INGUMA – Reducing the footprint of consumer products through public dialogue and innovative bio-based materials

Development of innovative bio-based materials and products based on the values of the New European Bauhaus (NEB)

Sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetics – the values of the New European Bauhaus are at the core of the four-year INGUMA project. The aim is to replace mineral and fossil building materials with innovative bio-based materials for green roof systems. Structured co-creation processes, guided by the core values of the NEB, enable stakeholders to contribute their insights and actively participate in the development of bio-based construction materials.

As part of the project, material kits will be developed, consisting of insulation materials based on functionalized fibers, plywood panels with bio-based adhesives, and products derived from fungal mycelium. The entire development process follows the core values of the NEB, implemented through co-creation labs that provide a platform for stakeholder engagement. This structured process allows stakeholders to contribute their insights and actively participate in the development of bio-based construction materials. At the same time, this approach maximizes the acceptance of the developed materials, products, and solutions by end users and consumers.

The aim of INGUMA is to reduce the ecological footprint of consumer goods through public dialogue and innovative bio-based materials.

• Technical objectives: Development of building materials from bio-based raw materials and the use of living organisms in building materials through integrated processes, followed by upscaling and demonstration of the developed materials and products;
• Social objectives: Promoting the acceptance of bio-based construction materials among consumers and public institutions;
• Environmental objectives: Promoting a circular economy, avoiding incineration, and implementing an ambitious circular strategy for the developed materials and products;
• Market objectives: Ensuring the reproducibility of INGUMA's bio-based solutions to pave the way for market acceptance and demonstrate cost efficiency;

To achieve the project's aims, the FNR plays a key role in leading WP2, " Social and environmental co-creation for the engagement of stakeholders and end-users". The FNR organizes comprehensive participation processes, ensuring active participation in the product development process and maximizing the acceptance of the developed materials, products, and solutions by end-users and consumers.

Project duration: 01/2024 – 12/2027

Further information: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101135070

Contact person at FNR: Dr Gabriele Ehmcke

INGUMA is funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under project no. 101135070