# Fraunhofer IGB industrial decarbonization research > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fraunhofer-igb-industrial-decarbonization-research > Updated: 2026-08-12T06:13:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Researchers at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology (IGB) are developing technologies to decarbonize industrial processes. Through the LowCarbDry project, conducted in partnership with Evonik Operations GmbH and the Pergande Group, researchers have developed a process that replaces conventional hot-air drying with electrically powered superheated steam. By utilizing a closed-loop system with heat-pump technology and mechanical vapor recompression, the method can reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 80%. This technology is intended for various sectors, including the chemical, food, and cement industries. In addition to drying advancements, the SAFE-CO2 project—a consortium including the University of Saarland and ZSW—is working on polymer-based membrane adsorbers. These thermoresponsive membranes aim to capture CO2 from air and exhaust gases more economically by requiring minimal regeneration heat and maintaining low pressure drops. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-12: Fraunhofer IGB develops energy-efficient carbon capture and industrial drying technologies Fraunhofer IGB researchers are developing energy-efficient technologies for carbon capture using membrane adsorbers and decarbonizing industrial drying through superheated steam and heat pumps. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fraunhofer-igb-develops-energy-efficient-carbon-capture-and-industrial-drying-technologies ### 2026-08-04: Fraunhofer IGB's LowCarbDry steam drying cuts industrial energy use up to 80% Fraunhofer IGB's LowCarbDry replaces hot‑air drying with superheated steam, cutting industrial energy use by up to 80% and enabling heat reuse, in partnership with Evonik and Pergande. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fraunhofer-igbs-lowcarbdry-steam-drying-cuts-industrial-energy-use-up-to-80 --- Cite as: Fraunhofer IGB industrial decarbonization research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fraunhofer-igb-industrial-decarbonization-research