An institute at a German university of applied sciences operates a unique living lab for circular economy and bioeconomy transitions on a former landfill. The site combines pilot-scale infrastructure for biogas, composting, waste valorization, and carbon retention strategies. The institute seeks industrial and public partners to co-develop innovations for high-value resource recovery, carbon cycle optimization, and public engagement. Research and technical cooperation are offered.
TODE20250702003
A German research centre, located at a former landfill site in North Rhine-Westphalia, operates as a living lab for circular economy and bioeconomy transitions. As part of a university of applied sciences, it offers interdisciplinary expertise and pilot-scale infrastructure for the valorization of organic and residual waste streams.
Facilities include a 1.2 MW biogas plant, composting tunnels, hydrothermal carbonization, pyrolysis, and gasification units, alongside advanced laboratories for waste characterization, elemental analysis, and biochemical methane potential (BMP) testing. The centre specializes in developing and piloting value chains for transforming waste into secondary raw materials, bioenergy, and carbon-retaining biomaterials.
Research projects integrate technical, ecological, economic, social, and legal perspectives to assess sustainability. In addition to process innovation, the site supports public engagement and regional collaboration under the umbrella of this initiative, serving as a demonstrator for Industry 5.0 principles. The institute has extensive experience coordinating and participating in European R&I projects and works closely with industrial, municipal, and policy stakeholders.
Stage of development: Demonstrated at TRL 6–9 across multiple processes including biogas, composting, and waste-to-materials pathways
Partners are invited to co-develop, test, and upscale innovative circular solutions in real-world settings.
Advantages and innovations
• Unique Demonstrator Site: The centre operates on a former landfill, providing direct access to waste streams, treatment infrastructure, and real-world testing conditions.
• Integrated Circular Economy Platform: Combines waste-to-energy (biogas, HTC, pyrolysis) with waste-to-material pathways (compost, biochar, carbon-rich products) at pilot scale.
• Multidimensional Impact Assessment: Projects are evaluated across technical, environmental, economic, legal, and social dimensions, enabling informed, scalable innovation.
• Cross-sector Collaboration: Strong links with municipalities, industry, and research partners, with a track record in EU projects and public-private cooperation.
• Living Lab & Education: The site supports community engagement, public education, and citizen science—connecting innovation to society.
• Bioeconomy and Industry 5.0 Alignment: Focus on long-term carbon retention, sustainable resource use, and human-centric technology development.
Expected role of a partner
Partners are sought to develop new processes and value chains together with the centre within technical or research cooperation.
Potential partners are:
- Waste management companies that look for innovative process solutions,
- Industrial companies with waste streams looking for new reuse/recycling options
- Lab-scale technology providers that wish to do pilot-scale trials,
- Governmental institutions involved in waste legislation
- Municipalities or regions piloting circular economy
- Clusters or accelerators for bio-based innovation
- Education and outreach partners