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In the ‘ZirKuS’ project, we are working with 14 partners from industry and research to develop a sustainable, circular artificial turf system with digital material management in order to increase recyclability and resource utilisation. ZirKuS combines partners from the polymer industry, digitalisation and monitoring to establish innovative recycling processes. A leasing model enables site operators to extend the service life of the systems through maintenance and repair. The aim is to recycle high-quality polymers, track material flows transparently and strengthen the circular economy in Germany. Find out how this project is transforming sport to be more sustainable and driving ecological innovation.

Reproducible abrasive materials based on tufting technology have been developed, with which floors or furniture surfaces can be tested precisely and reliably regarding their micro-scratch resistance. In addition, a new reference high-gloss surface is used for quality assurance of the test procedure. Floor and furniture manufacturers benefit from reliably tested products and testing institutes benefit from more reliable test results and a reduction in repeat tests and complaints.

On 18 December 2024, after a long period of advance notice, the time had finally come: the new EU Construction Products Regulation was published - REGULATION (EU) 2024/3110 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 27 November 2024 laying down harmonised rules for the marketing of construction products and repealing Regulation (EU) No 305/2011.

The new CPR entails far-reaching changes for the European construction sector. Among other things, it aims to make sustainable products the norm in the EU and promote circular business models. The Green Deal has also had a significant influence on the new Construction Products Regulation: the gradual mandatory declaration of defined environmental indicators for construction products is planned. In addition, product-inherent requirements and the concrete implementation of the digital product passport have been introduced as innovations.

As announced, the TFI is offering workshops on the new EU CPR for manufacturers and retailers.
The aim of the workshop is to work out the differences between the new CPR and the "old" one and to recognise the main points of action for manufacturers and retailers. A list of priorities for implementation in companies will be drawn up based on the significance of the changes.
The next workshop dates in German are:

• 18.02.2025 in Aachen
• 05.03.2025 in Aachen
• 12.03.2025 in Frankfurt

If you are interested in a workshop in English, please contact us. Find all information about the workshop and registration here.

Recyclable textile flooring made from PA 12:
We are investigating the potential of polyamide 12 (PA 12) as a raw material for the development of textile floor coverings. Thanks to its low moisture absorption, PA 12 achieves high dimensional stability and stain resistance, thus creating the conditions for extending the lifespan of floor coverings. One focus of the project is the transfer and adaptation of established manufacturing processes, such as thermobonding and dyeing, to the specific properties of PA 12. In particular, a new testing method is being developed to evaluate the dimensional stability of the novel raw material under practice-oriented conditions. The result is a recyclable textile floor covering with a surface layer made of PA 12.

The use of AI and machine learning methods in product development has a positive impact on the use of personnel, time and materials. Together with our colleagues at the DITF, we were able to demonstrate this in the project. Even with a small database, it was possible to draw conclusions about product properties, make predictions about material selection and reveal previously unknown dependencies using ML tools.

The European Construction Products Regulation (EU CPR), which harmonises EU rules on the marketing of construction products and facilitates their free movement in the internal market, was adopted by the Council on 05.11.2024. This is the final step in the decision-making process. Following this approval by the Council, the legal act is adopted. The new EU CPR updates the legislation in force since 2011.