OPENing Re-Use – Optimal planning decisions in the re-use sector

In an operational context, companies in the circular economy are faced daily with the question of whether a used product should be repaired, remanufactured, refurbished or recycled. The decision on what to do with used products is fraught with a great deal of uncertainty and must be made on a case-by-case basis - product-individually and depending on factors such as brand, condition, age, demand or recycling possibilities. As part of the "OPENing Re-Use" project, a business planning tool is being developed to support companies in their re-use planning, thereby increasing the efficiency of re-use processes and making re-use activities even more competitive with the purchase of new products.

PET2More - Biotechnological upcycling of PET plastic waste as a contribution to the gradual reduction of petroleum-based raw material dependency

The aim of the PET2More project is to develop a biotechnological process for upcycling PET plastic monomer waste. To this end, previously unknown and unavailable decarboxylase enzymes for the conversion of terephthalic acid and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid into valuable chemicals such as benzoic acid and furan-2-carboxylic acid are to be identified, characterized and optimized by means of enzyme engineering.

PVReValue – Holistic recycling of photovoltaic modules

The PVReValue research project is pursuing a new approach to the holistic recycling of photovoltaic modules, based on an innovative multi-stage composite separation process that is being developed in the course of the project. The multi-stage separation process and the novel combination of modern treatment processes are expected to achieve a recycling rate of more than 95 wt.-%.

PolyBacTex - Converting mixed textile waste into recycled fibres and cellulose for sustainable production

The project PolyBacTex is developing a solution for recycling of used mixed textiles by chemically separating and biotechnologically upgrading the individual fibre types (cellulose and polyester). This allows cellulose fibres to be recovered and returned to the fibre production process.

Production of bioethanol from lignocelluloses using steam explosion

By means of suitable thermomechanical pretreatment a process for the production of bioethanol on the basis of the waste compounds straw and wood will be developed. Regional plants will use local raw materials for local energy production.

QB3R – Quality controlled high‐performance components consisting of 100% bio‐based resins with high potential in repair and recycling

The QB3R project aims to develop an epoxy resin system having a 100% bio‐based carbon content. The QB3R resin will be processable with various different manufacturing techniques resulting in high performance components for long‐lasting material goods.

RE-FORM earth - Earth Building for Building Sector Transformation

In order to promote the use of earth, the RE-FORM earth project is creating a planning basis for the construction of structures and buildings containing earth. In order to counter uncertainties regarding the health effects of earth building materials, a comprehensive program is being carried out to investigate radiation exposure and potential pollutants in earth. By erecting a temperature-controlled rammed earth wall in a test room with subsequent measurements, the aim is to determine the extent to which the material can contribute to healthy indoor air due to its moisture-regulating properties and help to balance out energy peaks.

RE:STOCK INDUSTRY - Digital framework for the circular reuse of existing structures for vertical production

RE:STOCK INDUSTRY is developing AI-based Scan-to-FEM methods, vertical 3D production concepts, and an interactive AR application for precise capturing, modelling, and analysis of industrial buildings' load-bearing structures. The aim is to determine the potential of the structure for reuse, modernization, and vertical expansion, considering aspects of circular economy.

ReKEP

ReKEP relies on reusable transport containers instead of (disposable) cardboard packaging. These should be affordable, effective and flexible to use in the CEP sector (courier, express, parcel). The logistics processes involved are examined and adjustments are proposed to achieve economic, ecological and social sustainability.

ReNew PV - Coating to increase the service life of PV modules with damaged backsheets

The ReNew PV project focuses on the development of lifetime-extending coating solutions for the backsheets of PV modules. The focus is on a protective coating to restore the electrical resistance and on the repair of cracked or mechanically damaged backsheets.

ReTarget - Re-manufacturing and re-purposing of high-quality sputter materials

The project objective is to reduce the energy input in the production of sputtering targets by at least 20 % by direct re-manufacturing of used, precious metal targets. In addition, the utilization rate will be increased from an average of 20-30 % to 70-80 % through a direct re-purpose approach, as well as by optimizing the sputtering process. This will allow a significant reduction of the footprint of the sputtering process.

Repa & Service Mobil

Development/preparation of a mobile repair and service-point and pilot-implementation at large company sites or centres with high customer-frequency. Supporting of sustainable product-services - especially repair-services - in connection with efficient logistical and organisational processes in relation to product-service-systems; reduction of market-barriers and sensitisation of the general public for sustainable consumption.

Road-to-Road/ Verschränkung neuartiger Methoden zur effizienten „Road-to-Road“ Inwertsetzung von Altasphalt

The planned combination of experimental and model-based methods for assessing/describing the behavior of asphalt shall enable the goal-oriented optimization of the performance/durability of recycled asphalt, with the resulting positive effects (CO2 balance, transport distances, landfill volume) being quantified within the project.

SHyRE - Sulfuric acid and hydrogen production for the electronics industry through innovative recycling

In SHyRE, an innovative process for sulfuric acid recycling is being developed. The aim is to efficiently produce high-purity sulfuric acid and hydrogen by combining novel decomposition processes with electrochemical methods.

SLEEVE – Packaging and process optimisation of plastic packaging with sleeves

Development and design of selected and recyclable plastic packaging with sleeves that can be sorted and processed into high-quality recyclates. All the factors along the value chain are considered (design, consumer behaviour, sorting, recycling) in order to optimise the product cycle in the best possible way and maximise recyclate quantities and qualities.

StraTex ‐ Sorting and processing strategies for used textiles to produce recyclable fractions

In StraTex, suitable, economically viable and holistic strategies for the collection, processing and automated sorting of mixed non‐reusable textiles are being developed and experimentally implemented in order to increase the proportion of marketable fractions for high‐quality material recycling (preferably fibre2fibre).

Sustainable catalyst-coated electrodes for efficient AEM electrolyser production (SAEP)

The SAEP project focuses on the development of anion exchange membrane electrolyzers (AEMEL) for the cost-effective production of green hydrogen through the development of catalysts without platinum group metals. Led by TU Graz, Joanneum Research, and Duramea, the project focuses on roll-to-roll scalable electrode manufacturing with enhanced performance and durability. Innovative pre-/post-treatment and energy-efficient drying methods ensure defect-free, corrosion-resistant electrodes. A life cycle analysis integrates circular economy principles to optimize resource efficiency and minimize waste, fostering sustainable and high-performance AEMEL electrode production in Austria.

Sustainable construction of objects as a product service

Project of a Carinthian plant construction and manufacturing company. They plan to establish a new business division "sustainable construction of premises". This division shall offer a service package for housing, stores, and industrial production sites. This service shall be developed using the approach of RISP.

THECLA

The sustainable hospital. Dissemination.

Following two successful "Fabrik der Zukunft" projects on the theme of sustainable hospitals ("Feasibility study" 2004-2005 and "Testing in a pilot hospital" 2006-2008) the results and key findings were disseminated by a diversified dissemination strategy. The project was based on an intensive and successful more than four-year cross-disciplinary cooperation involving the pilot hospital (SMZ Otto Wagner Spital), the Viennese Hospital Association, the Immanuel Diakonie Group (Berlin) and an interdisciplinary team of researchers.