Courses
ToCoReRaM is dedicated to making product development more environmentally friendly. This project focuses on designing products for future use, recycling, and full recovery of raw materials. Environmental benefits must be a key factor in product development decisions. We need a shift in the product development process (PDP) to prioritise the complete recovery of raw materials from end-of-life (EOL) products. Everyone involved in PDP should understand the impact of their decisions on sustainability, recovery, recycling, and climate change.
ToCoReRaM aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) meet the Green Deal requirements and transition to a more sustainable product development process. The goal is to enable SMEs to prioritise the complete recovery of raw materials from EOL products, contributing to environmental sustainability and resilience.
The project brings together experts from Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences, Atlantic Technological University, and the University of Graz. The team is researching the support companies, especially SMEs, need. Using these insights, the project will develop a practical tool to help small companies comply with EU sustainability regulations.
The project started on 1st November 2024 and will run for 21 months. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection as part of the “Eureni” programme.
Image description: The image is a circular diagram illustrating a sustainable business model focused on minimising waste and resource intake. It includes the following interconnected stages:
- Circular Product Development – Emphasises design for recovery, durability, and use of non-toxic materials.
- Efficient Production – Focuses on resource efficiency, by-product utilisation, and minimising production waste.
- Distribution – Focuses on choosing the least polluting means of transportation and shortest route.
- Consumption, Reuse, Repair – Encourages product longevity and reuse.
- Waste Collection & Sorting – Promotes awareness of circularity and proper waste segregation.
- Waste Management RMR – Involves remanufacturing and recycling, with minimal residual waste directed to incineration or landfill.
Arrows connect each stage, showing the flow of materials and waste. Additional notes highlight the use of secondary materials and the goal of reducing environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.
Project funded by Zukunft Umwelt Gesellschaft
Project Partners
Contact
Aurora Dimache aurora.dimache@atu.ie