Fraunhofer Circonomy^® Hubs – Transforming linear value chains into sovereign value cycles

Building on the activities of a larger Fraunhofer consortium in 2020, 16 Fraunhofer institutes initiated the formation of so-called Fraunhofer CIRCONOMY^® Hubs as a platform for transforming linear value chains into sovereign value cycles.

The focus of research was on Sustainable Development Goal SDG 12, the transformation to a circular economy, and the assertion that economic value creation must take into account social and environmental values along regional and global supply chains.

The institutes are also developing solutions for the four lead markets of construction, foods, chemicals and energy. These are linked to complementary research fields (bioeconomy, hydrogen, AI), and are also underpinned by business models. Fraunhofer is thus providing a modular, knowledge-based and digital technology platform as the central hub of the circular economy to create cross-industry solutions for companies.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP is involved in setting up several Fraunhofer CIRCONOMY^® Hubs with IBP's own branches in Holzkirchen (Bavaria) and Stuttgart (Baden-Württemberg).

The main topics addressed include separating building rubble and recycling building materials and products in the urban ecosystem. Furthermore, access to reliable and credible information on environmental impacts, supply chains and production conditions will enable companies and consumers to exercise sovereignty.

Fraunhofer IBP is initially focusing its activities on the development of a network with the aim of developing its own research fields in line with the needs of industry and society.

• Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT

• Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems IAIS
• Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP
• Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA
• Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
• Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU
• Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP
• Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT
• Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Systems IEG
• Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB
• Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML
• Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME
• Fraunhofer Center for International Management and Knowledge Economy IMW
• Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST
• Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, Stuttgart
• Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF
• Fraunhofer Research Institution for Materials Recycling and Resource Strategies IWKS