Recognizing microplastics directly in the river

A key driver is the increasing regulatory and economic need to record and control material flows more precisely. The start-up Zaitrus is developing a sensor-based flow system for the real-time detection of microplastics in liquids. The technology enables continuous analysis directly in the process, for example in wastewater treatment or food production.

"For municipal wastewater treatment plants or food manufacturers, this provides an effective mechanism for prevention and quality assurance that can protect against damage," says Managing Director Till Zwede. The system is currently in the pilot phase; a "monitoring as a service" model is planned for the future.

Pollutant elimination: bacteria as process helpers

CellX Biosolutions relies on biotechnological processes in the field of pollutant elimination. The company uses specifically selected bacterial consortia to break down microplastics and persistent pollutants such as PFAS, pesticides and pharmaceutical residues in industrial processes. "Isolated and cultivated in the laboratory, unique bacterial consortia can be produced that break down chemical contaminants directly in industrial processes - for example in wastewater treatment plants," explains Managing Director Estelle Clerc. Partners are currently being sought for pilot projects to validate and scale up the technology under real operating conditions.

Safety in the material flow

Another field of practical relevance is safety in sorting and recycling plants. The Norwegian start-up Litech AS has developed an AI-supported sensor technology that detects lithium batteries and pressurized gas containers in the flow of material. It is based on magnetic induction spectroscopy combined with AI-supported signal analysis. "We have already left the pure pilot phase behind us," reports Managing Director Synne Sauar. The first systems are already in use. "At IFAT Munich, we are open to new pilot partnerships as well as commercial discussions." The solution is designed as a retrofittable system and is aimed in particular at operators of existing systems.

Automation meets critical raw materials

Enodo Robotics also addresses automation potential in recycling. The company combines AI-based image recognition with an adaptive robotic gripper to automate the sorting of electronic waste and non-ferrous metals. "This waste stream is a valuable source of critical raw materials. Our AI and robotics solutions help to maximize the value created from these materials and avoid the use of personnel in often hazardous working environments," says co-founder Klas Kronander. In addition, the system provides real-time data on the composition of the material flows and thus enables in-process optimization.

Waste as the starting point for new materials

EveryCarbon is pursuing an approach for the material use of organic waste. The company uses microbial fermentation to convert biogenic waste into 2,3-butanediol, a platform chemical for high-performance polymers.

"Our vision is zero-waste production, in which waste materials become the starting point for new materials," explains Managing Director Dr. Sebastian Beblawy. A pilot plant is currently being operated under real conditions. "IFAT Munich is a strategically important platform for us because it represents precisely the intersection at which we are working: organic waste carbon from households, industry and wastewater meets industrial materials management," says Beblawy. "On the one hand, our target groups are bioenergy companies, municipal supply and disposal companies as well as wastewater treatment plants that have so far made insufficient use of organic carbon and are looking for new ways to add value. On the other hand, we want to get in touch with material manufacturers who are looking for high-performance alternatives to petrochemical material systems. And finally, we look forward to exchanging ideas with technology companies that offer solutions in the field of material and process technology."

The developments on show in the Startup Area illustrate that innovations are increasingly emerging at the interfaces between the process industry, environmental technology and digitalization. For industrial users, the main focus is on integration capability, scalability and cost-effectiveness.