Closing material cycles and preventing material waste
VITO focuses on closing material cycles. For this we have developed innovative technologies that can recycle more valuable raw materials from low-quality waste streams. And we give the remaining matrix materials a second life as new products.
New material technologies play a key role in production processes. Additive design, for example, contributes to efficient use of raw materials with minimal material waste. VITO is effectively achieving this in the industry with concrete applications for laser cladding and 3D construction. In addition, our surface technology offers the possibility to give a material optimum functionality, while minimising material use. For this we have developed state-of-the-art technology for treatments with atmospheric plasma.
New types of collaboration
Technological solutions are only part of the puzzle. Really outlining new business models and policy lines for sustainable materials management also requires innovative types of collaboration between policymakers, companies and consumers. VITO is also actively involved in this.