Department of
Technical Systems,
Processes and
Communication

Studieninteressierte Papier- und Verpackungstechnik

Biofibres and Paper

High-tech meets sustainability: Discover this hidden gem amongst degree programmes!

You can find general information about our degree programme here

Sustainable Materials and Product Design

Further information on the degree programme

High-tech

Bio-based fibres in paper form are part of our everyday lives. However, the global high-tech industries behind them are less well known. Modern paper machines, which are more complex than jumbo jets, produce paper at speeds of over 2,000 m/min, up to 10 m wide and less than 0.1 mm thick. Every day, they produce 2,450 km of paper web – roughly the distance from Stockholm to Sicily.

Sustainable and Innovative

The use of recycled paper as a raw material is on the rise. Germany is a global leader with a recycling rate of over 70 per cent and provides the paper industry with technologies for producing high-quality paper made from 100 per cent recycled biofibres. Companies are constantly refining existing products and processes and creating new solutions for the 3,000 different types of paper, with a focus on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

Top-quality, practically-oriented training

Hochschule München is one of the largest centres of education for biofibres and paper production in Europe. Students from Germany and abroad account for over 50 per cent of all Bachelor’s graduates in paper technology in the German-speaking world. Practice-oriented teaching, internships and industry contacts provide insights into future careers, with the aim being: ‘not just knowledge, but practical skills too’.

Excellent study conditions

Substantial investment by the paper industry in existing plant and equipment, as well as the university’s own affiliated institute with a state-of-the-art experimental paper machine, demonstrate to students what is possible today. Small study groups and a personal relationship with the lecturers – all of whom have industry experience themselves – further contribute to the overall excellent study conditions.

Course structure

In the first two semesters, students learn the fundamentals of natural sciences and engineering. Semesters 3 and 4 cover subjects such as process engineering, paper chemistry and pulp. The fifth semester is a practical semester. In the sixth semester, students choose specialist and general science modules. The final semester focuses on the bachelor's thesis, which is carried out within a company, alongside compulsory-elective and compulsory modules.

Network

Students are offered a wide range of extracurricular events and networking opportunities. These include numerous networking events, as well as access to (international) conferences, the chance to take part in field trips, and regular talks by companies and subject experts.

Accreditation

The degree programme is accredited by the Accreditation Council Foundation.

What our students and alumni have to say

Anna Lexa studied Sustainable Materials and Product Design, specialising in Biofibres and Paper.

"After finishing my A-levels, I wanted to study something technical. Sustainability was also important to me, as was the fact that it wasn’t a large, impersonal degree programme. What I love about the paper engineering course is its practical focus, with plenty of hands-on work in the labs, the camaraderie amongst us, and how varied the subjects are."

Mirna Bekic studied Sustainable Materials and Product Design, specialising in Biofibres and Paper.

"After completing my technical FOS, I wanted to study something to do with chemistry, biology or technology. I then heard about this degree programme through friends. What I enjoy most are the laboratory practicals. I love observing how differently different fibres react to the same treatment. You definitely need to have a certain forward-thinking mindset for this degree programme."

David Blazevic studied Sustainable Materials and Product Design, specialising in Biofibres and Paper.

“One of the programme’s great strengths is its friendly, close-knit atmosphere. Anyone who is determined to see the programme through will certainly not be let down. I can highly recommend this course – especially to those who enjoy technology and want to work in an innovative way.”

Paulina Hahn studied Sustainable Materials and Product Design, specialising in Biofibres and Paper.

"For me, studying paper technology was the right decision. It’s a practically-oriented course with lots of field trips and excellent insights into the industry. Even today, I’m still fascinated by the paper machines – their sheer size and speed."

Christoph Kümpel, graduate

"At first, I didn’t think I was up to the challenge of studying: I come from a small village and used to work in a factory. Through a vocational training programme, I first completed a bachelor's degree and later a master's degree in Paper Technology. I learnt an incredible amount along the way."

Elisabeth Bytomski studied Sustainable Materials and Product Design, specialising in Biofibres and Paper.

"I chose this degree programme because I’m interested in sustainable materials and how they’re produced. It’s a great combination of engineering, chemistry and environmental sciences, and the paper and biofibre industry offers plenty of career opportunities."

Student Advice Centre

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Jürgen Belle Room: G 3.34

T +49 89 1265-1572

Email
Profile

Further information

Visit the Aktivitas website

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