Hannover Messe 2025:
Fraunhofer WKI presents functional lightweight-construction material on the joint stand “Schaufenster Bioökonomie” (Bioeconomy Showcase)

Press release /

In collaboration with project partners, the Fraunhofer WKI will be presenting heatable, recyclable and optionally illuminable lightweight-construction materials on the joint stand “Schaufenster Bioökonomie” (Bioeconomy Showcase) hosted by Project Management Jülich (PtJ) and the Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e. V. (FNR). On the joint stand, research results will be presented from current bioeconomy projects funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). In the future, this innovative material could be utilized not only in vehicles but also in tiny houses, for example.

The photo shows three panel-shaped material samples made from white, solid foam with top layers comprised of various materials.
© Fraunhofer ICT
Heatable sandwich biocomposite material with PLA foam core (from bottom to top): XPLA foam with beech-wood veneer, EPLA foam laminated with PLA film, XPLA foam with straw-fiber-filled PLA top layers

In a groundbreaking collaboration involving the Fraunhofer WKI, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT) and industrial partners, researchers are developing novel resource- and climate-friendly lightweight-construction materials on the basis of renewable raw commodities. These materials are not only recyclable, but can also be integrated with functional heating and lighting features.

At Hannover Messe 2025, from 31st March to 4th April 2025, the researchers will be presenting a lightweight-construction material consisting of aesthetically pleasing visible veneers featuring integrated heating and lighting layers, insulation made from EPLA foam, and supporting layers made from beech plywood.

“Our goal is to develop a high-quality hybrid material that fulfills the requirements for design, comfort and functionality in vehicles such as caravans and tiny houses. The innovative sandwich top layers made from hardwood and biodegradable EPLA foams enable the production of lightweight, thermally insulating components that are ideal for applications in the construction and vehicle industries,” reported Peter Meinlschmidt, Project Manager at the Fraunhofer WKI.

One particular advantage is the integration of heating functions in furniture and interior components. Instead of a panel heating system through which water flows, an electric panel heating system is integrated. The researchers’ innovative approach relies on a heating paint produced by the Austrian company Villinger. Whether this material is itself suitable for the bonding is being investigated within the scope of the project.

Aesthetically appealing wood species such as cherry, alder or maple, as well as durable wood species such as robinia, are produced as visible veneers.

The conception and manufacture of the aesthetic furniture and interior-construction elements is performed with the involvement of the design studio Studio Sofia Souidi in Berlin, the joinery Flick for furniture and exhibition-stand construction, and the companies Verpackungswerk Huckschlag GmbH & Co. KG, Nolax, Delignit AG and Obel-P Automation A/S.

The project is not only technologically progressive, but also offers economic advantages. Through the utilization of regionally available raw materials, the dependence on from fossil raw material sources is reduced and the competitiveness of German industry is strengthened.

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