Autor: Stefanie Lewandowski

The potential of platform-based business models in the context of Industry 4.0 has not yet been fully realized. Approaches for platforms and ecosystem- based value creation vary between industries. The plastics industry has so far been widely ignored in this respect. Due to its industrial structure, in particular the uniform value creation structures, the plastics industry is suitable for digital platforms. In addition to approaches for platforms in the injection molding industry, the article offers a procedure model for the expansion of established business models. This can facilitate the entry into the field of platform-based business models for SMEs.

Carbon footprints are a widely discussed topic impacting the individuals as well as companies. A company can be transparent in their actions, by publishing a carbon footprint. These footprints can be calculated for a single product or the whole company. However, there is a variety of different carbon footprint standards. The internationally most recognized ones are the publicly available specification 2050, Greenhouse Gas protocol (2011) and ISO 14067. This paper compares the standards and gives a recommendation for the application of product carbon footprints.