"Innovative Valorization of Aquatic Plants from the Danube Region in a Decentralized Biorefinery

In light of urgent climate and environmental challenges, the transition from a petroleum-based industry to a biobased circular economy is of great importance. A key aspect of this transition is the increased utilization of non-wood and currently "undervalued" biomass streams to meet future biomass demand and mitigate ecological damage caused by unsustainable forestry. The InnoWAP project aims to develop an innovative value-creation strategy for utilizing locally available aquatic plants. The focus is on submerged aquatic plants from the Alte and Neue Donau in Vienna, as well as emergent plants, especially reeds, from Lake Neusiedl. Sustainable management of these aquatic plants is essential to prevent siltation, avoid negative impacts on ecosystems, and ensure the usability of water bodies. In Vienna alone, approximately 3,000 to 4,000 tons of submerged aquatic plants are harvested annually, resulting in harvest and disposal costs of around 2 million euros. Currently, this biomass is primarily composted, despite BOKU research showing that these plants can be processed into paper and packaging materials. Additionally, aquatic plants are removed from watercourses as part of flood protection efforts. Due to the seasonal availability and short fiber length of submerged plants, the project also investigates long-fibered reeds, of which approximately 5,000 tons are harvested annually at Lake Neusiedl, representing less than 10% of the available potential. InnoWAP's goal is to develop a sustainable and decentralized valorization strategy to convert the harvested aquatic plants into value-added products. By developing an ecologically and economically sustainable on-site processing method, transport and storage costs can be minimized, enabling circular use in line with the principles of a circular economy. The project aims to collaborate with industrial and research partners (Industry: Flatz, NaKu, Lenzing AG, Berky, Lenzing Papier; Research institutes: BOKU, FOTEC, TU Graz, WoodK+) to process aquatic plants into specialty papers, textile fibers, food trays, and packaging materials. The use of aquatic plants is of high relevance both nationally and internationally and has garnered significant public interest. The processing method developed in the project is intended to be applicable to a wide range of similar biomass streams. The technologies developed in InnoWAP will integrate the use of aquatic plants into the circular economy, increasing regional value creation while simultaneously contributing to CO₂ emission reduction. Due to the growing rates of aquatic plants, driven by eutrophication and climate change, efficient management of affected water bodies is of international importance. The developed technologies are thus forward-looking and will strengthen Austria’s economy in the long term.