As part of the Green Deal, the European Commission has set itself the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Therefore, an important pillar is the transformation of our linear economic system in the direction of a sustainable circular economy. This aims at increasing the value of resources along the entire value chain and at closing material cycles.
There are three basic thrusts in the circular economy: using products for as long as possible, keeping materials in the cycle for as long as possible and, above all, using materials carefully and selectively.
This requires a collective change in thinking and the commitment of various stakeholders and responsible parties from politics, business and research, but also the civilian population.
In this issue of our journal “nachhaltige technologien” you will find a comprehensive overview of different research activities, all of which aim to generate value and close material loops.