New Industrial Circular Economy Hub Opens in Berlin

The Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) has launched its latest digital competence platform, which provides companies with free, scientifically grounded practical assistance for entering the industrial circular economy. The “Circular Economy Hub Berlin” aims to make Berlin a model region for green innovations and sustainable industry by creating a direct link between the latest research findings and everyday industrial practices.

Scientific Background and State-Level Support

The digital platform debuted precisely at 12:00 PM on July 23, 2026. The system was developed by the Department of Sustainable Corporate Development (Fachgebiet Nachhaltige Unternehmensentwicklung) at TU Berlin under the leadership of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Kohl. The initiative is not merely an isolated academic project; it is closely aligned with the capital’s strategic economic policy. The development was financially supported by the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises (Senatsverwaltung für Wirtschaft, Energie und Betriebe) within the framework of the official Masterplan Industriestadt Berlin (Master Plan for the Industrial City of Berlin).

Focus on SMEs and Interactive Knowledge Transfer

The new platform primarily targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The hub aims to bundle scientifically tested knowledge, concrete action guides, and proven practical examples from the Berlin economy onto a single, freely accessible interface. The goal is to drastically accelerate the technology and knowledge transfer between research and practice.

The Hub breaks away from purely theoretical education. Companies receive information on various circular economy strategies—from avoiding resource use, through repair and reuse, all the way to recycling. Furthermore, the platform covers regulatory requirements, norms and standards, financing and funding opportunities, and maps regional initiatives and networks. Practical competence building is ensured through interactive learning modules, explanatory videos, quizzes, and extensive supplementary materials.

The 10R Strategy and Proven Berlin Practices

One of the platform’s technical cornerstones is a model specifically developed for this purpose, which allows for the systematic classification of the so-called 10R strategies into the product life cycle and the central planning areas of the industrial circular economy. Learning is also supported by an interactive model view that presents specific application areas in an exploratory format.

The presentation of Good-Practice examples receives special emphasis. Video reports and portraits demonstrate how these approaches can already be profitably applied in various industries today. Three highlighted company examples from the system:

• OpenFunk: They develop open-design kitchen mixers that are easily repairable and have a long lifespan due to their design.

• System 180: They manufacture modular furniture systems whose components can be flexibly shaped, adapted, and easily replaced at any time.

• Vanguard: The company demonstrates how medical devices can be professionally recycled and prepared to an “as-new” (Wie-neu) quality standard in a highly strictly regulated environment.

The Path to Climate Neutrality by 2045

The industrial circular economy is a crucial building block on the path to achieving climate neutrality for the German economy by 2045. Through durable products, closed material loops, and new business models, companies can save significant resources, avoid waste generation, and sustainably increase their international competitiveness.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Kohl—who, in addition to his position as head of department at TU Berlin, is also the acting director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology (IPK)—summarized the project’s vision as follows: “Berlin combines industrial diversity, research, political shaping power, and a vibrant innovation environment. With this, the city provides strong conditions for circular value creation. Berlin could be the laboratory for the urban circular economy in Germany.”

The launch of the Circular Economy Hub Berlin is a milestone on the path for the German capital’s industrial operations to serve as a model for the entire continent.

References and Sources:

• Original press release (TU Berlin): Neuer Circular Economy Hub für Berlin (tu.berlin)

• Official State/Senate page (funding background): Masterplan Industriestadt Berlin (Official portal of Berlin.de)