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Future-oriented approaches: Circular Economy in focus at TU Clausthal!
Around 150 experts met at Clausthal University of Technology for the annual meeting about circular economy and innovative process engineering.
Future-oriented approaches: Circular Economy in focus at TU Clausthal!
On April 8, 2025, around 150 experts from process engineering and related disciplines gathered in the Aula Academica Clausthal University of Technology to discuss current trends and challenges in the area of the circular economy. Representatives from the shredding/classifying (ZER), particle measurement technology (PMT), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and aerosol technology (AT) specialist groups shared their insights and strategies for implementing sustainable practices.
The President of Clausthal University of Technology, Dr.-Ing. In her opening speech, Sylvia Schattauer emphasized the essential role of knowledge exchange in the practical implementation of circular economy principles in industry. This is crucial for the development of processes that promote recycling, new carbon cycles and energy production and storage in the long term.
Plenary lectures and interdisciplinary exchange
Two key plenary lectures were given as part of the annual meeting. Prof. Wolfgang Peukert from the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg gave a talk on “Defects in Particles”, while Prof. Martin Sommerfeld from the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg gave a talk on advances in Euler-Lagrange modeling. Both lectures highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in research.
Particularly noteworthy was the finding of overlaps between disciplines, particularly in the size reduction of materials and particle production in aerosol technology. Particle measurement technology also played a central role in the discussion about comminution and classification.
Simulation and optimization potential
The CFD Group's simulation tools have been identified as effective for optimizing processes. This opens up new opportunities to increase efficiency in processes and contribute to achieving the goals of the circular economy.
The event included numerous lectures and a poster session led by Prof. Gunther Brenner, Dr.-Ing. Annett Wollmann and Prof. Alfred Weber were organized. Business representatives were also present, including Evonik Industries AG, ParteQ GmbH, Topas GmbH and Sympatec GmbH, which supported the event.
The discussions and insights from the conference are particularly relevant as the circular economy not only addresses key aspects of waste management and resource use, but also lays the foundations for new innovations and investments. It designs methodological approaches in areas such as production, consumption and secondary raw materials and is significantly driven forward by national and international collaborations, as described on the Circular Economy platform Circular Economy Platform.
In order to meet the challenges in the area of the circular economy, close cooperation between research institutions and industry is essential in order to develop and implement sustainable solutions.