Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE

Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE

Position paper "AI in the plastic value chain by 2030"
© Fraunhofer CCPE
Position paper "AI in the plastic value chain by 2030"

Position paper "AI in the plastic value chain by 2030"

more info

© Fraunhofer CCPE

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

Fraunhofer CCPE Compact: Solutions for PPWR-compliant packaging − Event highlights the need for action and concrete approaches along the value chain

Our Speaker at the Fraunhofer CCPE compact: Ready for PPWR?
© Fraunhofer CCPE
Our Speaker of the Fraunhofer CCPE compact

On April 12, 2026, during the “Fraunhofer CCPE Compact” event, key requirements of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) were presented, along with potential solutions for companies.

PPWR introduces new requirements, including those for the use of recycled materials, recyclability, packaging minimization, and pollutant limits. The first requirements will take effect as early as August 2026, creating a need for early action.

One focus was on the holistic assessment of packaging. Sustainable packaging solutions must meet not only material requirements but also functional requirements, such as product protection, shelf life, and transport stability.

To evaluate these interrelationships, Fraunhofer CCPE combines various methods, including shelf-life analyses, transport tests, and life-cycle analyses.

Furthermore, it was demonstrated that there remains potential for optimization in the field of packaging logistics. Reducing empty space in shipping packaging can contribute to lowering material consumption and emissions.

The event highlighted that the implementation of the PPWR requires an early analysis of existing packaging systems as well as a data-driven basis for decision-making.

New solutions for the market

Economically relevant technologies and services about the circular plastics eonomy

Circular Polymers
Circular Additives and Compounds
Advanced Recycling
Circular Logistics and Sustainability
Application and Demonstration
Business and Transformation

Current press releases and events

 

© Fraunhofer CPM

Research News / 4.5.2026

Programmable Monomaterial for High-Tech Athletic Shoes

High-quality athletic shoes are usually made from a complex combination of materials. This has consequences for both production and recycling. In the ZiProMat project, Fraunhofer researchers have found another way. A sole made of programmable monomaterial performs various functions and is
also made of the same material as the upper. 

Press Release
 

© Fraunhofer ICT

Press Release / 15.4.2026

Bio-based foam replaces petroleum-based materials – without changing production processes

A new extruded foam made from polybutylene succinate (PBS), developed by the Fraunhofer CCPE, offers industrial companies a direct path to sustainable material solutions – without the need to invest in new equipment. This approach simultaneously addresses CO₂ reduction, compliance with regulatory requirements, and economic efficiency.

Press Release
 

© Fraunhofer CCPE

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
 

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

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.

For clients

Newsletter

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

Fraunhofer CCPE Newsletter

CCPE Team

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

CCPE Team

Network, cooperation and transformation

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

Network, cooperation and transformation