Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPECCPE Institutes in Focus: Meet Fraunhofer IML
What does it take to make plastics truly circular? It requires more than recycling – it means connecting material flows, logistics, data and business models across the entire value chain. Meet Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML, bringing its expertise in circular logistics, digitalization and material flow management to the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE.
Institute and Expertise
Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML focuses on circular logistics, material flow analysis, digitalization, sustainability assessment and circular business models. Its strength lies in connecting forward and reverse logistics, making circular material flows transparent and developing the systems and data needed to keep products and materials in circulation.
Research Departments
Fraunhofer IML contributes across two CCPE Research Departments:
Circular Logistics and Sustainability
The department develops efficient, digitally supported logistics solutions for circular material and product flows. IML contributes expertise in circular supply chains, material flow analysis, digital product information and the assessment of circular systems – helping identify viable pathways for collection, reuse and recycling.
Business and Transformation
The department focuses on new business models and system solutions that enable the transition to a circular plastics economy. IML contributes its expertise in business model innovation, take-back systems and the transformation of value chains, connecting circular strategies with viable economic models.
Project Spotlights
EmpowerDPP – Data for Circular Value Chains
How can better data help keep products and materials in circulation? In EmpowerDPP, three Fraunhofer Clusters of Excellence work together to support companies in implementing the Digital Product Passport (DPP). Representing CCPE, Fraunhofer IML focuses on the requirements of DPPs for companies and logistics chains, helping prepare the ground for circular business models and better traceability across value chains.
Circular Material Flows – Connecting Collection, Logistics and Recycling
Circularity depends on having the right materials available at the right place and time. Fraunhofer IML analyzes where and when material flows arise and uses this information to assess recycling potential. By designing targeted collection and take-back systems, logistics can help connect waste streams with suitable recycling processes and enable higher-quality circular flows.
Together, these examples highlight Fraunhofer IML's contribution to the CCPE – from connecting physical material flows to creating the digital and business foundations for a circular plastics economy.