Viennese students working towards a cleaner future

VIENNA, May 28, 2025 - Three HTL diploma theses on responsible treatment of resources and innovative plastic waste treatment demonstrate how local schools are pushing the boundaries of plastic research. The students' outstanding achievements have now been recognized at the 20th Borealis Innovation Awards ceremony.

Plastics are often perceived as problematic by the general public, with no other class of materials generating as much debate. Careless handling and improper disposal of plastics in the environment are particular causes for concern.
It is therefore all the more commendable that three diploma theses at TGM have addressed these challenges and developed solutions for the sustainable use of plastics.

Environmental awareness meets innovative spirit

Magdalena Heigl and Laura Lippach dealt with the recycling of plastic films from the construction sector in their work. In addition to packaging films, the two students also investigated vapor barriers, which are made up of many different materials. Thanks to material separation and the use of suitable additives, high-quality films can be produced again from residual materials during recycling. The expert jury rewarded this work with first place.

Viktoria Boga and Migitty Iskenderian impressed the expert jury with their investigation into the biodegradation of plastics by fungi. While the two students were analyzing plastic waste, they discovered a fungus that can apparently feed on plastics. They isolated this fungus and discovered that a variety of plastics can be degraded by this type of fungus. With this discovery, the two researchers secured second place.

Sebastian Fischer dedicated his diploma thesis to the goal of reducing water consumption in agriculture. To this end, the HTL graduate developed a biodegradable agricultural film that stores water and releases it back into the environment during dry periods. The innovative films not only have a positive effect on water consumption, but can also be plowed into the soil at the end of the cultivation period. The components of the film thus act as a soil conditioner.

"It is wonderful to see that the young students at TGM are focusing on sustainability in their research projects," said Markus Horcher, Vice President Sustainability & Public Affairs at Borealis, visibly enthusiastic at the award ceremony in front of around 150 guests from industry and commerce in the TGM ballroom. "This spirit of innovation reflects the industry's conscious responsibility for a sustainable future. Borealis, as a long-standing partner of the TGM, is therefore delighted to honor this great work."

Training as an important building block for a sustainable future

The correct use and recycling of materials is a central part of training at TGM. However, sustainable solutions require the cooperation of all those involved. Industry sees itself as having a responsibility to use materials sensibly and consumers are called upon to dispose of their waste correctly.

The unifying link is training young people to develop sustainable solutions for tomorrow and to use, dispose of and recycle them responsibly. This is the only way to contribute to a comprehensive circular economy.

2nd place

Diploma thesis: Degradation of plastics by naturally occurring fungi
Project team: Viktoria Boga, Migitty Iskenderian
Company partner: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences

Short summary:
Viktoria Boga and Migitty Iskenderian developed a system for identifying fungi that are capable of decomposing plastic as part of their diploma thesis. Plastics such as PMMA, PP, PVC and PE were examined. The fungi Trichoderma and Fusarium were identified as degradation organisms. The young researchers have thus found natural organisms that even "eat" particularly durable and barely biodegradable plastics.

The project was carried out in cooperation with the BiMM research network at BOKU and the state of Lower Austria.

3rd place

Diploma thesis: Functionalization of biodegradable agricultural films
Project team: Sebastian Fischer Company partner: Gabriel-Chemie GmbH

Short summary:
Water is an important commodity. However, agriculture accounts for the largest share of fresh water used worldwide. Around 70% is used for irrigation and literally seeps into the ground. And due to climate change, this consumption is constantly increasing.

The agricultural films functionalized by Sebastian Fischer contain water-retaining additives and are up to 100% bio-based. This allows the plants to be supplied with water during dry periods, as well as complete biodegradation, which also improves water absorption and soil structure in the long term. The films developed in collaboration with Gabriel-Chemie therefore represent an environmentally friendly and resource-saving alternative to conventional agricultural films.

END

This news was published by TGM as a media release on May 28, 2025.

It is also available in German language.