2025

»The introduction of recycled aluminium has the potential to significantly reduce the automotive sector’s environmental footprint. The project provides an excellent example of implementing circular economy principles across the value chain and a strong impetus for further developing the European End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation.«

»Waste management is often not very digitised, which makes recycling difficult. A lack of transparency regarding the composition of delivered waste means that some of it is incinerated without being sorted. However, the AI-based platform can efficiently identify recyclable materials and critical contaminants. This increases the recycling rate and improves safety.«

»Amber is an AI-powered monitoring system that detects bark beetle infestations acoustically before visible damage occurs. Made from lignin-based bioplastic, the device is well designed, easy to install, low-maintenance, and resource-efficient. This innovative approach gives foresters valuable response time and helps preserve healthy forests.«

»Until now, specialty papers had largely been excluded from paper recycling — but not at Steinbeis Papier GmbH. Thanks to an innovative processing technique, the company has succeeded in producing labels made entirely from recycled paper that meet the requirements of the Blauer Engel, Germany’s official environmental label, but are also safe for food-related applications. This sets new standards in the recycling of specialty papers.«

»The jury is impressed by the optimised ceiling construction. It demonstrates the potential that 3D printing of concrete can offer. The CO2 consumption of the Concrete Lightweight Ceiling was reduced by 35% compared to the original design – a redefinition of the almost forgotten reinforced concrete ribbed ceiling.«

»The Vooper design study demonstrates that premium quality can go hand in hand with true circularity. Its clear modular structure, ease of use, and significantly reduced material footprint reveal just how much potential there is for savings in circular product design — often in places that previously went unnoticed.«

»The ecomade mattress embodies a holistic circular approach: extended lifespan, recyclable design, and an integrated ecosystem for take-back and recycling. It exemplifies true product responsibility and shows how the combination of product and system design makes circular economy a reality.«

»“Felt the Future” is an inspiring and forward-looking project that merges craft and digital fabrication through consistently circular design principles. With a bold mono-material approach of 100% wool for footwear, it shows how circularity takes shape, transcends conventional design horizons, and paves the way for a future-oriented design culture.«

»Right to repair in practice? This project shows how it could work – and makes repairs more attractive and convenient: with artificial intelligence, transparent cost information, and better access to professional local workshops. It’s about democratizing repairs and achieving repair sovereignty.«

»LOVR™ is a compelling recyclable hemp material made from agricultural waste: free of harmful substances, durable, recyclable and biodegradable. With a low carbon footprint and industrial scalability, it sets new standards for responsible material design.«

»The orto space software supports construction companies in identifying potential for reuse. Building within existing structures and using existing components is a prerequisite for future-oriented circularity in the construction industry. The digital storage of comprehensive building data enables more precise reuse of building materials.«

»Coral reefs are in serious danger. Ambitious climate protection measures are required to preserve them. However, restoration measures are also required. Zhong-Wie Lin's impressive work at the Royal College of Art in London offers one possible solution. In 'Reefine', fragments of healthy coral are attached to a structure made of oyster shells. Once they have grown, this structure can be reintegrated into the reefs.«

»The SHIFTphone 8 demonstrates that water protection and repairability can go hand in hand. As the first modular, repairable smartphone to achieve IP66 dust and high-pressure water resistance, it sets a new industry benchmark for circular design. SHIFT has been combining compelling design with modularity for more than a decade.«

»The mushroom coffin, which is already available on the market, grows from mycelium and recycled hemp fibers in just seven days. It is completely biodegradable and turns into fertile soil after burial. An innovative example of circular design that closes material cycles and rethinks burial.«