CIRCLOOPS

In particular, complex value chains, technological uncertainties, and the hard-to-quantify added value of circular business models pose key challenges to implementation. The CIRCLOOPS project aims to address and resolve these shortcomings through a holistic approach that integrates people, technology, and organization.

To this end, business models for trust-based collaboration in circular value creation networks are being piloted at the strategic level as part of international use cases in Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. Operationally, the processing of used products, such as pumps, is viewed holistically, with a focus on technologies and approaches for production control, diagnostics, additive-subtractive processing, and low-code development. The development and implementation of an interoperable, data-efficient digital product passport creates transparency throughout the entire product lifecycle. In addition to testing with application partners, the project results are also transferred to demonstrators in the research institutes’ learning factories to create an industry-oriented learning environment. “Open House” events bring the project results to the public.

The added value stems from a holistic approach and the resulting interactions between strategic and operational areas. The approaches developed are not considered in isolation but are placed within the context of the entire value creation system and specifically tailored to ensure their feasibility in companies.