Open Access Articles

Additive manufacturing processes are becoming increasingly important in industry and enable the cost-e ective production of complex components in small quantities. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular can bene t from the high customization potential enabling the development of new business models. However, the widespread use of additive processes faces high production costs and technological challenges. Meanwhile, scienti c research focuses on the optimization of individual process steps of additive manufacturing and does not o er su cient support for SMEs. Therefore, this paper deals with the development of a cross-process value chain of additive manufacturing for SMEs. Based on a systematic analysis of scienti c literature, relevant additive manufacturing processes were investigated, and a cross-process value chain was derived. The results were veri ed by expert interviews and central research and development requirements were extracted.

The use of 5G technology o ers many companies enormous opportunities regarding their efforts to optimize processes. In particular, the intralogistics of a smart factory could bene t signi cantly from the use of 5G. The position of diverse mobile units can be determined precisely. Applications such as the control of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV ) or the precise localization of material come into consideration. If the potential of 5G technology can be fully utilized and integrated into the structure of intralogistics, production processes could be revolutionized.

In current times, heavier fuels such as oil and diesel are generally used to power merchant and passenger ships alike. International and national regulations are likely to increase pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of sulfur and nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, and fine dust pollution within the global maritime shipping industry. Green fuels are one possible solution for emission reduction. Therefore, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) create the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), Annex VI of which enables the enforcement of designated (sulfur) emission control areas (ECAs or SECAs). Current research shows that hydrogen and LNG fuels can be safely operated and used to supply electric generating systems and drive systems. Today, cruise ships are often constructed with LNG main propulsion engines. Conventional hydrogen and LNG fuels are not CO2 free. However, green hydrogen, green ammonia and green LNG are based on ...

Today's business world is characterized by ever-increasing complexity in nearly every dimension. Supply chains can no longer be understood in a linear fashion, but form networks across numerous supply chain participants. Globalization and crises are straining existing structures, calling into question previously set priorities and measures, and demanding new solutions. How must supply chains be structured in this constantly changing environment in order to be successful? This article highlights fields of action for successful supply chain management.

Innovative digital and AI solutions for more energy-efficient production can decisively contribute to the environmental impact and competitiveness of companies, especially in the manufacturing industry. Requirements for the functionality and implementation of these solutions are complex and diverse; multiple stakeholders need to be addressed when eliciting requirements and various technology and business aspects have to be considered. This article presents a procedure for requirements elicitation for energy efficiency digitalization and AI projects.

Circular Economy is considered one of the most promising concepts on the way to a more sustainable economy. Expectations of a responsible corporate orientation are rising: This is shown by a recent ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court, which demands that Germany must be more ambitious in its climate goals [1]. The EU Green Deal envisages climate neutrality by 2050 and the “Circular Economy Action Plan” calls for more effective use of resources and reserves [2]. This article describes a method that companies can use to develop ideas for circular business models.

The digitalization in sustainability management and the creation of a consistent database for sustainability data can significantly support companies in meeting increasing sustainability requirements and transparency regarding the sustainability performance. This paper presents a service-oriented approach for the development of a platform for data-driven sustainability management in manufacturing companies.

A considerable part of global greenhouse gas emissions is caused in the industrial sector. Its digitialization is often seen as a means to increase sustainability. At the same time, ecological and social risks emerge. Their exploration is still in its infancy, however, previous findings point out multiple challenges. These must be conceptually taken into account in order to realize a sustainable industry 4.0. Building on a literature analysis, the following contribution presents current developments in research, industry, and policy. We shed light on a number of selected approaches, which aim at a sustainable industry 4.0. Finally, practical design options are outlined.

Accelerating climate change drives companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Road freight transport accounts for around 6 % of global CO2 emissions. However, high growth rates, the dependence on fossil fuels, and the high fragmentation of the market make the decarbonization of road freight transport challenging. Based on survey results, this paper elaborates how small road carriers, together with their clients, can contribute to achieving global climate targets by implementing appropriate measures and incentives.

In the course of the shift to electromobility, the use of battery cells as energy storage is facing exponential growth. The goal in research and industry is to design the entire life cycle of these battery cells in the light of global sustainability goals and to ensure the necessary supply of raw materials. In this context, the establishment of efficient recycling technologies plays a central role. In particular, there is a need for research into the further development of process routes according to technological, ecological, economic and social criteria. The competence cluster Recycling & Green Battery (greenBatt) addresses these challenges in 15 research projects. This article presents overarching solution approaches and project highlights.