Innovative scientist receives research award for sustainable plastics

Innovative scientist receives research award for sustainable plastics

A particularly innovative project has recently been pushed forward at the heart of Aalen University. Professor Iman Taha was honored with the 2025 Research Prize, which not only underlines her outstanding achievement as an academic, but also focuses on sustainable developments in plastics technology. Taha, who has been teaching at the university since 2021, is a pioneer in her field and founded the Institute for Sustainable Polymers and Composites (iSPC). Their commitment to third-party funded projects is considerable and speaks for their pioneering role in research into environmentally friendly, recyclable plastics. They are particularly distinguished by academic excellence and a strong connection to their students. She says herself: “I am super curious” and is constantly looking for new challenges in teaching and research.

Taha developed the RewitAl project, which deals with the recycling of plastics from synthetic turf pitches. This clearly shows how important collaboration with various institutions is to her. This pioneering project is supported by the state of Baden-Württemberg and the EU, which underlines the commitment to sustainability at the regional level. For Taha, her job is not only fun, but it also motivates her to implement new ideas and get her students excited about the topic.

Sustainability in plastics technology

The challenges surrounding plastics should not be underestimated. According to a report by Fraunhofer UMSICHT, the environmental impact of the production and use of plastics is significant. While these materials are versatile and cost-effective, their production creates significant greenhouse gas emissions and waste problems that can no longer be ignored. Professor Manfred Renner emphasizes the need for sustainable design and use, which Taha also pursues in her research work in the iSPC. Together with other researchers, she developed a white paper on transforming plastics production, which looks at the entire supply chain and calls for profound changes.

A holistic change process is necessary because the identification of four strategic fields (Narrowing, Operating, Slowing and Closing the Loop) is crucial for the transition from a linear to a circular economy. In the best case scenario, not only can raw materials be conserved, but the valuable properties of the plastics can also be preserved.

Recycling – Shaping the future

Fraunhofer IAP sets high standards when it comes to recycling. A consistently high recycling rate of 50% for packaging is on the agenda here by 2025, which in combination with a recycled content of 25% in bottles represents a concrete challenge. Support Taha and her colleagues in finding creative solutions. The use of innovative processes for the recovery of plastics is also considered in order to address sustainability goals in the industry.

Some of the biggest challenges in chemical recycling are the required level of purity of the recovered monomers and the need for new purification processes. A vision for the world of plastics in 2050 is already emerging: closed cycles for plastics and completely biodegradable products are the goal. Taha is certain that the combination of research, policy and citizen engagement can bring this vision closer.

The path to a more sustainable future for plastics is clear. But whether we succeed in achieving these challenging goals will depend crucially on the joint efforts of science, industry and society. And here the commitment of personalities like Iman Taha and their innovative approach is priceless.