"Youth Tests": Second Place for Leonard and Nicolas Out of Well Over 1,000 Projects - Steinmühle

With scientific precision, homemade testing equipment, and surprising findings, young researchers impressed the expert jury at Stiftung Warentest’s renowned “Jugend testet” competition. Among a total of 1,103 submitted tests involving more than 3,700 participants —a new record—Steinmühlen students Leonard Berger and Nicolas Bohnstedt secured an outstanding second place in the 10th–13th grade category with their research on sustainable alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastic wrap! Together with their advisor, Dr. Jutta Töhl-Borsdorf, they traveled to Berlin for the awards ceremony.

In-house production of biofilms

Leonard and Nicolas tested 20 different types of plastic wrap and produced their own biodegradable wraps. Their conclusion: While conventional wraps have good performance characteristics, they harm the environment—and some “eco-products” turn out to be nothing more than greenwashing.

A six-member panel of experts

Steinmühle congratulates the team on their outstanding ranking, which was determined by a six-member jury of experts from the fields of science and journalism.

2,000 euros in prize money

The award came with a cash prize of 2,000 euros. In addition, there was a very appealing supporting program; “the foundation really went out of its way,” reports Dr. Jutta Töhl-Borsdorf.
For example, attendees were invited to see the musical *Romeo & Juliet* at the Theater des Westens and to participate in a city scavenger hunt in Kreuzberg.

The awards ceremony, featuring a magician and very heartfelt laudatory speeches, is also fondly remembered: “A wonderful experience for everyone involved.”