Aktuelles | GNS mbH

At this traditional symposium for additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing, GNS, together with Additivum and the Institute for Printing Machines and Printing Processes (IDD) at TU Darmstadt, presented the results of our joint project "3D-Printed Components from Sustainable Biogenic Materials."

The focus is on the Magaverde biofiber paste, made from purified fermentation residue fibers and natural binders. The components are additively processed using a clay extrusion process – much like clay.

The special features:

the paste hardens in air
has a wood-like, porous structure
is ideal for sound-absorbing and insulating applications

A successful example of how additive manufacturing and the circular economy can jointly produce innovative, sustainable materials and products.

Under the motto "How can we use resources multiple times in agriculture and create an effective circular economy?", everything revolved around innovative approaches to the multiple use of residual materials.

We are delighted with the positive response to our keynote address from the business community, "Biogas Plus – From Digestate to Mulch Mats, Plant Pots, or Packaging." In an open and constructive atmosphere, the opportunities and obstacles to launching products made from agricultural residues on the market were discussed in depth.

At Hannover Messe 2025, we will present our innovative products and technologies for the utilization of organic waste at the joint stand C24, Hall 2 as a member of the abonocare® Cluster.

On April 3rd, we will also be presenting at the abonocare® Forum with a lecture on the focus topic "Bio-based raw materials with resource recovery".

The joint booth with its forum and lounge offers numerous opportunities for professional exchange and business discussions. We invite all interested parties to visit us and work together to put new process engineering solutions and products into practice!

During a short presentation at the Weinberg Campus in Halle, we at GNS, together with other companies, shared exciting insights into our work and the innovations at the site. We particularly highlighted our Magaverde® wine cartons – made from sustainable fermentation residue fibers. These unique packages combine intelligent resource use with a strong connection to the history of the Weinberg site.

Renowned winemakers from the Saale-Unstrut wine region, two French wineries, and the Weinberg Campus itself, celebrating its 30th anniversary, have already benefited from the advantages of these innovative products. Our presentation underscored not only the importance of sustainable solutions but also the close connection between tradition and the future at the Weinberg Campus.

An official delegation, including the mayor of Halle and members of the German-French Society (DFG) Halle, visited the twin city of Grenoble from May 13th to 18th, 2024. They exchanged views on culture, business, and environmental protection and enjoyed many interesting encounters. As GNS, we presented a sustainably produced Magaverde wine carton from Halle to winemaker Thomas Finot of the Finot winery near Grenoble. The atmosphere was fantastic, and representatives from the city of Grenoble expressed their support for Franco-German cooperation, both during this visit and in future projects.

With our presentation "Materially Usable Products and Added Value in Biogas Production and Digestate Processing," we contributed to the networking event at the DBFZ in Leipzig. The TecSAS innovation network focuses on resource utilization along the entire agricultural value chain. The diversity of the presented technologies and solutions for sustainable resource, material, and water use, as well as digitalization, impressed us and once again highlighted the significant potential that such networks hold, which must be harnessed.

Visit the website: http://www.tecsas-netzwerk.de/

From the initial concept to finished product samples in a sustainable technological line for the production of Magaverde® wine cartons, we presented the results of our collaborative R&D project within the Gravomer network (BMBF program WIR!) at the scientific conference of the ACC Forum (Academic Coordination Center of the Euroregion Neisse). The presented projects demonstrate a wide range of possibilities for how bio-based residues and fibers can contribute to sustainable regional bioeconomy systems and highlight the remaining obstacles along the way.

Visit the website: www.hszg.de

Just in time for the 30th anniversary of the Weinberg Campus in Halle, we were able to provide our sustainable Magaverde® wine packaging, featuring the red campus logo, along with a regional organic wine. The labels and wine box – bonded with bio-based adhesive and printed with organic inks by allesbedruckbar in Merseburg – were produced in a technological chain in collaboration with regional partners. Our special thanks go to the Halle workshops for people with disabilities, where the cutting and gluing took place with great dedication and expertise. The proceeds will benefit the promotion of young talent in STEM fields.

The summer Campus Family Day (Visit the website: www.technologiepark-weinberg-campus.de) was a thoroughly successful event.

Participants at the 3rd abonocare® Conference in Leipzig on June 20, 2023, learned how to efficiently recover nutrients from sewage sludge, liquid manure, digestate, and biowaste and produce sustainable fertilizers. The conference showcased technologies for intelligent and sustainable nutrient recycling of organic residues, jointly developed and tested by companies and research institutions within the abonocare® growth cluster. Their goal is an economically viable circular economy in which biogenic waste is transformed back into resources. Dr. Ute Bauermeister of GNS, as head of one of the key research areas, presented the results of networking technologies for nutrient recovery in conjunction with the fermentation of nutrient-rich substrates.

The report by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, focusing on "Innovation & Structural Change", mentions our joint project Magaverde: Sustainable printable, surface-treated and microstructured biofiber paper.

Within the GRAVOmer network, we have collaborated with partners (TU Darmstadt, BENAS Power Group, allesbedruckbar) to develop new approaches and methods for giving Magaverde® fiber paper, made from residual materials, the desired surface properties, making it sustainably printable and processable. Only ecologically sustainable and biodegradable materials are used in paper production, gluing, printing, and coating.

The "Energy and Environment" and "Process Engineering" working groups of the VDI Halle District Association invited members and interested parties to a colloquium in Sangerhausen on the topic "How clean is our drinking water?". GNS participated in the organization and contributed a technical presentation.

Our unsustainable agricultural and industrial production often leads to high levels of environmental pollution, the negative environmental impacts of which often only become apparent after many decades. In her presentation, Dr. Bauermeister from GNS spoke about nitrate in groundwater as a problem for our drinking water treatment and about possible solutions for reducing nitrate inputs from agriculture.

Other speeches reported on increasing pollution of natural springs and wells used for drinking water production, and on pharmaceutical residues in drinking water.

Organic waste, manure, and sewage sludge are nutrient-rich and available in vast quantities. These organic residues are a valuable resource, and efficient and sustainable solutions are needed for their utilization. As a member of the abonocare® growth core, we are involved in these new developments. Join the discussion on new approaches to nutrient recycling, the legal framework, and the application potential of innovative fertilizer products at the online conference on July 6, 2021.

You can register for this free event here: www.abonocare.de

At the specialist symposium of the Flexodruck Fachverband eV (www.dfta.de) Dr. Bauermeister presented the sustainable Magaverde® biofiber paper.

There is a great need to offer products in environmentally friendly packaging and to prevent the spread of microplastics in the environment. Our Magaverde® biofiber paper is therefore not only sustainably produced and fully biodegradable, but so are the printing inks and surface treatments used. The current status of our products and the challenges we face were presented.

The 1st abonocare conference aims to foster intensive dialogue between developers, users, and authorities. In addition to engaging presentations, you can expect lively discussions and an exchange of ideas on innovations, novel processes, technologies, and current issues. Take advantage of the conference as a platform for information exchange and networking in the field of organic waste recycling. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Regarding the lectures

With the VDI on site in Bitterfeld-Wolfen on January 15, 2020.

The "Energy and Environment" working group of the VDI Halle District Association launched its activities with a new leadership team and a visit to the HYPOS H2-Netz project on January 15, 2020, in Bitterfeld-Wolfen. To achieve the ambitious goals of the energy transition, technologies for the generation, storage, and transport of energy must be developed. In addition to the existing natural gas infrastructure, additional supply infrastructure for green hydrogen will also be required. However, there is currently little experience with the distribution of pure hydrogen. Worldwide, only a few hydrogen pipelines exist, and these consist exclusively of steel materials. The "Energy and Environment" working group of the Halle District Association of the Association of German Engineers (VDI) invited members to visit the "H2-Netz" project within the HYPOS research network in Bitterfeld-Wolfen on January 15, 2020. The project focuses on testing plastic pipelines, their suitability for modern installation methods, the connection and supply of hydrogen consumers, and the distribution network structure, including safety technology. The twenty-eight participants were able to view the installed test equipment.

With a keynote presentation on new value chains for biogas plants, GNS addressed questions from practitioners on September 26, 2018, in Unsleben (Rhön-Grabfeld). Further meetings followed from October 2018 to March 2019. The joint project "Potential Fields of a Rural Bioeconomy" by the IÖW and IfaS is dedicated to the evaluation and development of concrete value chains for a rural bioeconomy.

Regional workshops and a final workshop have now taken place at several locations in Germany, with GNS participating partly through expert presentations and as a discussion partner. (Regarding rural bioeconomy)

Visit the website: www.terratec-leipzig.de

Visit the website: www.tkor-netzwerk.de

A highlight of the trade fair appearance was the visit of the Saxon State Minister for the Environment and Agriculture, Thomas Schmidt, to the TKoR network's booth. On April 7, 2017, Minister Schmidt met with Dr. Ute Bauermeister of GNS GmbH, Dr. Gerd Arnold of evermind GmbH, and Claudyn Kidszun of LAV GmbH to learn about the network's work. From April 5 to 7, 2017, 3,200 trade visitors came to the glass hall of the Leipzig Trade Fair to learn about current topics and innovations at terratec and to network with other industry representatives. 128 exhibitors from six countries participated in the high-caliber technical program and the exhibition, including numerous well-known manufacturers and institutions in the waste and recycling sectors.

Thomas Schmidt, Saxon State Minister for the Environment and Agriculture, Claudyn Kidszun, LAV GmbH, Dr. Ute Bauermeister, GNS GmbH, and Dr. Gerd Arnold, evermind GmbH, in conversation at the TKoR network's booth at terratec in Leipzig (from left to right). - Photo: evermind GmbH/Georg Drabner

The TKoR network participated with great success in the terratec trade fair in Leipzig. The technology and competence center for organic waste recycling, managed by Leipzig-based evermind GmbH, was represented with its own booth at the trade fair for the waste management, circular economy, and resource management sectors.

We will be represented at the 9th EFIB Forum and Exhibition from October 18th to 20th, 2016, at the booth of the BioEconomy Cluster Central Germany. The European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy (EFIB) is one of the most important events for bioeconomy and bio-based industries in Europe, bringing together business, politics, and biotechnology. More than 650 participants from 34 nations are expected.

Over three days, decision-makers, brand owners, and biotechnology experts will present their latest developments, discuss industry trends, and forge international and interdisciplinary connections. More than 100 presentations and pre-event workshops will offer approaches to expanding the bio-based economy and exploring new technological avenues. www.efibforum.com

We will be providing information on the following topics at the BioEconomy Cluster booth:

Together with a long-standing customer, a new regional product, HGM Vital Soil, made from residual and carbon-rich plant materials, was presented at the Weinberg Campus as part of the nationwide "Peat-Free Gardening" Week.

Anyone who gardens without peat knows the problem: the soil dries out quickly, and the water simply runs out of the bottom of the pot. Humin-Green-Mineral HGM Vital Soil addresses this issue. Thanks to an innovative blend of regional residual and plant materials, it retains water and nutrients almost as effectively as traditional peat-based soil. The special feature:

Thanks to humic substances from carbonated plant materials, it retains water and nutrients extremely efficiently, even without peat.
The structural material made from digestate fibers utilizes local residual materials from bioenergy production and the circular economy.
Its soil-building effect has even been successfully tested under the harshest desert conditions and on barren arable soils.

A consortium of three companies and a university has launched a pioneering project within the framework of the ZIM program (Central Innovation Program for SMEs) to develop flexible, sustainable insulation and absorption panels. The project is funded by the ZIM program and combines the expertise of GNS, Additivum, Lithium Designers GmbH, and the Institute for Printing Machines and Printing Processes (IDD) at TU Darmstadt.

The project “Development of shape-flexible insulation and absorption panels made from sustainable natural fibers using additive manufacturing and parametric design” represents a significant step towards sustainable building innovations and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Source: Lithium Designers GmbH

In our R&D projects, we offer student and professional internships in the field of sustainable products and processes within the bioeconomy. For example, we offer opportunities in the development of bio-based reaction mixtures for 3D printing applications. Even laboratory experiments can sometimes produce surprisingly beautiful results, such as this spontaneous star-like folding of an oil-like mass. The goal is to scale up development work from the laboratory to pilot plant scale.

We offer supervision for bachelor's and master's theses. Please contact us.

We look forward to receiving your application at info@gns-halle.de.

Municipal wastewater treatment plants are increasingly interested in reducing their energy consumption for wastewater treatment and sludge processing and in covering more of this demand through their own energy generation from anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge. The possibilities are numerous, but many process engineering challenges must also be addressed to unlock this potential.

A first step is to investigate the residual gas potential, which we determine in our laboratory through fermentation tests. Furthermore, an energy balance forms the basis for evaluating various technical options for process optimization. Co-fermentation or high-load anaerobic digestion also offer possibilities for increasing efficiency.

Our team is looking forward to collaborating on this project, where we will conduct the process engineering, economic and environmental assessment for implementation on an industrial scale and will be responsible for coordination.

Researchers from the German Biomass Research Centre (DBFZ) and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) have developed a process in which valuable organic acids are extracted from residual materials before use in a biogas plant and processed into sustainable products. This process is now being scaled up to a pilot scale in the "CapUp" project together with industrial partners.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).

Other industry partners: BALANCE Renewable Energies GmbH, VNG AG, Fuchs Lubricants Co., Kelterei Sachsenobst GmbH

F&E Project

Visit the website: www.dbfz.de

Sustainable fertilizers are produced from organic waste.

Within the abonocare® alliance, we have collaborated with partners from industry and research over the past few years on innovative solutions for utilizing previously wasted nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Together with other companies, we have demonstrated that new, environmentally friendly and resource-conserving technologies can generate economically viable recycling chains and sustainable fertilizer products, which can then be returned to agricultural production. A circular economy approach to agriculture can therefore be efficient, protect the environment, and also contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.

Visit the website: www.abonocare.de

Our model project for sustainable viticulture is entering its final phase. The scientific studies on the effects of Magaverde mulch paper in the vineyard in Freyburg-Unstrut over two years (2021/2022) are now being concluded with the yield measurements of the grapevines.

One thing is already certain: the biodegradable mulch papers reduce weed growth, retain soil moisture for longer, and improve the vitality and yield of the vines. Over the past two years, we have enjoyed excellent collaboration with the winegrowers and have been able to incorporate their experiences into our product development.

The project is funded by the BMWK as part of the "Unternehmen Revier" model project.

Many thousands of mats have already been delivered in Germany and France!

At the end of April, the Freyburg-Unstrut Winegrowers' Association began laying the first sustainable Magaverde® mulch mats and mulch papers as part of the "Sustainable Viticulture in the Saale-Unstrut Wine Region" pilot project (funded by the federal "Unternehmen Revier" program). The material, laid under the vines, is intended for use particularly on steep slopes and is designed to effectively prevent weed growth. At the same time, rainwater is channeled directly to the vine trunks, seeping through the mats, keeping the soil moist, and protecting it from drying out. This eliminates the need for herbicides such as glyphosate.

The project has already garnered significant attention and attracted considerable interest. There is also strong interest around Lake Constance and in various French regions, such as Champagne. We are particularly pleased about the collaboration with the German-French Societies (DFG) in Friedrichshafen and Halle (Saale). In autumn 2021, the DFG Halle will organize a German-French exchange of experiences on "Green Paths in Viticulture" (funded by the German-French Citizens' Fund "Fonds Citoyen Franco-Allemand").

How can you quickly find out if an empty gas cylinder is hazardous waste, and where to dispose of it? The Waste Assessment Information Portal (IPA) provides the answer. To ensure this information is always up-to-date, it is regularly updated. The waste fact sheet "1605 and 1501 Gases in pressure containers and used chemicals - Gases" has been revised by GNS on behalf of the Baden-Württemberg State Institute for the Environment (LUBW) and is now online. We have already revised several such fact sheets for the IPA portal.

www.abfallbewertung.org

Magaverde biofiber products help prevent microplastics from entering the environment, conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, are fully biodegradable, and recyclable. A wide variety of products and packaging can be created through paper production and fiber processing. Visit our website and become a partner or customer.

We now offer our sustainable products made from regional natural materials using an environmentally friendly cascade and circular economy together with partners on our new platform www.magaverde.de.

GNS is demonstrating innovative technologies for recovering plant nutrients from biogenic waste within the EU project SYSTEMIC. At five demonstration sites across Europe, the SYSTEMIC project showcases new approaches to utilizing biowaste for energy, secondary raw materials, fertilizers, and organic soil improvers. GNS has been participating as one of these five demonstration sites since 2017 with the FaserPlus plant at the BENAS biogas plant.

Learn more about the innovative nutrient recovery technologies on the project website and subscribe to the newsletter. These pioneering facilities play a crucial role in evaluating new technologies for closing material loops. SYSTEMIC will promote the implementation of closed-loop processes for biowaste in Europe. New video from Systemic: Watch the video or directly on YouTube

Joint project Biogas-Fiber-Plus

Following various technical adjustments to the equipment and settings, the pilot plant for ammonia removal from fibrous digestate was able to operate continuously at a throughput of 2 m³/h. Sample batches of biogas fibers were produced and delivered to the partner Kronospan. Initial sample panels were then manufactured from these biogas fibers. The material properties are now being investigated.

Parallel to the pilot plant's test operation, extensive physicochemical analyses of digestate and the influence of technical treatment steps on fiber quality were conducted. Based on these findings, the pilot plant will be further optimized. It is planned to deliver another sample batch of biogas fibers to Kronospan using the optimized pilot plant at the end of August/beginning of September 2016. Cluster News

Transporting digestate over long distances can be expensive. The production of transportable mineral fertilizers opens up new avenues for cost-effective and low-emission nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer management. At our digestate processing plants, approximately 320 kg/d of ammonium nitrogen are removed from 100 m³/d of digestate. This yields 5.5 m³ of ammonium sulfate fertilizer and 1.6 t of carbonate lime fertilizer. Apart from inexpensive FGD gypsum, no additives are used. Both products are approved fertilizers according to the German Fertilizer Ordinance (DüMV) and are produced with consistent quality.

Ammonium sulfate solution (ASL) is suitable as a combined nitrogen/sulfur fertilizer for all agricultural crops. The option of foliar spraying is particularly advantageous, as our product is non-corrosive. It can also be used in mixtures with other liquid fertilizers and plant protection products. Carbonate lime has a long-lasting effect and is especially suitable for liming and raising the pH of light and medium soils. It thus supports the nutrient uptake of other fertilizers. Due to the adhering ASL, the lime contains additional nitrogen and sulfur.

It is important to us to introduce young people to engineering and natural sciences (STEM subjects) and, in particular, to support the scientific approach to practical tasks and problem-solving. To this end, we supervise student internships, bachelor's and master's theses every year.

In 2023, we participated for the first time as supervisors in Jugend forscht Sachsen-Anhalt and supported a student in a project from the field of technology for over a year, who defended this with prizes for the project “Biofibers as packaging material”.

The requirements of climate protection and sustainability go hand in hand. We at GNS always keep these requirements in mind for our clients. For 30 years, we have been creating greenhouse gas (GHG) balances and life cycle assessments for processes and products.

In April 2022, we expanded our knowledge of the current requirements and standards for carbon footprinting and climate neutrality, receiving certification from the GUTcert Academy. This allows us to offer our customers even more support in climate management and sustainable product and process development. We assist you in creating and verifying the carbon footprint of companies, processes, and products, as well as with greenhouse gas balances, life cycle assessments, and related areas such as recyclability.

Ceremonial event at the Federal Environment Agency in Dessau

On November 17, 2016, the winners of the 2016 Saxony-Anhalt Environmental Alliance Award were announced and honored at a ceremony held at the Federal Environment Agency in Dessau. We received first prize in the "Concepts and Projects" category for our "FaserPlus" digestate processing system. The award was presented by the then-Minister of the Environment, Prof. Dr. Claudia Dalbert. The Saxony-Anhalt Environmental Alliance was established in 1999 as a voluntary agreement between the state government and industry. The alliance operates under the patronage of the Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt.

GNS presentation for the Environmental Alliance Award 2016

Watch the presentation on YouTube.

Events & Publications

November 19, 2025

BE-AM Symposium Formnext 2025, Frankfurt a.M.

September 16, 2025

trafo:agrar Conference 2025, Thünen Institute, Braunschweig

June 17, 2025

abonocare® conference at Fraunhofer IKTS, Dresden

March 31 to April 4, 2025

HANNOVER MESSE 2025 – Joint Stand C24 in Hall 2

26. November 2024

Sustainability meets history – GNS on the Weinberg Campus

13. - 18. May 2024

Delegation and citizens' trip as part of the Halle-Grenoble city partnership

25. April 2024

Presentation at the TecSAS network meeting at the DBFZ in Leipzig

22. November 2023

Presentation at the 22nd South German Biogas Conference in Ursbe

20.10.2023﻿

Products made from residual materials, presented at the ACC Forum 2023 in Ostritz

29.06.2023﻿

30 years of the Weinberg Campus Technology Park in Halle

20.06.23﻿

3rd abonocare® Conference in Leipzig

GNS celebrates its 25th company anniversary on April 25, 2023

March 29th and 31st, 2023

State competition “Jugend forscht” in Halle

21.01.2023

Sustainable products presented at the Central German Winegrowing Day in Naumburg

November 2022

BMBF Report: “Paper made from fermentation residue fibers”

July 2022

Presentations at the CARMEN Symposium (Straubing) and Biogas Information Days (Ulm)

June 21-23, 2022 in Leipzig

Poster presentation at the DBFZ Annual Conference

May 2nd, 2022 in Altenburg

We will be presenting projects at the 1st Central German Bioeconomy Congress.

We will be participating in the “Eco-Innovations with Biomass 2022” congress on March 17th & 18th.

30.09.2021

VDI Colloquium “How clean is our drinking water?”

06.07.2021﻿

2nd online conference abonocare® Sustainable nutrient recycling from organic waste

11.02.2021

Presentation at the DFTA specialist symposium “Alternative Packaging Materials”

16.09.2020

Poster presentation by GNS at the online DBFZ annual conference on September 16, 2020

16.09.2020

1. abonocare - Conference

15.01.2020

Green hydrogen needs secure distribution networks, VDI colloquium on January 15, 2020

With the VDI on site in Bitterfeld-Wolfen on January 15, 2020.

﻿

03./04.12.2019

GNS at the Biogas Congress 2019, December 3rd/4th, 2019 in St. Pölten

August 2019

Companies introduce themselves, August 2019

September 2019

Nutrients from fermentation products, article in the environmental magazine September 2019

07.06.2019

World improvers from Halle, newspaper article about the SYSTEMIC meeting in Halle, June 7, 2019

4/2019

Nutrient Recovery International, article in "Energy from Plants" 4/2019

26.09.2018

Future Workshop Rural Bioeconomy, September 26, 2018

30.08.2018

Biogas conference in Heiden, August 30, 2018

05. – 07.04.2017

GNS with the TKoR network at terratec, April 5-7, 2017

October 18-20, 2016 in Glasgow

The European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy, 18. – 20.10. 2016

Fiber production from biogas plants is applicable on an industrial scale

New projects & project information

April 13, 2026

Product presentation for the Peat-Free Gardening Week (March 13-22)

June 2025

New results from the collaborative project 3D printing with sustainable biomaterials

July 2024﻿

Innovation in 3D printing: Sustainable insulation and absorption panels made from natural fibers

June 2024

Student internships

December 2023

20.10.2023

29.06.2023

20.06.23

06.07.2021

July 2024