Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE

Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy 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

Exchange at Fakuma 2026: Fraunhofer CCPE and the Polymer Industry Cluster

On October 14, we were pleased to welcome representatives from the Polymer Industry Cluster to Fakuma for a face-to-face exchange.
In the photo, from left to right: Björn Beck, Anna-Lisa Stöcker-Poser, Michael Großhauser, Elke Metzsch-Zillingen, Hans Dorfi, Jason Dodson and Alyssa Carpenter.

On October 14, we were pleased to welcome representatives from the Polymer Industry Cluster to Fakuma for a face-to-face exchange. Together, we discussed the work of Fraunhofer CCPE and its participating institutes, as well as the diverse topics presented at Fakuma. We also discussed potential avenues for future collaboration and mutual support.

Representing Fraunhofer CCPE were Michael Großhauser (Fraunhofer LBF), Björn Beck (Fraunhofer ICT), and Anna-Lisa Stöcker-Poser (Fraunhofer IAP). The Polymer Industry Cluster was represented by Alyssa Carpenter, Jason Dodson, and Hans Dorfi.

We were very pleased with the visit and the open, pleasant exchange. Thank you very much for the meeting and the interesting discussions!

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

 

© links: Fraunhofer CCPE | rechts: Fraunhofer IML

Press Release / Interview / 20.10.2026

“The circular economy rarely fails because of the concept itself – but rather because of data, logistics, and the willingness to change.”

Dr. Markus Hiebel and Jan-Philip Kopka, heads of the “Circular Logistics and Sustainability” Research Department, explain why sustainability assessments, smart logistics, artificial intelligence, and reliable data are among the key success factors for the circular economy.

Press Release
 

© Fraunhofer CCPE

Press Release / Interview / 25.8.2026

Circular design: the underestimated key to the circular economy

New EU regulations, increasing demands for recyclability, and the call for circular products are putting pressure on companies to take action. But how can this transition actually be achieved? Sabrina Schreiner and Anna Krüger from the Research Department for Application and Demonstration explain why circular design is a key competitive factor and why monomaterials alone are not yet a solution.

 

Press Release
 

© Fraunhofer UMSICHT

Press Release / 21.7.2026

Biobased polymers between innovation and application

Bio-based polymers provide new possibilities for a circular plastics economy. Together with experts from industry and research, the Fraunhofer CCPE will discuss the potential these polymers offer, the challenges that still need to be addressed, and will demonstrate their successful conversion into industrial applications in an interactive workshop on September 15, 2026, at the DECHEMA FORUM in Frankfurt.

Press Release
 

© Fraunhofer CCPE

7.7.2026

Geotextiles made from recycled materials: GREEN leads the way into the industry

For the industry, recycled materials are creating new opportunities in geotextile production. In the GREEN project, the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excel-lence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE demonstrates that recycled polypro-pylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and high-density polyethylene can be processed into nonwovens, fibers, and membranes that meet industrial requirements. 

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

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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