Transformation to a Circular Economy

Ever shorter product life cycles and increasingly resource-intensive consumption patterns are shaping our everyday lives. The result: rising resource consumption and higher emissions - with increasingly negative consequences for people and the environment.

The Circular Economy offers a promising opportunity to address sustainability from an economic, ecological and social perspective. The growing momentum of regulatory measures triggered by the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan of the EU Commission requires comprehensive change processes from companies in all sectors. Intelligent product design and innovative business models can keep raw materials and products in high quality circulation and reduce raw material consumption and waste. Early adaptation of circular value creation logics promises competitive advantages, as trends from changes in legislation and customer needs can be identified and implemented at an early stage.

Holistic sustainability consulting

To be able to use the full potential of a circular economy, companies must develop systemic solutions for their products and business models. Fraunhofer UMSICHT offers a holistic consulting with a high level of technological expertise by bundling competencies in the area of material and product development, ecological and economic assessment, and the implementation of innovative product solutions in circular company-specific business models on the market. Thus, linear value chains are successfully transformed into sustainable value cycles.

From life cycle assessments over business model and product innovations to a Circular Economy

Regardless of your company's previous experience and knowledge of circular products and business models, we work with you to take the path to a Circular Economy. We record the status quo, analyze product and business processes, e.g. in the form of a life cycle assessment, and support you in business model and product innovation. We accompany you in the technological and organizational implementation and validation of corresponding business models.

Depending on the strategy chosen, we can use analysis and simulation tools to estimate the impact of the measures developed on their environmental footprint in the early stages of the transformation process.

The transformation is independent of material groups. As part of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE, we have in-depth expertise in the particularly diverse and demanding field of plastics, including (bio)plastics, additives used for this purpose, compounding, and material and chemical recycling.

Custom-tailored strategy

Would you like to know how your processes and products can be made
circular and future-proof? We would be happy to develop your scientifically based individual strategy for the Circular Economy together with you.

Contact our experts for a non-binding meeting!