Das Projekt "BIOFOAM - Wiederverwendbare Poly(estercoamid)e und Poly(estercourethan)e biologischen Ursprungs fuer industrielle Schaumstoffanwendungen" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Stuttgart, Institut für Energiewirtschaft und Rationelle Energieanwendung durchgeführt. The biofoam project aims to develop new types of aliphatic block co-polyesters (poly(ester-amide)s and poly(ester-urethane)s), and industrially important foams made thereof. The combination of inexpensive renewable bio-source based feedstock, efficient chemical synthesis, and high value foam applications leads to an innovative approach to make biopolymers competitive in the market place. The new low cost biopolymers ( smaller than 1 Euro/kg) provide opportunities for tailored biodegradability and performance properties. A foam manufacturing process is optimized for biopolymer processing by using newly developed 3 D foaming process simulation software. An integrated life cycle management analysis methodology directs the engineering decisions at each stage of the product development cycle. Environmental, economic and societal aspects are simultaneously assessed. The project is managed following a develop and commercial technology staging workprocess. A multi-disciplinary approach of world leading experts in complementary industrial and academic fields is used to achieve the biofoam project objectives.