Thomas Sepperer

Thomas Sepperer is a Researcher at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences within the Design and Green Engineering school, affiliated with the Salzburg Center for Smart Materials 2.0 (SCSM 2.0). His work focuses on converting biomass like tree bark and agricultural residues into sustainable materials.

His research spans Sustainable Materials, Bio-based Polymers, Waste Valorization, Green Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, and Circular Economy. He specializes in tannin-furanic foams, bio-urns, and insulation boards derived from composted wood residues, with strong emphasis on life-cycle assessments and circular economy principles.

Recent publications reveal a strategic shift toward biomedical applications of bark extracts (antioxidant and wound-healing properties) while maintaining core work on sustainable construction materials and packaging solutions.

Scientific awards:

• Recognition Award for Outstanding Master's Theses (2019)

Sepperer leads Bio-Urnen and co-leads BioTransVP projects while contributing to SCSM 2.0 and Circular Wood initiatives, securing significant external funding for bio-based material development and waste valorization.

He is integral to the Green Materials and Processing research group at SCSM 2.0, collaborating closely with Thomas Schnabel on tannin-based polymer systems and participating in international conferences including the Bioeconomy Austria Summit.