Michael Brunn
Chefredakteur
Circular future for workwear
The Swiss research project "Circular Workwear" has investigated the potential of recycling workwear, which is often incinerated despite professional washing and systematic collec-tion. The final report of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts shows that closed textile cycles are mainly a system issue.
Economic potential of the circular economy
The economic potential of the circular economy has not yet been exploited. The EEA's report "Unlocking the circular economy: investment needs, barriers and enabling conditions" aims to show how this can be changed.
The New Logic of Building
The building sector accounts for more than half of Germany's waste and at the same time binds enor-mous quantities of mineral and metallic raw materials.
Scaling needs more than innovation
In its report "Scaling circular business models in Europe", the European Environment Agency (EEA) makes it clear that the circular economy in Europe is structurally underdeveloped despite political support and increasing investment in Europe.
Data becomes the most important recyclable material
Digital technologies are a key driver of a functioning circular economy.
Re-Mining in the Western Balkans as a Source of Raw Materials
The rising demand for critical raw materials presents Europe with new challenges in supplying its industry. Consequently, in addition to new mining projects, previously underutilized sources are increasingly coming into focus.
Quality beats recycling rate
Europe is looking for ways to break away from fossil dependency. In doing so, the continent overlooks a domestic raw material: waste. Waste containing plastic and biomass contains a lot of carbon. Industry urgently needs this element in order to produce without climate-damaging substances.
When recycling becomes a question of calculation
Industrial symbioses are considered the silver bullet of the circular economy. As soon as CO₂ balances come into play, ecological success quickly becomes a methodological problem.
A label for the whole of Europe
Incorrect waste separation is a major obstacle to high-quality recycling in Europe. With the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, the EU is striving for uniform symbols for the first time.
Climate-neutral cement fails due to regulations
The decarbonization of the cement and concrete industry is increasingly being slowed down less by technological limits than by regulatory frameworks.