Circular economy
Waste management in Germany has undergone considerable change since the early 1990s. Both the policy and legal framework, as well as voluntary commitments and declarations of the industry, have allowed a paradigm shift from a disposal economy towards a circular economy. The key concept of the circular economy is the establishment of closed-loop material flows. In a closed loop, all resources applied over the entire life cycle of a product fully re-enter the production process at the end of life of the product.
Waste biomass
Biodegradable waste is very common and often has a wide range of valuable properties. The identification of potentials and their realisation under specific local circumstances is one of the key services ifeu is pleased to provide.
more
Waste prevention
Waste prevention is not only the first rule of the current Waste Management Act (KrWG), it is also fundamental for resource conservation. Optimised waste prevention or reduction should be the guiding principle for all production and consumption processes.
more
Disposal
Waste disposal is a key element of a functional circular economy. Waste management requires sinks for the deposition of pollutants and contaminants and the exfiltration of hazardous and environmentally harmful substances.
more
Mineral building and construction waste
Mineral building and construction waste has failed to make an impact as a valuable secondary raw material until very recently. In consequence, the reintroduction into the building material loop after suitable processing according to the respective valuable properties is limited. The development of novel pathways and the discovery of innovative solutions was a key research topic at ifeu in recent years. more