Circular economy and sustainable use of resources

To increase efficiency and help reduce costs, sensors are used to monitor, measure and inspect agricultural production or are used in food inspection: optochemical sensor technology, analytical lab-on-a-chip systems and smart connected horticultural lighting. Our algorithms determine critical parameters for climate-resilient agriculture and forestry based on satellite images, field data and citizen science contributions.

• Visible light sensing, positioning and communication
• Lab-on-a-chip and organ-on-a-chip
• AI-supported soil mapping tool for conserving soil and water resources

We use life cycle-based sustainability assessments (LCA) to investigate how the environmental impact and recyclability of future electronic-based systems (EBS) can be improved. To this end, we develop innovative materials and technologies that are significantly more energy- and resource-efficient than current solutions, and offer scalable, digital processes for generative electronics manufacturing along the entire process chain.

• GreenOMorph: Reducing the environmental impact of electronics through new approaches 
• CircEl-Paper: Recyclable paper-based printed circuit boards
• Multimold: Improved surface functionalities and sustainable manufacturing
• greenchips.edu: Sustainable chip design, manufacturing and environmentally friendly applications

We conduct research into innovative materials made from renewable raw materials, develop processes that facilitate recycling and remanufacturing, and use additive manufacturing and digital technologies to increase material efficiency.

• FlexFunction2 Sustain: Sustainable nanofunctionalised flexible plastic and paper surfaces and membranes
• Materials and components for micro- and nanostructuring (NILcure®)
• Atmospheric plasma coating makes wood smart
• 3D-Strain-Sense: Boost for lightweight construction in aviation
• WAVETAILOR: Modular laser sources for sustainable production of personalised small series

Critical raw materials are essential for numerous key technologies in the energy transition. Their limited availability in global supply chains poses significant supply risks for the European economy. We analyse import dependency along value chains and conduct research into strategies for recycling and substituting these primary raw materials.

• IEA Task 40: Critical raw materials for electric vehicles
• GreenOMorph: Responsible, sustainable technology development

We develop digital technologies for both raw material supply and manufacturing. Recyclable materials are identified along the entire recycling chain using hyperspectral analysis and machine learning. Robotic applications for automating flexible production processes are simulated, monitored and optimised using continuous machine sensor technology with the aim of accurately assessing machine performance, plant condition and maintenance intervals.

• AI-based material analysis for the circular economy
• CONFACTS: Multi-layered networked factories with hybrid conventional and digital components
• Contract research focusing on flexible production
• Data-based models for predictive maintenance

When it comes to the development of new production technologies, products and forms of utilisation, we offer detailed technological and ecological (e.g. life cycle-based sustainability assessment (LCA)) as well as socio-economic assessments (e.g. macroeconomic models) for decisions on strategic direction in the interest of promoting the best technology choice for society.

• The LIFE Cycle Assessment Centre offers databases and calculation tools for the environmental assessment of products and services.
• Supporting companies in implementing the Digital Product Passport (DPP)
• GLOB-IO is a multi-regional input-output model for analysing international interdependencies in production and global value chains