New Christian Doppler Laboratory at CeMESS

Water-soluble polymers are important high-performance components in many personal care and household products, with a global annual production of more than one million tons. After these products are used, the water-soluble polymers they contain end up in wastewater, which prevents their recollection and recycling. The sustainable management of these polymers at the end of their life cycle is a major challenge. Biodegradable polymers are of particular interest in this context. "However, our understanding of the biodegradation of water-soluble polymers in the affected environmental systems is still very limited," explains Michael Zumstein, head of the new CD laboratory.

Federal Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer explains the relevance of the research project: "Research is the key to combining competitiveness and sustainability. The field of polymer research in particular shows how scientific findings can lead to practical solutions. With the new Christian Doppler Laboratory, we are laying the foundation for innovation in Austria that generates added value here as well. This is how we combine economic strength and ecological responsibility – through excellent research and targeted location policy."