innovative technologies significant efficiency improvements can be achieved and, thus, the competitive position of natural fibers can be improved by a multiple. Focus alternative natural fiber raw materials: Quality requirements of natural fibers in the field of technical applications need not be as high as it can realized by bred textile fiber plants. Plant species will be sought, where natural fibers can be obtained and processed in coupling with food products or other raw materials. First examples are linseed flax and hops fibers. Focal point technological improvements and advancements in the field of harvest and processing technology: Still a significant proportion of primary or secondary fiber raw material cultivated in Germany and Europe is harvested with technologies that do not meet the technological possibilities of modern agricultural and process engineering. Since the potential burden, capacity and cost reserves can not be tapped, there is a correspondingly high competitive pressure compared to other agricultural crops on the one hand, and compared to other materials on the other. Through the networking new innovative solutions and technologies for the comprehensive utilization of preferably indigenous natural fiber plants will be initiated and implemented. Networking and R & D projects focus on reducing the dependence on imports, coupled with increasing supply and price stability for the domestic natural fiber processing industry, the development of alternative crops for agriculture (expansion in crop rotation, biodiversity), the establishment of crop types for coupled use (food + RRM), employment effects in industry and rural areas, the preservation and creation of jobs along the value chain, and the development of new technologies, new products and new business areas.

Funding
Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie (BMWi)
Grant agreement number
16KN034801
Funding framework
ZIM - Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand