At Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (h_da), a group of researchers from various disciplines have joined forces in the Materials and Process Engineering Research Center to put the development of plastics and building materials on a more sustainable footing. The range of applications extends from sausage packaging and adhesive closures to components for aircraft and civil engineering with lightweight concrete. The group has already received funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG) for its international networking in this field. A joint project was recognized by the state of Hesse as one of the best in the Distr@l funding program.