For years, the CO₂ produced by biomethane plants was considered little more than a waste gas. Today, however, more and more industrial sectors are looking for it, from carbonated beverages (yes, even beer) to the chemical industry. According to Peter Kornatz, Head of Biochemical Conversion & Anaerobic Processes at the German Biomass Research Center, the potential is huge, and the market could grow significantly in the next 5–10 years. The main challenge remains cost: transporting, compressing, and liquefying CO₂ is expensive, and quality requirements, especially for food applications, are very strict. That’s why research centers like the German Biomass Research Center are working to make these technologies more efficient and competitive compared to fossil alternatives.