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.

KAFKA - Development of cascade reactions for a circular economy

KAFKA aims to expedite the development of biorefinery processes and showcase the potential of process cascades for producing high-quality chemical products from biogenic resources/waste. The central element of the project is an innovative reactor platform that flexibly combines biotechnological, electrochemical, and thermal processes. Investigations into new process cascades to enable a circular economy are thereby accelerated.

CycLR - Paint recycling and utilization of components

The CycLR project aims to implement a circular economy for water-based paints. A recycling process that enables the valorisation of recyclates is being developed, taking into account all parties involved in the value chain.

CE4ALL – Circular economy for all – Incentives, enablers and inhibitors for sustainable consumption

Based on an analysis of current milieu-specific consumption behavior, the CE4ALL project aims to identify sector-specific incentives and enablers for strengthening the circular economy and to uncover inhibitors. Another focus of this work is the consideration of inclusion aspects. CE4ALL is working on a consumption-centered investigation beyond the previously production-oriented considerations of the circular economy.

IRONER - Potential for innovative and sustainable recycling of steel

Within the framework of the IRONER project, open questions were identified and the necessary innovations for increased steel recycling were developed. In addition to a material flow analysis, stakeholder interviews and ecological and economic considerations, the influences of increased steel recycling on metallurgical processes and material properties of steel products were examined.

CircuPack - Recyclable materials for food packaging with a low ecological footprint

The goal of the project is to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly food packaging with an improved ecological footprint. It is important to develop a new process control that ensures both food compatibility and the sustainability of the resulting product.

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.

World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF2025)

13. - 16. May 2025
Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo (Brazil) and online

In its ninth edition, WCEF will explore the potential of tropical solutions for sustainable growth, the power of the regenerative economy and the strategies of a bioeconomy - alongside the indispensable role of the production sector in driving the transition toward a circular economy.

Scenarios for the Biobased Industry in Austria

In order to support the implementation of the Austrian Bioeconomy Strategy, three scenarios for the bio-based industry in Austria were developed. The present study is intended to serve as a solid overview and as a starting point for further detailed studies by other researchers.

BATTBOX - BATTeryrecycling Best Operations by X-processes for circular battery ecosystem

In the BATTBOX project, e-mobility traction batteries are analysed for their cycle capability. The design and structure of battery systems are examined and evaluated regarding potential hazards. Based on this, the best possible handling and processing procedures are developed to improve and optimize the product life cycle regarding safety and recyclability.

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).

Secondary Phosphorus as Raw Material for the Chemical Industry

Recycling of Phosphorus as Contribution to the Security of Supply of Bioeconomy

CircularFood - High-quality products through cascading recycling cycles of residual materials from the food industry

The CircularFood project investigates the material and energetic cascading use of organic food residues from Austrian food production. The aim is to develop innovative processes for the extraction of high-quality protein components, liquid biofertilizers, organic plant substrates and peat substitutes in order to promote the circular economy and reduce CO2 emissions.

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.

Repair initiatives in Europe: innovations, business models, recommendations. Experiences from the PREPARE network

The European Union and many countries in Europe have begun to take individual measures to-wards “increasing the repair rate” here and there. With the help of surveys and interviews, which were carried out with the support of contacts provided by the “PREPARE” network, which has ex-isted for almost 30 years, this work collects information about such measures in other European countries - especially regarding “best practice examples” and “lessons learned” – and analyzes their transferability to Austria.

Wastewater cycle. Cascadic recycling of wastewater and organic residue streams in buildings.

Basic research is being conducted for a sustainable cycle-oriented system for the building-integrated recycling of wastewater and food waste. This includes nutrient recovery for a sustainable circulation system (production of plant fertiliser and biochar), electricity production to meet the demand (up to 15 %) of plus-energy buildings, as well as water recovery for irrigation of the building's own or urban greenery and for summer cooling.

Investigation of the sustainable utilisation of carbon from methane pyrolysis

One of the possible alternative production routes for renewable hydrogen is methane pyrolysis. Compared to other, alternative production routes, methane pyrolysis has the lowest energy input (less than a quarter of water electrolysis) with a very high hydrogen yield.

Circular Economy Funding

In this project, online research and expert interviews were used to collect available funding opportunities for projects and measures within the field of circular economy. The results were transferred to a database and organized for searches according to suitability.

Net-Zero Cement: Building a Sustainable Future

19. March 2025
Online

The webinar is part of the Net-Zero Industries Mission (NIM) Industry Insights Series. Leading innovators and industry experts will showcase solutions, from alternative materials and carbon capture technologies to innovative production processes.

Pyrolysis technologies in Europe

Technology overview of medium-fast pyrolysis for decentralised applications, for small and medium-sized enterprises and for the circular economy