The Polymeric Surfaces Alliance (POLO) pools the core competences of seven Fraunhofer Institutes in the development of polymer products with functional surfaces, barrier layers or thin films. This strategic and operative collaboration is supported by a joint marketing approach. The alliance thus broadens significantly the range of activities that can be offered by each individual institute.

The alliance works to achieve concrete results in preliminary development and secures the relevant industrial property rights for polymer products that have new or significantly enhanced properties. Products already developed in the areas of "flexible ultra-barriers" and "anti-microbial polymer surfaces" are targeted at the optical and optoelectronic industry, the building and construction industry, and the packaging, textile, medical and automobile industries.