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Technology meets the environment: future visions for a sustainable product life cycle

Video contribution

January 16, 2025

What does it take to ensure that a sustainable product life cycle is not just a dream of the future, but can actually succeed? As part of the Green PLM Conference 2024, we asked experts about their visions and wishes for the future of a green product life cycle.

Their answers reveal a multi-layered perspective on how technology, people and the environment can work together in harmony. Here are some of the most exciting views that give an outlook on future developments.

Technology in the service of society

Andreas Werner from the Fraunhofer IAO emphasizes the importance of technology development always serving the needs of society. He would like to see a future in which technological advances are not an end in themselves, but are aimed at ensuring quality of life for future generations. This philosophy could be the key to creating sustainable solutions that will still be relevant in 100 years' time.

Communities as the key to implementing sustainable solutions

Dr. Bernhard Behr from AVL List emphasizes the role of communities. He sees the exchange of experiences as crucial to the effective implementation of technological solutions. Establishing an ongoing dialog after the Green PLM Conference could help participants learn from each other and work together to implement innovations in a socially responsible and efficient way.

Sustainability awareness as the basis for successful product development

Dr. Erik Rieger from Transition Technologies PSC Germany emphasizes that sustainability must be anchored in people's consciousness. He advocates gearing tools and processes towards sustainability at an early stage without compromising the design work. For him, integrating sustainability into the development process is the key to successful product development.

Data integration and collaboration

Dr. Nicole Göckel from CONTACT Software GmbH would like to see better integration of software tools and data. Seamless communication between different systems could help to ensure that important information is available throughout the entire product life cycle. This not only promotes internal collaboration, but also the exchange of information across the entire supply chain.

Structural change for sustainable companies

Nikolas Zimmermann from Fraunhofer IAO is in favor of breaking up existing structures in order to exploit the full potential of sustainable practices. He sees this as a joint European task in order to be successful in the long term.

Long-term goals and strategic thinking

Dr.-Ing. Petrik Ziebeil from IPCO Group calls for a rethink in environmental policy. He would like to see long-term strategies at both legislative and corporate level. The availability of fossil-free energy and the development of new business models for circular reuse are essential here.

Circularity in the design process

Pina Schlombs from Siemens emphasizes the importance of considering the entire life cycle of a product and maintaining its value over many usage cycles. She sees great potential in the design process, where 80 % of the subsequent ecological footprint is already determined. The focus on circularity could help to design green products more effectively.

Open systems for better decisions

Stefan Gatersleben from Schaeffler Technologies states that PLM providers must provide open and integrative solutions. Information should be available where decisions are made. Early and informed decisions are crucial for the sustainability of a product.

Conclusion

The interviews clearly show that the future of a green product life cycle depends heavily on a combination of technological innovation, human engagement and a conscious use of resources. By encouraging dialog and pursuing innovative approaches, we can work together towards a more sustainable future.