Digital Recycling Tool

An innovative tool called CYCLOPS – Circularity Optimisation for Plastics has set itself the task of closing the gap between the need for information and the supply of recycled materials. By providing comprehensive data and assessments, it helps companies to make more sustainable decisions and organise their production processes in a more environmentally friendly way.

In an interview with K-Mag, Dr Jan Werner, Group Leader 'Sustainable and Circular Products' at the SKZ and one of the developers of CYCLOPS, explains how the tool came about and how it works.

How did the idea for this innovative tool come about?

Dr Jan Werner: The idea for CYCLOPS was rooted in the fundamental question of how we could improve the recycling process and use more recycled materials in production. We realised that there is a significant information gap between the players in the Circular Economy – an obstacle that prevents efficient material use. Through our previous collaborations between the SKZ, the Wuppertal Institute, CIRPLUS and Green Delta, we saw an opportunity to address this deficit with a centralised information offering.

Could you describe the core functionality of CYCLOPS in more detail? How does the tool specifically support the selection and use of secondary materials?

Werner: CYCLOPS serves as an information hub that provides detailed data on recycled materials and thus enables informed material selection. For example, the tool offers special views and assessments for different user roles, such as recyclers or material users. A central aspect is the ecological assessment of recyclates, which shows users the advantages of recycling over the use of virgin materials, including savings in CO₂ emissions and other ecological benefits.

What are the specific challenges in the recycling process that CYCLOPS addresses?

Werner: In addition to improving the flow of information, CYCLOPS places particular emphasis on visualising the potential uses of recyclates. We have developed a matrix that shows the potential of recycled materials in different industries, which helps users to find suitable materials for their specific requirements. In addition, data quality is emphasised, as we have found that better data can lead to greater market success.

How do you assess the role of digitalisation in promoting the Circular Economy?

Werner: Digitalisation is crucial for restoring the often interrupted flow of information between the players in the Circular Economy. Tools like CYCLOPS are key components that not only close information gaps, but also advance the Circular Economy as a whole by enabling more sustainable decisions.

What further development opportunities do you see for CYCLOPS?

Werner: In future, we could make the ecological assessment even more detailed and make more specific statements about different recyclates. The integration of user assistance systems and artificial intelligence could further improve and personalise the selection processes. An extension of the tool approach to other materials is also conceivable.

Is CYCLOPS aimed exclusively at business users, or do you also see an expansion to the end consumer market?

Werner: At the moment, CYCLOPS is primarily aimed at business users who are active in the Circular Economy, either by offering recycled materials or by looking for sustainable material options for their production. A direct application for end users is not currently planned, but general education about the benefits and possibilities of recyclates is an important aspect of our work.

Finally, what does the future hold for CYCLOPS? What next steps are planned?

Werner: We are continuing to monitor the use and acceptance of CYCLOPS on the market, particularly in collaboration with platforms such as CIRPLUS. At the same time, the findings from CYCLOPS will be incorporated into our other research projects in order to continuously improve efficiency and sustainability in the Circular Economy. The constant further development of the tool and the integration of additional data sources are at the forefront of this.

The CYCLOPS tool is freely available.