Transforming traditional production methods into sustainable, circular models: The EU project Enabling Circular Value Chains via Production Digitization and Human Empowerment (ENCIRCLE) has started with a kickoff in Thessaloniki, Greece. Together with partners from all over Europe, Fraunhofer IEM is developing an advanced framework for assessing environmental impacts. The Paderborn scientists are contributing their expertise in the areas of visualization and digital product passports in particular.



All partners came together for the kick-off meeting on 29 and 30 October 2024 to define the project objectives, clarify roles and discuss the expected impact of the project. The common goal is to enable the transition from linear to circular manufacturing processes and to further develop the relevant digital technologies. "We are delighted to be part of the EU-wide consortium and to get to know different perspectives and approaches to sustainable manufacturing. Specifically, we are contributing our experience in visualization techniques to make the simulation of a sustainable factory tangible, for example through augmented or virtual reality applications. With the digital product passport, we are also creating transparency across the entire product life cycle and thus the basis for data-based decisions," explains Daniel Eckertz, Group Manager Data-driven Engineering at Fraunhofer IEM.





The ENCIRCLE consortium focuses on three key areas:



1. Decarbonization of manufacturing: Developing sustainable production configurations and designs that reduce environmental impact without compromising quality.

2. Training through gamification: promoting new skills and a circular mindset within the workforce.

3. Human-centered approach: Building a symbiotic ecosystem for sustainable manufacturing.

In line with EU guidelines for sustainable production, ENCIRCLE focuses on a strategic approach to circularity at every stage of the product lifecycle:



1. AI-powered control loops for sustainable manufacturing

2. A framework for circularity and life cycle analysis (LCA)

3. Production virtualization for error-free manufacturing right from the start

4. Decision support systems with a human-in-the-loop (HITL) approach

5. Gamification to promote circular value chains

6. Introduction of a digital product passport (DPP)

   
   

With the vision of sustainable consumption and responsible production, companies are encouraged to adopt circular CRM systems, for example. Consumers are given digital tools to make sustainable decisions. By taking legal and ethical aspects into account, the aim is to create a model that meets the environmental requirements of our time.



About the project

The ENCIRCLE project is funded by the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action (RIA) program over three years. 15 partners from all over Europe - including leading research institutions, industrial companies and specialized SMEs - are working together on this ambitious project. Further information can be found on the project website: www.encircle-project.eu.