Biomaterials as a substitute for mineral and fossil raw materials
Lecture by Michael Has (INP Grenoble/ Institute for Biomaterials) as part of the lecture series Lectures For Future, hosted by Art and Intervention | Environment.
Today's economy is based on the availability of mineral resources and fossil fuels. However, their availability is foreseeably limited. Those looking for alternatives quickly turn to biogenic raw materials—resources derived from the use of products of living nature.
The use of such raw materials and energy sources, if successful, can be of decisive importance for sustainable product supply. However, the availability of biogenic resources and energy carriers is also not unlimited. The use of these raw materials is by no means simple or always possible in all product sectors without changing the products themselves or their modes of use. Moreover, biodegradability is by no means always guaranteed.
Additional challenges include land use, competition between food and industrial supply, and social issues, such as those associated with land grabbing. Therefore, given that all resources—regardless of their origin—are limited, the same principles of efficient use must apply. Both the availability and the characteristics of biogenic substitutes will alter and, at least partially, reduce the product landscape. Since market laws remain unchanged, a rise in prices is foreseeable.
The lecture presents current approaches being discussed in the context of sustainability.
After apprenticeships in industrial chemistry and metalworking, Michael Has studied physics. He earned his PhD from the University of Regensburg and began his professional career in industrial research at the Fogra Institute in Munich. There, he took the initiative to found the group that later became the International Color Consortium (ICC). Dr. Has was a member of several advisory boards (including Linotype), held executive positions—for example at TAGA and in start-up companies—and served on scientific advisory boards.
His scientific work on industrial development has led to numerous publications in the fields of color management, workflow management, market development in the printing industry, and digital printing. For his achievements, he received a Mac World Award, and together with the ICC, he was honored with the Seybold Award for Innovation.
In 1996, Michael Has joined Grenoble INP – Pagora, UGA (formerly EFPG – École française de papeterie et des industries graphiques) and obtained his habilitation to direct research in 1998. Since then, he has been teaching in Grenoble as a Distinguished Professor.