BIOTESS aims to produce bio-based phase change materials (PCM) from liquid waste substrates, such as those from organic waste treatment processes, used cooking fats, and grease trap residues. The use of waste substrates to produce bio-based PCM offers two key advantages. Firstly, it avoids competition with food crops, as is the case with existing bio-based PCM derived from plant oils like coconut or palm oil. Secondly, these waste substrates undergo upcycling and can be utilized for higher-value applications. The use of leachate and process waters from biological waste treatment plants can also reduce the treatment costs of organic waste. By extracting the contained carboxylic acids, the organic load of these substrates can be decreased, thereby lowering disposal costs, which may in turn reduce waste treatment fees.



Fatty acids from process and leachate waters from waste treatment facilities are currently underutilized and, in rare cases, used for biogas production. Used cooking fats and grease trap residues are mainly converted into biodiesel, which is then used for energy. However, biodiesel is currently facing various challenges that are hindering its further development. All these substrates are transformed into phase change materials (PCM), which can be stored for long periods. As a result, large amounts of carbon that would otherwise be released as CO₂ emissions are captured within the PCM, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gases from waste treatment facilities.



In the next phase of the project, the newly produced bio-PCM will be microencapsulated and used as a latent heat storage additive in a thermal energy storage foam (TESS) for the production of mineral-based, multifunctional insulation boards. This composite material serves as an innovative application technology for insulating new and existing buildings.



The microencapsulated bio-PCM have the unique property of undergoing a phase change at specific temperatures, during which they absorb or release energy. By intelligently adding microencapsulated bio-PCM within the foam, a significant improvement in the heat storage capacity of the thermal energy storage foam (TESS) can be achieved. Through the phase change and associated thermal storage, the innovative TESS insulation material optimizes the indoor climate while simultaneously reducing CO₂ emissions, compared to conventional insulation materials.



Current solutions for thermal insulation systems and building envelopes typically consist of various individual products, which, due to the lack of design integration, present unavoidable technical and ecological disadvantages. In this regard, the application of TESS products and technologies is straightforward, consisting primarily of a layer of TESS insulation material combined with a surface protection layer made from a plaster system, including optional color coatings. Additionally, improved design of envelope elements can be pursued by harnessing the performance of the new insulation material as an integrated system. Throughout the project, targeted market introduction strategies will be developed for the two product stages, considering both economic and ecological aspects.