Welcome to the  

Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE

 

The plastics of tomorrow – they will be different. Are your products and services ready for the circular economy? In the Fraunhofer CCPE cluster, we research these questions for you and help you to make your products circular and to turn plastic waste into valuable resources. With us, you benefit from holistic expertise along the plastics value chain and the best solution for your target market. At CCPE you will find innovative approaches and the right contact persons for your research project.

What can we support you with? 

 

Current highlight

A view behind the scenes – The Fraunhofer CCPE Toolbox

Fraunhofer CCPE Toolbox
© Fraunhofer CCPE

Take a look behind the scenes at the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE. Discover stories on the topics of “plastic recyclates,” “bioplastics,” “recycling technologies,” “product development,” and “strategy consulting.” You can also learn more about our demonstrators, the “circular child seat” and the “reusable transport box,” as well as our “CRL Check” here.

To the Toolbox

New solutions for the market

Economically relevant technologies and services about the circular plastics eonomy

Current press releases and events

 

Press Release / 10.3.2026

Artificial intelligence as the key to a circular plastics economy by 2030

The Fraunhofer CCPE has published a new position paper and a comprehensive background report on the role of artificial intelligence in the plastics value chain by 2030. The analysis shows that AI is already powerful today and is seen as a key lever for increasing efficiency, quality, and recyclability – but it can only unleash its potential based on interoperable data spaces, clear standards, and viable business models.

 

Press Release / 24.2.2026

Ready for PPWR? Fraunhofer CCPE compact highlights packaging design along the entire value chain

The online seminar “Ready for PPWR? Packaging design for the whole value chain” presents practical solutions – from regulatory requirements and sustainable optimization to the use of recycled materials in food packaging.

 

Press Release / 5.2.2026

Monomaterials, recycling technologies, and artificial intelligence for a circular plastics economy

Fraunhofer CCPE will be presenting innovative solutions for transforming the plastics industry at the Circular Valley Convention 2026 from March 11 to 12, 2026. 

 

Press Release

EmpowerDPP: Data management meets digital product passport – support for companies

Starting in January 2026, three Fraunhofer Clusters of Excellence will launch a joint project to support companies in implementing the EU requirements for digital product passports (DPPs), which will become mandatory in 2027.

Circular value creation: As a single solution or system service

Collaboration

Find out how you can design your products and services with us in a circular way. Discover what a possible collaboration could look like.

Newsletter

Would you like to stay up to date on developments, projects and events at Fraunhofer CCPE? Then subscribe to the newsletter here.

CCPE Team

Get to know the Fraunhofer CCPE team. Find out what excites the scientists about the development of a circular plastics world.

Network, cooperation and transformation

Find out which networks the Fraunhofer CCPE works and cooperates with.