Data as basis for a successful circular economy
Catena-X is developing a digital map of the circular economy in the automotive industry. The common goal of the network: to integrate all levels of value creation and to make the circular economy more sustainable, durable and transparent.
In this context, the Catena-X Battery Pass is an important enabler. Please watch the following video to check out our first partners in the cycle. For English, you can activate the subtitles in the video:
Handling resources
Climate policy and the scarcity of resources are forcing industries to rethink. The linear economy that has prevailed so far is no longer sufficient to comply with stringent EU regulations. In addition to the production, use and disposal of materials, the focus is on recycling and the circular economy.
The circular economy is also interesting from an economics point of view: By 2030, the European Commission expects an 0.5 percent increase in GDP and 700,000 new jobs. [1]
Due to the large number of producers and consumers, however, the implementation of the circular economy is challenging: Information on the individual lifecycles is mostly only available locally and therefore does not provide any meaningful assessment of reuse, recycling or remanufacturing.
Philipp Leschinski therefore stresses that: “We will need coherent, real information on material, condition, functionality or even charging cycles in order to achieve a successful circular economy. Only then can recyclers clearly sort out which components will still be suitable for further use.”
Sustainable and interactive
Catena-X is working with renowned companies to collect information relevant to the circular economy in a data ecosystem. To this end, a digital twin of each product is created — across all industries and throughout the entire value chain.
Cell manufacturers and chemical companies can participate, as can suppliers, car manufacturers, logistics companies and recycling centres. Through the common platform, Catena-X opens up data corridors for these firms that they can use to independently release and retrieve information. Every participant decides for itself who it provides which content to. The data is not stored though it is linked and remains the property of the creator.
Advantages for everyone involved
According to Catena-X, transparency is essential for a functioning and efficient circular economy. Because only if everybody who influences the circular economy is involved can they exploit its advantages:
- fully documented information on products and processes,
- simple readout and use of the data for your own planning purposes,
- improved use of resources,
- targeted disassembly, sorting and disposal,
- early prevention of material fluctuations and bottlenecks,
- collaborative development of marketplace solutions and new business models,
- less waste and carbon emissions, resulting in a lower environmental impact.
Useful for SMEs, too
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), better material and capacity availability means measurable cost savings. Digitisation also offers them the chance to position themselves more strongly as an integral part of the circular economy: By being part of the network, they actively influence other market participants, are able to address needs and specifically develop business and cooperation models.
Technical features
- The system offers open source interfaces.
- Users can easily connect their local systems via an adapter (plug & play).
- All the processes are guided, standardised, transparent and protected.
- Participants remain owners of their data (data sovereignty).
- The technology can also be used for other use cases (interoperability).
You, too, can benefit from our digitalised circular economy!
[1] European Commission: Impacts of circular economy policies on the labour market Final report, May 2018 – called up on 19.04.2022
Philipp Leschinski
Product Owner
An Overview of Circular Economy
Get an overview of how Catena-X helps to create a scalable and sustainable circular economy in order to preserve resources and reduce waste:
Battery Pass
Watch our video from Hannover Messe 2023 on how the battery passport works and how companies can benefit from it:
Exchange with Catena-X
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