EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The staggering number of plastic products and their dominance in almost every industry have posed a threat to the environment for the past two centuries. However, our dependence on plastic does not allow us to simply get rid of it. Now, Greiner Zeroplast is facing this challenge with developing a sustainable alternative for the future.

Goal

The main goal of the project was to identify a suitable application field for the biobased material Zeroplast developed by Greiner Zeroplast. To accomplish this goal, potential application fields were evaluated, and the most attractive ones were analyzed in detail. Particularly, the use benefits of the material and the wants and needs from potential customers were of major importance.

Methodology

Throughout this project the Technological Competence Leveraging Method was used. In the first step, use benefits of the material were identified to find out which benefits but also limitations it has. Afterwards, more than 30 interviews were conducted. Through these interviews, the needs and expectations of customers across different industries were identified. Together with secondary research and brainstorming by the team potential applications fields were identified. Afterwards, the most promising application fields were selected and further analyzed. This analysis took general market information, key competitors, and special requirements for the industry into account.

Results

Through the conducted interviews and secondary research, 26 potential application fields for Zeroplast were identified. Especially the garden industry, cosmetic industry, single-use tableware and urns turned out to be the most attractive application fields for Zeroplast. What is more, the research reveals that all these industries can be suitable for the material since its production process is easily adaptable. However, the single-use tableware was identified to be the least attractive industry. These first industry analyses will help Greiner Zeroplast to take the first steps towards the right market.

Cooperation Partner

• Greiner Innoventures GmbH
  Praterstraße 1/23, 1020 Wien
  Austria
  www.greiner-innoventures.com

Contact Person

• Ahmed Hemeada
  ahmed.hemeada@greiner-innoventures.com

Student Team

• Linda Friedwagner

• Sarah Ebner

• Paul Henke

• Paula Dobernig

• Alicia Sabathiel

• Linda Isimbi

• Erik Oostendorp

Student Team

• Klaus Marhold

• Sophie Quach