New technologies, innovative projects, and creative ideas as a roadmap for the future – presented by small and medium-sized enterprises on June 5, 2025 in Berlin at the SME Innovation Day hosted by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) with the theme “Shaping the future now!”. Mainz University of Applied Sciences will be represented by the Timber and Plastics Research Group headed by Prof. Dr. Kay-Uwe Schober.
The collaborative project WoodProtect, an innovative renovation system for timber structures in existing buildings, will be presented. The system sustainably protects damaged wooden supports in contact with soil or water from biological decay, improves the load-bearing capacity, and prolongs the service life of the building components. It is based on a biocomposite material developed at Mainz University of Applied Sciences, which boasts impressive weather resistance and structural properties. The renovation system is executed with a specially developed, modular formwork system that can be used by regional carpentry companies without requiring special tools. The targeted replacement of only the damaged parts of the structure minimizes the impact on the building substance, reduces waste, and avoids the need for time-consuming dismantling measures. With WoodProtect, Mainz University of Applied Sciences is helping to develop practical, sustainable solutions for existing buildings and making a contribution to safeguarding the future of buildings and resources.
The SME Innovation Day offers more than just project presentations, it provides comprehensive information and consulting on innovation programs while fostering professional exchanges among representatives from the worlds of business, research, and politics in an inspiring environment. In addition to Mainz University of Applied Sciences, approximately 300 exhibitors are invited to present their pioneering developments at this Berlin event. The WoodProtect project received funding support from the BMWK.
The innovative WoodProtect process was also showcased just days earlier at LIGNA, the world’s leading trade fair for woodworking and wood processing, held in Hanover.
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