Circonomy Hub Initial

Background

Transitioning from a chain to a circuit is the notion of the Fraunhofer joint project Circonomy Hub Initial. In this context, sovereign value cycles shall replace the linear and purely fossil-based value chains which have been convetional up until now. "Closing the loop" is the strategy and an immanent component in the fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: "Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns" within the framework of the 2030 Agenda. For this purpose, social and environmental standards are integrated into supply chains to enable the transformation to value creation cycles. The project takes place in the context of the Fraunhofer Charter: Create values, act with values.

 

Project goal

In order to achieve this, the Fraunhofer Institutes equip sovereign value cycles with their know-how and involve stakeholders integratively. Specific proposals on the design and use of circular approaches are intended to strengthen the industry and educate consumers. This will create competencies in the form of a platform with certified information on both analog and digital products. Especially in the lead markets of nutrition, health, energy, construction, textile, plant & mechanical engineering, chemical industrial plastics and digitalization, sovereignty can be achieved. The developed product cycles are applied in corresponding lead markets, for example through research factories, performance centers, lead projects or clusters of excellence.

Fraunhofer IMW works together with Fraunhofer UMSICHT on the strategic orientation of the HUBs as an instrument for a future-oriented research and innovation policy. One focus is placed on how business model innovations can contribute to making the potentials of sustainability, sovereignty as well as circularity more usable. All dimensions of sustainability, namely economic, ecological and social dimensions, are taken into account. This will ensure that the findings on sustainable consumption and production patterns are applied in practice. In addition, the project also drives scientific dialogue and systemic solutions.

Project duration

1.3.2021 – 31.12.2021

Project partners

• Fraunhofer IAIS
  
• Fraunhofer IAP
  
• Fraunhofer ICT
  
• Fraunhofer IEG
  
• Fraunhofer IGB
  
• Fraunhofer IML
• Fraunhofer IMW
  
• Fraunhofer IPA
  
• Fraunhofer ISE
  
• Fraunhofer IST
  
• Fraunhofer IVV
  
• Fraunhofer IWU
  
• Fraunhofer LBF
• Fraunhofer IBP

Client

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft