I-RoBi - Utilising the industrial raw material rush from peatland sites
The rewetting of peatlands is becoming increasingly important in the context of climate protection. Whereas around 95 per cent of our peatlands were drained in the past and largely used for agriculture and forestry, the rewetting of peatlands means that their use needs to be rethought. Agriculture and forestry need new concepts as to which plants are suitable for utilising the moors in a climate-friendly yet profitable way.v
Many extensive permanent grassland areas on moorland sites show an increased occurrence of rushes, as these prefer to spread on moist, acidic and nitrogen-poor soils. Rewetted moorland is also suitable for the cultivation of rushes.
As a renewable raw material, rush is available regionally and can contribute to ecological sustainability by replacing conventional raw materials and growing with the moor in a habitat that serves as a CO2 reservoir.
The identification of a harvesting technique adapted to the new circumstances and possibilities for the material utilisation of rushes are therefore important for ecological and economic reasons. In the construction industry in particular, rushes can be used as a fibre material for insulation. The use of rush fibres as a filler for plastics is also conceivable.
The I-RoBi project is focussing on these potential uses of rushes.
As part of the project, harvesting and raw material utilisation concepts for rushes are to be developed that take the special challenges of rush harvesting into account.
The expected results include the optimal harvestinAAg of rushes on peaty permanent grassland. Preparation and processing methods will be developed. In addition, the processed rushes will be converted into fibre form for various application scenarios, e.g. as an insulating material and/or filler in plastic compounds, in order to demonstrate the potential for industrial use.In order to achieve the widest possible subsequent use, the necessary harvesting techniques will be summarised in an action guide and made available via various networks.
The project will be completed by characterising the materials at all relevant stages and a final life cycle assessment, which will demonstrate the sustainability potential of this solution approach, taking into account the potential for CO2 savings.
Project summary
- Project title: I-RoBi - Utilising industrial raw material rush from peatland sites
- Funding: Landwirtschaftskammer Niedersachsen im Rahmen der Europäischen Innovationspartnerschaft „Produktivität und Nachhaltigkeit in der Landwirtschaft“ (EIP Agri)
- Project partner: IfBB - Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites, Wester GbR, Neuhaus Dämmtechnik
- Project management: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andrea Siebert-Raths
- Duration: 01.07.2024 - 30.06.2027
Contact
Jana Winkelmann, M. Sc., jana.winkelmann@hs-hannover.de
Jan Tinnemeier, B. Eng., jan.tinnemeier@hs-hannover.de
