German Innovators Tackle Hops Waste with Sustainable Solutions

A Munich-based startup and hop researchers are turning hops waste into building materials and creating new hop varieties to reduce environmental impact.

HopfON, a startup founded by students from the Technical University of Munich, is transforming hops waste into products like acoustic panels and thermal insulation.
The startup aims to reduce waste in the construction and beer industries by using the leaves, spines, and vines left over from hops harvests.
The Society of Hop Research in Bavaria is breeding new hop varieties that produce less waste while maintaining the quality needed for brewing.
For every 1 kilogram of hops used in brewing, 3.5 kilograms of biomass is typically wasted, contributing significantly to environmental issues.
HopfON's circular model allows customers to return products for recycling, further minimizing waste and promoting sustainability in the construction sector.