Institute of Bioenergy and Resource Efficiency

School of Engineering and Environment

The energetic utilisation of biomass and the optimisation of material and energy flows are the focus of our scientific work.

We are working on the clean and efficient energy supply of the future in the fields of alternative fuels, combustion research and resource efficiency. Together with our partners in business and science, we design products that are environmentally friendly and at the same time strengthen Switzerland as a business location.

Our institute is jointly supported by the FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland and the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, the largest research institution for natural sciences and engineering in Switzerland.

Research focus areas

"Within the CCUS project, we were able to count on the support of the Institute of Bioenergy and Resource Efficiency. The cooperation was very pleasant. The team is very competent and responded flexibly to the client's needs. The implementation of the project was efficient and effective. Using an interactive and agile approach, the objectives were met quickly and in line with the client's needs. At the end, a complete handover (including a short training) of the product took place, so that the product can continue to be used by Holcim."

Laurent Seyler, Head of Process Innovation, Holcim Technology Ltd

Selected projects

We support innovative companies in exploring the latest technologies and methods and in bringing them into practice. We collaborate with national and international research partners and facilitate access to funding opportunities such as Innosuisse projects or EU research programmes.

PyroScale: Pathways to Upscale Biochar Projects

How can biochar help to permanently store CO₂ – while at the same time improving agricultural livelihoods and soil fertility?

Institute: Institute of Bioenergy and Resource Efficiency
Research field: Electrical engineering

Sustainable recycling of glassfiber reinforced plastic

Plastic waste represents valuable resources. By recycling them and returning them to the materials cycle, we make our contribution to a more sustainable economy and at the same time protect our environment. Our focus is on the recycling of glass fiber-reinforced thermosets.

Institute: Institute of Polymer Engineering, Institute of Bioenergy and Resource Efficiency
Research field: Micro- and nano-technology, Energy and environment

Retrofit wood gas burner

A research team at FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland is developing a wood gas burner with which old oil-fired heating systems can easily be retrofitted.

News

Mitigating of Macro- and Micro-Plastics in Agriculture Soils using Hyperspectral Imaging (MIRACLE)

The Institute of Biomass and Resource Efficiency FHNW recently successfully launched the SNF Practice-to-Science project Miracle. The results of the research will enable decision-makers from cantons, federal agencies, industry, environmental organizations and farmers to make long-term predictions about the impact of plastics in the environment using simple and effective means.

Date: 5.6.2025
Institute: Institute of Bioenergy and Resource Efficiency

AI Microscope for Microplastics and Counterfeit Detection: High-Tech Made in Switzerland

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW has developed a novel microscope that uses artificial intelligence not only to detect microscopic plastic particles but also to automatically count them. Originally designed for environmental research, this innovative system is now opening up new and exciting possibilities in fields like forensics and industrial quality control – such as the detection of counterfeit coins or watches.

Date: 25.6.2025
Institute: Institute of Bioenergy and Resource Efficiency

Resource Efficiency

Resource-efficient products and processes continuously open up new markets and provide manufacturing companies with a competitive advantage. Together with our partners, we develop innovative methods and technologies to specifically manage and optimize material and energy flows.

At the core of successful business management lies the question of how to generate the highest possible added value with limited resources. In this field, our experts have gained many years of experience in national and international projects. With their expertise, they support project partners in producing more cost-effectively and in a more environmentally friendly way. This is particularly relevant in the context of current developments such as Industry 4.0 and electric mobility.

Our work focuses in particular on:

Development of resource-efficient products
Optimization of production processes
Monitoring and assessment of material flows
Recovery of valuable raw materials from complex mixtures

Competencies

Analysis of optimization potential in production processes and products (material flow and energy analyses, life cycle assessment, technology comparisons, efficiency potential analyses, benchmarking, etc.)

Optimization of production processes and products with regard to resource efficiency

Separation technologies for recyclable materials

Development of new recycling technologies

Optimization of the efficiency of existing recycling systems

Cost analysis and scenario studies for material flow management of different materials (plastics, green waste, etc.)

Laboratories

The Institute for Biomass and Resource Efficiency FHNW has state-of-the-art laboratory and simulation infrastructure.

Laboratory for Microplastics and Pollutant Imaging

The Laboratory for Microplastics and Pollutant Imaging focuses on the detection, analysis, and research of microplastics and pollutants in various environments, such as soils or recycled fertilizers.

Laboratory for Emission Measurements

In the laboratory for emission measurements, we support you with our infrastructure to measure and characterise gas and particle emissions from thermal decomposition processes.

Combustion Laboratory

The FHNW's combustion laboratory offers extensive infrastructure for carrying out thermal decomposition processes in a controlled manner and recording all material and energy flows.

Catalytic Process Engineering (CPE) Labs

Biomass Chemistry Lab

The biomass chemistry laboratory of the Institute of Bioenergy and Resource Efficiency offers you optimal equipment for a variety of biomass experiments and their analysis.

Accredited test centre for Wood firing systems STS 0396

The testing centre for wood-burning stoves is accredited as a type C laboratory by the Swiss Accreditation Service SAS. A type C laboratory is authorised to develop and validate its own test procedures and have these procedures accredited and can therefore respond much more flexibly to the specific needs of customers.

Network and partners

The Institute of Bioenergy and Resource Efficiency has links with numerous companies and organisations both at home and abroad.

Selected research networks

Selected industry partners

Selected funding bodies

About us

Team members of the institute

The interdisciplinary team at the Institute of Bioenergy and Resource Efficiency is made up of specialists from the fields of mechanical engineering, energy engineering, chemical engineering, physics and natural sciences.

Team members of the institute