InCamS@BI: Shaping the circular economy for plastics through interdisciplinarity
InCamS@BI, the Innovation Campus for Sustainable Solutions, combines physics, chemistry, sociology, and business administration in a groundbreaking approach to address the challenges of a circular economy for plastics. In this interdisciplinary project, seven research groups are working to improve the sustainability and robustness of plastic products and to consider their entire life cycle.
Plastic surfaces are analyzed using ultra-high vacuum atomic force microscopes to determine their recyclability. Furthermore, research is being conducted on "green chemistry," which focuses on sustainable, bio-based raw materials for plastic production without competing with food production.
The central challenge lies in viewing and designing plastics as valuable and reusable resources, both in product development and in production and use. Through this project, Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences (HSBI) aims to revolutionize the way knowledge is transferred from universities to companies.
The project aims to break down conventional thinking patterns and achieve a shift towards circular value creation. This initiative, which relies on agility and continuous improvement, demonstrates that combining different disciplines can lead to innovative solutions for the challenges of the circular economy.
Source: NMWP.NRW; Bielefeld University
