In view of the increasing global demand for raw materials and the finite nature of natural resources, industrial production is faced with the task of finding innovative solutions for the utilisation of materials. The transformation to a resource- and environmentally friendly economy is essential in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the ecosystem. Digitalisation acts as a driver of innovation along all cycles. It increases the transparency of material flows, component statuses and product utilisation information, thus enabling targeted reuse and recycling. At the same time, new digital service and business models for more sustainable product use are made possible and a consistent exchange of information and the targeted analysis of information for all processes (return, repair, dismantling, refurbishment, reuse) in the life cycle are promoted. This results in considerable potential for the necessary automation, control and establishment of an efficient circular economy.

OFFIS is leading work package 4 and is focussing more intensively on recycling and material cycles in the circular economy.  Circular economy strategies such as urban mining can help to promote recycling, resource efficiency and responsible sourcing, thereby reducing dependence on imports and minimising the impact on the environment. . The aim is to be able to forecast future material flows as early as possible and derive the best possible recycling routes before the materials become waste.

Digitalisation acts as a driver of innovation along all cycles. It increases the transparency of material flows, component statuses and product utilisation information, thus enabling targeted reuse and recycling. In the recycling industry, digitalisation can support the sorting of fine-grained, metal-containing material flows, for example. By installing optical detection systems, the sorting process is monitored and data such as mass throughput, particle size and impurities are obtained. This data is used to regulate and control the sorting process. They can also be combined with other machine parameters and sensors to create a comprehensive data image in the form of a digital twin - a virtual image of the process. The data obtained can also be used in the digital product passport.