GREEN-LOOP project had the pleasure of being presented at the conference “Polymers 2024 – Polymers for a Safe and Sustainable Future” by AXIA INNOVATION.
Below is an extract from the presentation.
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Strategy for the Circular Economy transition in novel bio-based materials manufacturing
Cristina Onorato, Thayana Rigo, Ioanna Deligkiozi
AXIA Innovation GmbH, Munich, Germany
The meaning of the words “Circular economy” (CE) has been explained using different definitions for a variety of different types of applications and industrial scenarios. The CE framework addresses global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution by emphasising the circular goals of recycling, reuse, repair, and shared use. Specifically, in the bio-based industry, a circular economy approach involves designing products to minimize waste and enhance resource efficiency.
An exemplary instance of circular economy principles in action is the GREEN-LOOP project, which focuses on bio-based materials solutions produced through innovative manufacturing techniques. Employing smart manufacturing technologies like artificial intelligence, microwave, and ultrasound, the project optimizes three value chains from raw materials to final products. These techniques ensure efficiency and sustainability, reducing waste and minimising resource consumption.
The transition to a circular economy necessitates technological, economic, and social changes. Implementing reuse, recycle, and repair concepts requires modifications to production lines, representing a step toward technological change. The adoption of circular business models (CBMs) plays a pivotal role in achieving economic transformations, aligning with circular goals. Social innovation, encompassing emergent needs and new solutions to meet social goals, also supports this transition.
This work aims to analyse three value chains from a circular perspective, emphasising waste minimization techniques at the source, reduction of raw materials, and optimization of recycling and reuse. The approach involves identifying circular business goals, technological and social innovation enablers, and applying the most suitable CBM to the GREEN-LOOP project’s use cases.
In conclusion, this study contributes to understanding the circular economy’s practical application, emphasising the importance of circular business models in realising a transition towards a more resource-efficient and circular economy. This study serves as a valuable case study to implement tailored circular business models in the field of novel bio-based material manufacture.