Revolution of the circular economy: New project from Paderborn on the road to success!

Revolution of the circular economy: New project from Paderborn on the road to success!

Today, March 18, 2025, a new research project entitled “GoProZero” starts, led by the “Advanced Systems Engineering” (ASE) specialist group at the Heinz Nixdorf Institute University of Paderborn. The project has the ambitious goal of developing sustainable products through the use of digital technologies. The Ministry of Economics, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MWIKE) is funding the project with around 3.9 million euros over a period of three years.

The core theme of “GoProZero” is the circular economy, which strives for the efficient use of materials and products throughout their entire life cycle. The researchers plan to implement six specific flagship projects in cooperation with various business partners. Central mechanisms such as sharing models, leasing, recycling, reuse and upgrading should play a role. The need for innovative, technology-based approaches to the transformation towards a circular economy is obvious.

Digital technologies in focus

A significant aspect of the project is the use of digital technologies, such as digital twins, which enable better consideration of the product life cycle in the planning phase. These technologies allow data from development, production and use to be linked, which helps conserve resources. Artificial intelligence is also used to evaluate complex data and accelerate the development of sustainable products. For example, the aim is to promote the modernization of electrical components in agricultural machinery and to optimize the recycling of secondary raw materials.

Other research institutions involved in the project include Bielefeld University, Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, OWL University of Technology and various Fraunhofer institutes. Industry partners such as CLAAS, Denios and GEA are also involved and bring practical experience.

The digital product passport as the key to the circular economy

The Digital Product Pass (DPP), which was initiated by the European Commission, is central to the implementation of sustainable business models. This is planned for introduction in the EU BattVO from 2027 and is defined in various drafts, including toys and construction products. The DPP will act as a central information carrier in a digitally supported circular economy and will include data sets on materials and products, such as ingredients and recyclability. This information is supplemented throughout the product lifecycle to ensure complete transparency as to how Circular economy Germany reported.

The conceptual development of the DPP is currently at an early stage, with the aim of having the EU develop the necessary standards by the end of 2025. The initiative aims to create a decentralized and networked knowledge repository for the circular economy. By collecting information along the entire supply chain, the DPP improves availability and transparency about the circularity of products. This could also promote a growing repair market, supporting the responsible use of resources.

Steps for implementation and challenges

The introduction of the DPP requires close cooperation between different actors and the redesign of products. The German economy has already created important prerequisites for the implementation of the DPP, but needs further support. Measures such as funded pilot projects and the development of specific use cases involving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are on the agenda. The goal is to establish information and data systems for a digital, circular economy in Germany by 2030.

Overall, the digital product passport is seen as a key tool for promoting the circular economy, as it not only improves the traceability of materials, but also enables new business strategies, such as the “Product-as-a-Service” concept. This opens the doors to new markets for companies, making it easier to integrate circular products into existing business models Handelsblatt describes.