The role of digital technologies in the circular transition of the textile sector

 

Digital technologies are transforming the textile sector, an industry with a high environmental impact, towards a more circular and sustainable model. A study conducted by the POLIMI School of Management of the Politecnico di Milano explores how solutions such as IoT, blockchain and artificial intelligence can reduce waste, improve transparency and optimise processes throughout the product lifecycle, laying the foundations for a more responsible and innovative supply chain.

 

European textile consumption has the fourth highest impact on the environment and climate change. The textile industry faces resource-intensive and environmental issues due to the linear economy, which is based on a take-make-waste approach. Despite the growing awareness of these issues and the industry’s efforts to adopt Circular Economy (CE) practices aimed at reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling products, the integration of circular principles throughout the entire product lifecycle remains fragmented. In addition, Digital Technologies (DT) like IoT, blockchain, and AI are widely acknowledged as promising enablers of this transition.

A study by Rabia Hassan, PhD student at the School of Management, Politecnico di Milano, in collaboration with Federica Acerbi, Paolo Rosa, and Sergio Terzi, examines the role of digital technologies in the circular transition of the textile sector across product lifecycle stages published in the Journal of the Textile Institute.

The study critically analyzes the literature to offer insights into the possible and efficient use of digital technologies in textile manufacturing from design to the disposal stage. The paper highlights technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D technologies, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital platforms, which are essential in enabling this transition. These technologies enhance supply chain transparency, optimize production processes, and promote recycling and reuse. For instance, IoT allows better materials tracking, blockchain ensures secure and transparent transactions, and AI can forecast trends and manage waste more effectively. The authors proposed a conceptual framework to include these technologies along the product lifecycle stages to assist firms in the textile industry in achieving circularity through digitalization.

Although the application of these technologies has advantages in the textile industry, there are some issues that this industry must meet while adopting them. Some of the challenges are high implementation costs, limited infrastructure, and the need for workforce training. Thus, the authors urge establishing strategic partnerships between IT suppliers and textile businesses, raising awareness about the need for proper government support for sustainable digitalization, and considering other forms of clients’ financing, including leasing and using new technologies as services.

Tackling the evolutionary nature of supply chain configuration in the transition to the circular economy

Supply chain transformation is a critical challenge for companies seeking a more sustainable business model. A new study proposes a strategic framework to help companies navigate this transition while maintaining flexibility and adaptability in an uncertain industry environment.

 

The transition toward a circular economy (CE) is a complex and necessary shift for our industries. Companies are increasingly tasked with transforming their linear supply chains into closed-loop supply chains (CLSC), integrating reverse logistics and recovery processes. This transformation is a response to environmental concerns and a strategy to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving industrial landscape. The automotive sector, in particular, is at the forefront of this major change.

In the research paper “Strategic closed-loop supply chain configuration in the transition towards the circular economy of EV batteries: an evolutionary analytical framework”, by Chizaryfard Armaghan, Yulia Lapko and Paolo Trucco, the authors introduce an innovative framework that offers a big-picture, evolutionary approach to developing closed-loop supply chains (CLSCs). The paper has been recognized with the Outstanding Paper Award at the 2024 Emerald Literati Awards in the International Journal of Logistics Management. This recognition highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research in shaping closed-loop supply chains (CLSC) as we transition to a circular economy. By examining the dynamic interactions between technology innovation, product design, supply chain planning, and infrastructure development, the framework addresses the uncertainties and adaptive challenges faced in today’s unpredictable business environment, helping businesses navigate the complex journey from traditional linear models to circular ones.

It is especially relevant for industries like electric vehicles (EVs), where technology and markets are changing rapidly and unpredictably. Creating a CLSC for EV batteries isn’t just about small tweaks—it requires a comprehensive, long-term strategy that considers how technologies, market conditions, and relationships between organizations evolve together.

 

An Evolutionary view on Closed-Loop Supply Chain configuration

For those working in the field, this framework provides valuable insights and practical strategies to tackle the uncertainties and challenges that come with such a significant transformation.
Here are some key takeaways:

  • Bringing Together Short-Term and Long-Term Planning

Aligning immediate actions with future goals is crucial when developing a CLSC, especially in unpredictable technological and market landscapes. For example, companies dealing with EV batteries need strategies that account for the gradual increase in returned batteries and the evolving technologies for end-of-life management. When selecting suppliers, businesses should choose partners who can handle current low demands and scale up as returns and recycling technologies grow. This alignment ensures flexibility and the ability to adapt operations as market conditions change.

  • Building in Flexibility and Adaptation

Flexibility is at the heart of this framework. Supply chains must be adaptable, ready to evolve as technologies and markets do. Companies can develop transition strategies that allow for gradual changes instead of sudden overhauls. By adopting transitional configurations, businesses can slowly increase their involvement in processes like remanufacturing or recycling without overcommitting resources too soon. This approach reduces the risk of getting locked into less-than-ideal strategies and provides the agility to adjust as new information emerges.

  • Encouraging Collaboration and Co-Development

Navigating technological changes outside a company’s core expertise presents a dilemma: Should a company invest heavily to acquire new knowledge, collaborate with suppliers, or rely entirely on external partners? Co-developing technologies allows companies to maintain some control over innovation while sharing risks and benefits. This balance between independence and cooperation helps companies stay competitive during uncertain times. However, relying too much on suppliers for critical technologies can limit flexibility. Companies must carefully consider their long-term goals to ensure their supply chains remain resilient and adaptable.

  • Handling Path Dependencies and Avoiding Getting Stuck

Early decisions can set a course that’s hard to change later—a concept known as path dependency. If a company invests too heavily in a specific technology or supplier, it might struggle to pivot when new innovations arise. The framework suggests designing supply chains with flexibility in mind, avoiding choices that could lead to being stuck with outdated methods. By staying adaptable, companies can embrace new opportunities without being hindered by past commitments.

  • Leveraging Interconnected Strengths

Different parts of a supply chain often enhance each other. Improvements in one area can positively impact the entire system. For instance, a better battery design can make recycling processes more efficient and foster smoother collaboration with recycling partners. These interconnected strengths, or complementarities, are crucial for stability and progress. However, companies need to manage them carefully to avoid becoming too dependent on a specific technology or partner, which could limit future flexibility.

 

Putting the Framework into Action
To apply this framework, professionals working in the field may start by mapping out their current supply chain and pinpoint areas where flexibility and collaboration are needed. Develop strategies that allow for gradual improvements, setting short-term goals while keeping long-term objectives in focus. Establish systems to monitor technological and market changes so that the supply chain can respond effectively. This proactive approach helps avoid the pitfalls of path dependency and ensures the company remains agile.

Looking Ahead

This evolutionary framework offers a powerful tool for navigating the shift toward closed-loop supply chains in a circular economy. By emphasizing long-term planning, flexibility, collaboration, and mindful decision-making, it provides practical guidance for building resilient and adaptable supply chains.

As industries evolve and the importance of CLSCs grows, this framework will be invaluable for companies aiming to stay ahead, especially in sectors like electric vehicles where uncertainties are high. By embracing these insights, businesses can create supply chains that meet today’s needs and are prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.

 

Read the full paper:

Chizaryfard A., Lapko Y., Trucco P., “Strategic closed-loop supply chain configuration in the transition towards the circular economy of EV batteries: an evolutionary analytical framework”,
The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 34, No. 7, 2023, pp. 142-176

Unlocking the true potential of recycling: A shift towards the circular economy

A study by Davide Chiaroni in The Parliament Magazine

 

In today’s discourse, recycling is often hailed as a key strategy for sustainability. However, this In today’s discourse, recycling is often hailed as a key strategy for sustainability. However, this common perception tends to oversimplify the concept, in particular overlooking the crucial distinction between linear and circular recycling.

The article ‘Why a Circular Economy Would Be a Game-Changer for the EU‘ by Davide Chiaroni, Professor at the School of Management of the Politecnico di Milano, published in ‘The Parliament Magazine’, explores this issue and highlights the urgent need for the European Union (EU) to adopt circular recycling practices in order to increase industrial productivity and maintain global competitiveness.

Linear recycling, as a simple component of waste management, suffers from significant drawbacks.

Firstly, it almost always involves downcycling, where recovered materials are reused in lower value products, reducing their economic viability. It is also based on the “origin” of the materials, i.e. the supply chain from which they come, rather than their “nature”, which means that the same item can follow completely different (and sometimes very complicated) and inefficient paths.

Circular recycling, on the other hand, offers a transformative solution. By prioritising upcycling, materials retain or even increase their value when reintroduced into production cycles. However, this approach requires careful segregation of materials on the basis of their properties so that they can be reintroduced into the production process, as well as collaboration between producers and recyclers from the design stage.

For the EU, the stakes are high. With significant imports of critical materials such as lithium, cobalt, silicon and rare earths, the transition to circularity is essential to reduce resource dependency and balance material supply and demand.

The article explores these themes in detail, providing insights into the limitations of linear recycling and the vast potential of a circular approach.

 

Per saperne di più
Davide Chiaroni
Why a circular economy would be a game-changer for the EU

The Parliament Magazine, May 2024

Industry5.0 – The Imperative of Sustainability in Manufacturing

Not just an ethical considerations but a value for success. Sustainable production as an opportunity for producers to differentiate themselves in the current market.

 

Manufacturing Group, School of Management

 

Nowadays, the manufacturing industry stands at a critical crossroads where environmental sustainability is no longer just a buzzword but a must have. The imperative for sustainable practices in manufacturing goes beyond ethical considerations; it directly impacts financial viability, brand image, and regulatory compliance. As global awareness of environmental issues intensifies, stakeholders across the manufacturing sector are recognizing that sustainable practices are not just optional but essential for long-term success.

The financial case for environmental sustainability was initially perceived as a cost burden, instead, the sustainable practices, are now recognized as drivers of cost savings and operational efficiency. By reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste generation, and optimizing resource utilization, manufacturers can significantly lower their operating expenses. Investments in renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies, and waste reduction initiatives often lead to substantial long-term cost savings, enhancing profitability and competitiveness.

Moreover, sustainable manufacturing practices, like the adoption of circular economy strategies, mitigate financial risks associated with volatile resource prices and regulatory uncertainty. As the costs of raw materials and energy continue to fluctuate, companies that embrace sustainability are better positioned to weather market fluctuations and maintain stable production costs. Additionally, forward-thinking investors are increasingly factoring environmental performance into their decision-making processes, making sustainability initiatives attractive for capital investment and fostering sustainable growth.

In today’s socially conscious marketplace, brand image plays a key role in consumer perceptions and purchasing decisions. Companies that demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability not only attract environmentally conscious consumers but also enhance brand loyalty and reputation. Adopting sustainable manufacturing practices not only mitigates environmental impact but also shields companies from reputational damage and potential boycotts. By aligning their brand with values of corporate responsibility, manufacturers can differentiate themselves in the market and cultivate a positive brand image for both consumers and stakeholders. Indeed, companies that prioritize sustainability not only reap financial rewards through cost savings and operational efficiency but also enhance brand loyalty, mitigate reputational risks, and stay ahead of regulatory requirements.

Governments around the world are enacting increasingly stringent environmental regulations to address climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. From emissions standards to waste management regulations, manufacturers are facing a complex web of environmental mandates that necessitate proactive compliance measures. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in costly fines, legal liabilities, and operational disruptions.

However, regulatory compliance is not just about avoiding penalties; it presents an opportunity for manufacturers to stay ahead of the curve and gain a competitive advantage. Furthermore, staying abreast of evolving regulations enables manufacturers to anticipate future compliance challenges and adapt their operations accordingly, ensuring long-term viability and resilience in an increasingly regulated environment.

As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve in response to global environmental challenges, embracing sustainability is not just a matter of responsibility; it is a strategic imperative for long-term success and resilience, it can position companies as industry leaders and let them gain preferential treatment from regulators, customers, and investors.

A sustainable-driven engine is especially relevant for the Italian manufacturing domain characterized by medium and small realities facing different challenges in pursuing such a transition due to limited financial capital, lack of skills, and lack of adequate infrastructure. Being aware about this challenging context, the Manufacturing Group of the School of Management of Politecnico di Milano aims at boosting the sustainable and circular transition of manufacturing companies by transferring the scientific knowledge generated in both national and international research projects into the industrial domain. To provide a complete support by covering the several aspects characterizing the transition, different but specific assessment methodologies have been developed.

Manufacturing companies can be supported in identifying the circular practices to be established internally to the company and externally by collaborating with external entities based on their strategic goals and current operations. Moreover, they could easily identify the set of data needed to establish such circular practices and chose the proper suppliers evaluating their sustainable oriented performances. Among all, considering the lack of skills perceived, the research group support companies in measuring this perception by mapping the skills and job profiles available internally to the company to identify proper training paths focused on circularity of sustainability dimensions.

 

Innovation and Value Creation Research Seminar 2023 (IVC2023)

Politecnico di Milano School of Management has recently hosted Professor Ralf Reichwald’s wide research community for this annual event that for the first time has taken place in Italy.

 

The Innovation and Value Creation Research Seminar 2023 (IVC2023) took place from May 4th to May 6th at the School of Management at Politecnico di Milano. Over 45 professors and PhD researchers from Germany, Austria and Italy joined the seminar to present and discuss their recent research results. IVC2023 joined intellect, curiosity, and openness, resulting in an intensive exchange of ideas between participants. With ten sessions spanning various domains, the seminar delved into digitalization and business models, open innovation, and innovation ecosystems, servitization and smart manufacturing, as well as sustainable transformation and circular economy.

The seminar started with a pre-conference dinner on May 4th where the researchers had the possibility to come together and have initial discussions before the beginning of the seminar sessions. Over the course of 1,5 days, this event provided an engaging platform for PhD candidates from Germany and Italy to present their research findings in the realms of innovation and value creation. So far, the research seminar with all its previous editions has taken place only in German and Austrian universities. The 18th edition of this year’s seminar is the first time the seminar is organized in Italy.

The PhD researchers highlighted the transformative power of digital technologies in shaping and disrupting traditional industries, emphasizing the need for organizations to adapt and innovate continuously and to accommodate new ways of doing business such as servitization models. The discussions centered around the strategies, frameworks, and new forms of leadership that drive successful digitalization efforts, with the objective of illuminating the path for companies seeking to harness the full potential of digital technologies.

Open innovation and innovation ecosystems illustrate the power of collaboration and co-creation in fostering innovation. The seminar participants explored the importance of creating conducive environments that encourage knowledge sharing, facilitate partnerships, and promote innovation by leveraging tools such as living labs and product service system demonstrators. The emerging models and best practices discussed during the sessions underscored the need for organizations to embrace a more inclusive and collaborative approach to innovation, while emphasizing the role of boundary spanning objects and investigating the exploitation-exploration dilemma that emerge in innovation projects.

In the area of sustainable transformation and circular economy, many interesting contributions have been provided, in particular regarding the emerging area of regenerative business models and bio-based materials, a growing field that promises less pollution and CO2-emissions. The participants showcased their research on business models and use cases to achieve sustainability, emphasizing the role of circular economy principles in promoting resource efficiency and reducing waste. The discussions touched upon various aspects, including sustainable business models, eco-design, and the importance of stakeholder engagement in achieving a circular and regenerative economy.

The research seminar was not only an opportunity for PhD candidates to present their research, but also a platform for networking and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. The engaging Q&A sessions and the intense discussions during the breaks provided valuable insights and generated thought-provoking ideas for future research endeavors. The exchange of experiences, methodologies, and perspectives among the participants fostered a stimulating intellectual environment, nurturing innovation and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. In the words of Prof. Dr. Kathrin Möslein, Friedrich-Alexander-UniversitaetErlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Germany, the research seminar was a real innovation booster.

The research seminar was also an opportunity for the guests from Germany and Austria to get to know better the Italian culture. In addition to the pre-conference and conference dinners on May 4th and 5th organized in authentic Italian restaurants where the partcipants could enjoy the richness of the Italian cuisine, the research seminar’s program also offered a guided tour on May 5th in the city of Milan, starting from Corso di Porta Ticinese, 35 in front of Basilica di San Lorenzo and ended up at the conference dinner restaurant.

In conclusion, IVC2023 benefited from the passion and dedication of all participants in the fields of innovation and value creation. The presented studies provided a solid foundation for future advancements, in the areas of digitalization, open innovation, and sustainable practices as catalysts for economic growth and societal well-being. At the end of the event, the next seminar’s location has been announced. The IVC2024 will be organized at the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt by Prof. Dr. Sabine Brunner and her team. We look forward to the next edition of this research seminar.

RITESSERE: silk by-product reborn into new materials

Recovering sericin to produce high-tech materials, in a circular economy perspective

 

The RITESSERE (Silk Sericin materials from textile industry by-products) project has kicked off, and it aims to use the by-product from the treatment of raw silk, sericin, for the production of new materials and devices in the field of life sciences.

RITESSERE will evaluate new technologies which, starting from the sericin obtained from raw material of Italian origin with traceability certification (cocoon or raw silk), will lead to the obtainment of both two-dimensional electrospun matrices composed only of sericin, and new materials based on specifically modified sericin. These products will be characterized from a chemical-physical and morphological point of view, and the impact of their introduction on the textile industry market and on other high-tech sectors will be analysed.

In particular, the advantages of the circular approach will be demonstrated through three actions:

  • sericin-based facial masks for the cosmetic industry
  • three-dimensional scaffolds of sericin for cell culture
  • modified sericin-based film for the packaging industry.

RITESSERE aims to demonstrate how sericin can be systematically recovered and used to produce high-tech materials. Starting from silk of Italian origin, RITESSERE will define and optimize a technological process aimed at giving nobility to this waste product, proposing a new sustainable and circular method for the silk production cycle.

The results of the project will also be conveyed and made available through continuous interaction with the Advisory Board, made up of players with a driving role in the silk industry, in the definition of new circular economy practices and in the involvement of civil society (Associazione Costruttori Italiani di Macchinario per l’Industria Tessile, Donne in Campo, Ufficio Italiano Seta, MADE-Competence Center Industria 4.0, Rigano Laboratories, Associazione per il Museo della Seta di Como).

The three-year project RITESSERE is a project funded by Fondazione Cariplo with the Economia Circolare – Promuovere ricerca per un futuro sostenibile program, and is led by professors Paolo Rosa and Sergio Terzi of the Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering and by Professor Simone Vesentini of the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering of the Politecnico di Milano.

The Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering, will deal with the economic analyzes of the sericin market, the silk sector and the current circular strategies adopted in the textile sector.

Partners in the project, coordinated by our university, are Università degli Studi Milano Bicocca and Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria (Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economics Analysis).

Circular Economy: the CIRC-UITS project kicks off

Digital solutions for the end-of-life reuse of electrical components in the automotive and domestic appliances sectors

 

The three-year project CIRC-UITS (Circular Integration of independent Reverse supply Chains for the smart reUse of IndusTrially relevant Semiconductors), co-financed by the European Commission under its Horizon Europe programme, and coordinated by professors Paolo Rosa and Sergio Terzi from the Politecnico di Milano’s Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering, kicks off.

CIRC-UITS intends to develop new technologies for designing, producing, disassembling and efficiently and sustainably reusing disused electronic components inside new products, but it also intends to define new business models to improve data sharing and standardisation among the industrial leaders involved in the supply chains.

In particular, the advantages of the digital circular economy will be demonstrated through 4 pilot projects:

  • Development of environmentally friendly electronic panels to be incorporated into inverters and battery management systems in electric cars
  • Development of new-generation tyre sensors
  • Development of environmentally friendly flexible processing boards
  • Classification and storage of obsolete printed circuits of various pieces of electrical and electronic equipment

In this way, CIRC-UITS will provide material support to businesses in the automotive and mass-produced electronics sector, demonstrating the benefits that can be obtained from the application of the circular economy paradigm both from the perspective of both the business and supply chain and from the technological and sustainability perspective, through the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in the processes through which disused electronic components are managed and in the design of new products.

For more information: www.circuitsproject.eu

A project on circular transition funded by T.I.M.E. Association

Two research projects of the Politecnico di Milano have won a grant of 10,000 euros each as T.I.M.E. projects, one of which is coordinated by the Department of Management Economic and Industrial Engineering of the School of Management with Dr. Alessandra Neri as principal investigator.

“The role of digitalization in supporting the industrial circular transition” is the project that aims at investigating the relationship between the adoption of digital technologies and the implementation of circular economy practices within the industrial sector. The goal is to understand the supporting role offered by the digital technologies, passing from the enhancement and generation of dynamic capabilities. This would be done by conducting an international survey, providing empirical-based insights.

KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden) and Universidad Politecnica de Madrid (Spain) are partners of the project and members of the T.I.M.E. Association. The University of the West of England (UK) and Aston University (UK) take part in the project as external members.

The T.I.M.E. Association (Top International Managers in Engineering), founded in 1989, is a network of leading technical universities and engineering schools in Europe and all over the world, with a strong international dimension in teaching, research and industrial relations. The association currently consists of 57 members in 25 countries, and the Politecnico di Milano is a member of the Advisory Committee.

Besides double degree activities, T.I.M.E. promotes a series of other initiatives, including the T.I.M.E. projects, through which the association co-finances new or existing initiatives between member universities, in which T.I.M.E. can represent an added value.

For more information:
https://www.polimi.it/en/articles/two-polimi-projects-funded-by-time-association/

 

 

Linear to circular: when waste becomes a resource

What is the circular economy and how can it become part of our daily lives? We asked Simone Franzò, Director of the International Master in Environmental Sustainability & Circular Economy at MIP.

When we talk about a circular economy, what are we referring to?

A circular economy is an “emerging” economic model that contrasts with the traditional “linear” model (summarised with the terms take – make – dispose) and aims to maximise the efficient use of resources. Reuse and maintenance of products, extension of their life cycle, recovery and recycling of materials are just a few of the practices on which a circular economy is based. It is a model that brings benefits not only to the environment, but that also generates new business opportunities. This is why we study the managerial implications that this model can have in companies that intend to apply it.

McKinsey actually predicts that, in Europe alone, the move to a circular economy could generate €1.8 trillion in profits by 2030. Are companies ready to seize these opportunities?

First of all, I would like to make a premise: the topic of the circular economy is part of a broader context, which is that of sustainability. This is subdivided into three different perspectives, namely environmental, economic and social, which must be considered jointly to enable so-called sustainable development.
That said, from my point of view, companies are increasingly sensitive and aware of the impact that their activities have, not only for themselves, but also for the “context” within which companies operate. However, translating this growing awareness into concrete initiatives aimed at pursuing the goals of sustainability and the circular economy is a very important challenge in many respects, primarily at a cultural level. In fact, it is a question of moving from a “purely economic” orientation, aimed at maximising the value that the company creates for shareholders, to a broader perspective, which provides for the creation of value for all stakeholders as well as, of course, for the shareholders.

A qualitative leap from the cultural point of view, however, is not enough; a change is also needed on the managerial side. Adopting the principles of the circular economy, in fact, requires the company to make significant changes in terms of strategy – that is, to shift from traditional business models, linked to a linear economy, to new, circular models. This obviously has important repercussions from an operational point of view as well. It is no longer enough to think in terms of the company, but we need to move to a broader perspective, that of the supply chain, involving for example suppliers and customers. This is a significant challenge from a managerial point of view.

This is an interesting perspective, but how does it translate into career opportunities – both present and future? Why should a young person entering the job market choose this sector?

There are many careers that can be undertaken in this area. The potential consequences associated with the spread of the circular economy – as shown by the numbers cited above – are enormous. However, it is appropriate to reflect on the new skills required of companies, primarily from a managerial point of view, in order to enable the transition to the circular economy, which opens up important windows of opportunity for young people (and others) looking for a job. Consider, for example, the need for a company to redesign its range of products and services, as well as the business model through which they are offered. In fact, designing new products, services, or business models based on the principles of the circular economy requires specific skills, which are different from those traditionally relied upon to design linear-economy services and business models.

In addition to the impact on innovation processes, all the other business functions must be imbued with the principles of the circular economy: think, for example, of logistics – which in some cases play a crucial role in the implementation of circular business models – and purchasing to marketing, to make customers aware of the characteristics of the “circularity” of the products and services offered by a company.

MIP offers five different Masters dedicated to the topic of sustainability and one is dedicated to the circular economy. Why is this?

As I said, the issue of sustainability is quite broad and encompasses three perspectives: environmental, economic and social. The theme of the circular economy definitely plays a central role in the broad focus of sustainability, to the extent that implementing circular economy business models can enable the achievement of sustainability goals.
May I say that, in this context, our Business School is an ideal place to study and analyse these phenomena. In the first place, because of the coherence between this topic and the purpose of our School, which aspires to make a positive impact on society by inspiring and collaborating with the innovators of today and tomorrow. What we can also offer our students is a particular focus on the study and analysis of strategic issues related to the management of a business. This is an important element for those who want to guide companies towards circular business models, given that change must also be addressed from a strategic-managerial point of view. Moreover, we take a “data-driven” approach to problem solving, in line with the engineering imprint that characterises our Business school and, more generally, the Politecnico di Milano.
A final element that distinguishes our range of courses is our strong collaboration with companies. For the International Master in Environmental Sustainability & Circular Economy we have already involved about 15 companies as sponsors. This provides a number of opportunities for our students, from company testimonials during the training course – which give the theoretical sessions an experiential configuration – to the possibilities of internships or carrying out the project work at the end of the Master at companies, in order to be able to apply what you have learned during the Master in the field.

Announcing the start of the TREASURE project

New testing opportunities for new technologies to make the automotive sector more circular

 

1 June 2021 marked the start of the TREASURE project (leading the TRansion of the European Automotive SUpply chain towards a circulaR futurE), coordinated by Sergio Terzi and Paolo Rosa from the Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering of the School of Management.
Co-funded by the European Commission with the H2020 programme, TREASURE is a Research and Innovation Action (RIA) that aims to offer new testing opportunities for new technologies to make the automotive sector more circular.

Its main objectives are:

  1. to guarantee sustainable use of raw materials in the automotive sector reducing the risks linked to supplies;
  2. to apply the circular economy paradigm to the automotive sector, acting as examples for the manufacturing macrosector;
  3. to deliver better economic, environmental and social performance for vehicles for all users;
  4. to create new supply chains around end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), focusing on the circular use of raw materials.

In this way, TREASURE will deliver tangible support for companies in the automotive sector, providing a practical demonstration of the benefits obtainable from the application of the circular economy paradigm, from the point of view of both business and supply chains and also of technology and sustainability, through the adoption of industry 4.0 technologies in the management processes of ELVs and their parts.

The primary results expected include:

  1. the development of an AI-based tool for analysis and comparison of possible circular supply chains in the automotive sector;
  2. the realisation of a series of successful cases for key players in the management of ELVs, such as car wreckers, scrap metal shredding plants, raw material recycling plants and vehicle manufacturers;
  3. the integration of key enabling technologies for the design, dismantling and efficient sustainable recycling of electronic auto parts.

Partners in the project, coordinated by the Politecnico di Milano, are the Dutch research centre TNO, Zaragoza University in Spain, the professional school at the Università della Svizzera Italiana, the Università degli Studi dell’Aquila, the Dutch consultancy agency Material Recycling and Sustainability B.V., the Estonian company for social studies Edgeryders OU, the Lithuanian LCD screen manufacturer EUROLCDS SIA, the Spanish auto parts manufacturer Walter Pack SL, the vehicle demolition company Pollini Lorenzo e Figli Srl, the leading Spanish car manufacturer SEAT SA, the software developers TXT E-Solutions Spa, the Spanish scrap metal recycling company Industrias Lopez Soriano SA, the Italian National Unification Body, and the French automotive cluster NEXTMOVE.