Orbis: How a Salzburg Startup Is Paving the Way for Recycling in Construction
Date: 28.8.2025
Focus Topic: Support for Green Tech and Sustainable Materials
When buildings are dismantled, they generate mountains of waste – including large quantities of thermal insulation materials made of expanded polystyrene (EPS). Although EPS is lightweight, durable, and affordable, it is difficult to separate from other materials and therefore almost impossible to recycle. As a result, it is usually disposed of as mixed waste and incinerated. This not only wastes valuable resources but also harms the climate.
The Salzburg-based startup Orbis Development recognized this problem and decided to act. Founded by an interdisciplinary team with backgrounds in engineering, design, and sustainability, Orbis pursues a clear goal: to make the deconstruction of buildings more sustainable and to enable the reuse of materials like EPS. Their solution is a specially developed device that can be mounted on an excavator and makes it possible for the first time to mechanically and cleanly remove insulation materials from building façades.
It is no coincidence that Orbis is now regarded as a promising pioneer for sustainable construction. The company’s success is built on several pillars: targeted support from Innovation Salzburg, participation in the FACTORY+ incubation program by Startup Salzburg, successful funding from aws ("Building(s) Tomorrow"), and above all, the ability to form strong partnerships. Together with PORR Umwelttechnik, Baumit, Austrotherm, and Salzburg Wohnbau, Orbis assembled a consortium that bridges the gap between innovation and practical application. The prototype was successfully tested under real-world conditions.
The societal benefit is substantial: When insulation materials can be reused instead of becoming hazardous waste, circular construction becomes a reality. Orbis demonstrates how regional innovation can make a tangible contribution to climate transformation – made in Salzburg.
A crucial role in this development was played by the Innovation Salzburg network and the network incubator Startup Salzburg, which is part of it. By connecting startups, research institutions, industry, and public organizations, they create the collaborative foundation that makes innovation possible in the first place.
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Innovation Salzburg: info@innovation-salzburg.at