Mid-Term Reflections 2025: Closing Phy2Climate, Relaunching CALMA-TEC
As we reach the summer solstice and the midpoint of 2025, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on two defining chapters of my recent professional path — and to look ahead with curiosity and energy.
Wrapping Up Phy2Climate: From Research to Real-World Potential
After 4.5 years of deep involvement, the Phy2Climate project is now entering its final phase. It’s been a rewarding journey, exploring how phytoremediation — using plants to clean contaminated soils — can align with sustainable biofuel production.
In the final stretch, much of our focus has been on translating technical insights into viable business models. We’ve seen strong interest from stakeholders in Germany, Spain, and Serbia — regions where the synergy between land restoration and renewable energy holds real promise. A highlight was our project meeting in March at the Aurubis site in Lünen, Germany — a leading hub for metallurgy, recycling, and copper smelting. The exchange was highly insightful.
Sharing what we’ve learned — through deliverables, stakeholder dialogues, and strategic workshops — has been central in recent months. I believe the groundwork is now in place for future real-world applications. Culminating this phase, it was a great experience to present our findings at the final project conference in Florence, Italy — a fitting setting to share results and celebrate the journey.
About the Phy2Climate Project
Phy2Climate is a European research and innovation project that explores how phytoremediation — the process of using plants to clean contaminated soils — can be combined with the production of advanced biofuels. The goal: to reclaim marginal land while contributing to the energy transition in a sustainable and circular way.
The project brought together partners from academia, industry, and policy across Europe and beyond to develop, test, and assess integrated value chains — from soil-cleaning crops to energy-ready biofuels. Phy2Climate also addressed regulatory, economic, and environmental aspects to pave the way for real-world applications.
👉 Learn more at: www.phy2climate.eu
CALMA-TEC: A Return with Purpose
At the end of last year, I rejoined our family company, CALMA-TEC noise-protection systems — a business I’ve remained closely connected to over the years. Since then, much has taken shape. A successful project in Hungary, focused on top-element noise barriers, reaffirmed the strength of our solutions and their practical relevance. The relaunch of our website marked a fresh, focused direction, and new ties in Poland, the UK, and Italy are opening the door to future collaboration.
We’re currently preparing crucial acoustic studies on the performance of noise barrier top elements — a key milestone as we scale our PIN technology internationally. This phase feels like both a return and a fresh start, rooted in experience and propelled by renewed momentum.
About CALMA‑TEC Noise‑Protection Systems
This family business has developed highly innovative noise‑barrier solutions for both road and rail infrastructure, specializing in the PIN top‑element (see picture) — the company’s signature performance booster. This lightweight product is designed to significantly increase acoustic protection.
Backed by over 25 years of development and real‑world testing, CALMA‑TEC’s system features durable materials and smart structural design. Whether retrofitting existing walls or enhancing new builds, CALMA‑TEC’s solutions prioritize sustainability, ease of installation, and high performance.
👉 Learn more at: www.calma-tec.com
What’s Next?
As both projects evolve, I remain open to new challenges. Whether in innovation, sustainability, or strategic development, I’m always looking for initiatives that combine technical insight with social and environmental impact.
If you’re working on something where this mindset resonates, I’d be happy to connect.