AKROPOLYS: Circular Economy for Polymer AM

Written By Julia Meine

Status: Active, Started 2025

AKROPOLYS (Additive Kreislaufproduktion von Polymeren in der Freien und Hansestadt Hamburg) establishes a cross-technology circular economy for industrial additive manufacturing using polyamide 12 (PA12) from powder reuse to filament and pelletization. The project addresses EU sustainability mandates while maintaining material quality throughout reuse cycles.

Key Objectives:

  • Achieve up to 100% material and product reuse of SLS waste powder

  • Support applications in lightweight structures, production aids, consumer and art design

  • Ensure recycled materials meet EU and industrial standards for mechanics, color, and surface feel

  • Develop process technologies:

    • Evaluate filament extrusion from recycled powder

    • Implement laser-diode-based smoothing for inner and outer surfaces

    • Analyze flow, mechanical strength, and surface properties of recycled FFF components

    • Create a digital sustainability passport tracking material identity, process history, CO₂ consumption, and compliance documentation

    • Integrate “Design for Circularity” principles into design concepts 

Led by Lehmann&Voss&Co. KG, the consortium includes six Hamburg-based partners, three SMEs, and two research institutes. The project has a total budget of ca. €2.5 million, with €1.75 million in funding from the Hamburgische Investitions- und Förderbank (IFB) at BWI. 

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