The conversation partners

Dr. Markus Hiebel and Jan-Philip Kopka jointly lead the Research Department “Circular Logistics and Sustainability” at Fraunhofer CCPE. Dr. Hiebel is also head of the Sustainability Management and Participation department at Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT and an expert in sustainability assessment and the circular economy. Jan-Philip Kopka is a research associate at Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML and focuses on circular logistics, digital information flows, and circular value creation networks. Together, they support companies in translating scientific findings into practical solutions for the circular economy.

Dr. Hiebel, Mr. Kopka, the circular economy has now found its way into nearly every corporate strategy. Is this trend finally becoming a reality?

Dr. Markus Hiebel: The pressure has increased significantly—due to new regulatory requirements such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) or the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), rising raw material prices (see oil and gas prices), and the desire for resilient supply chains. At the same time, we’re seeing that while many companies are setting ambitious goals, they’re still searching for the right levers to pull.

Jan-Philip Kopka: The circular economy means far more than just recycling. It begins with product design and encompasses the entire life cycle—from material selection through use and recovery to reuse. To achieve this, products, data, and logistics must be considered together.

The Fraunhofer CCPE sees artificial intelligence as the key to the circular plastics economy. Is AI really the game-changer?

Jan-Philip Kopka: AI can significantly accelerate the circular economy. It helps analyze large amounts of data from digital product passports, material databases, or logistics processes and use that data to make better decisions – for example, regarding the sorting, return, or reuse of products.

Dr. Markus Hiebel: At the same time, AI only works with high-quality data. That’s why we need standardized data structures and transparent information across the entire product life cycle. Only then can AI truly realize its potential. This is exactly what we highlight in our position paper “Artificial Intelligence as the Key to the Circular Plastics Economy by 2030.”

Many companies promote sustainability. At the same time, studies show that recycling processes are often difficult to compare objectively. Why?

Dr. Markus Hiebel: Because different assessment methods frequently lead to different results. Differences in system boundaries or data sources can alter the findings of a life cycle assessment. That’s why we need harmonized and scientifically sound methods.

Our position paper “Challenges and Requirements in Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Plastics Recycling” highlights how important transparency and comparability are for robust decision-making.

Jan-Philip Kopka: Only when companies know which measures actually deliver environmental and economic benefits can they invest in a targeted manner. Assessment is therefore not an end in itself, but the foundation of successful transformation.

What role does circular logistics play in this?

Jan-Philip Kopka: A crucial one. Without functioning take-back systems, transparent material flows, and digital information flows, materials remain trapped in the linear economic system. Circular logistics creates the link between the product, data, and the material cycle.

Dr. Markus Hiebel: That’s why we at Fraunhofer CCPE combine sustainability assessments with logistics solutions. Only when we know which solution offers environmental and economic benefits—and simultaneously enable its implementation—can a truly functioning circular economy emerge.

Many companies still view sustainability primarily as a cost factor. How do you respond to that?

Dr. Markus Hiebel: Sustainability has long been a competitive factor. Companies that keep their materials in circulation reduce their long-term dependence on primary raw materials and are much better able to meet regulatory requirements.

Jan-Philip Kopka: At the same time, entirely new business models are emerging—for example, those centered on reuse, remanufacturing, or digital services. Those who start early gain a competitive edge.

Where do you see the circular economy in 2030?

Jan-Philip Kopka: It will be much more data-driven. Digital product passports, AI, and intelligent information systems will be standard practice and will make circular processes significantly more efficient.

Dr. Markus Hiebel: At the same time, sustainability assessments will be more standardized and internationally comparable. Our goal is to provide companies with scientific guidance in this area—using robust assessment methods, innovative logistics solutions, and a holistic view of the circular economy.