TUM-Projectweeks 2025: Circular Economy Perspectives in Research and Practice – A Recap
Source: https://cec.cs.tum.de/en/news/article/tum-projectweeks-2025-circular-economy-perspectives-in-research-and-practice-a-recap Parent: https://cec.cs.tum.de/en/news
2026-01-29 CEC
TUM-Projectweeks 2025: Circular Economy Perspectives in Research and Practice – A Recap
In the winter semester 25/26, the project week module "Circular Economy Perspectives in Research and Practice" took place. The project weeks were funded through the Excellence Strategy. The TUM-wide concept of project weeks was linked with a module by members of the CirculaTUM network, designed to bring together a diverse group of students to develop circular solutions for the sustainability challenges facing today's society. What makes this module special: it combines circular economy fundamentals with practical application. In cooperation with the Chair of Circular Economy and Sustainability Assessment and the Chair of Corporate Management, a format was created that bridges the gap between research and practice through theoretical input, workshops, guest lectures, and practical case studies.
Kickoff – Diverse Perspectives and Theoretical Foundations
The module began in October with a kick-off event at the main campus in Munich. Students from various disciplines met each other and the team, gaining an initial overview of the module's structure. Additionally, the student organization School of Circularity was invited to introduce themselves and present opportunities for students to get actively involved.
Just two weeks later, the theoretical introduction to circular economy continued in Garching. Professors from the CirculaTUM network introduced students to different perspectives on circular economy: Prof. Fröhling laid the groundwork on circular economy and circularity strategies, Prof. Fottner demonstrated the connection between circular economy and logistics, Prof. Weber-Blaschke presented perspectives on wood-based bioeconomy, and Prof. Benz explained how fungal biotechnology can advance circular economy. Circular economy explored from macro to micro perspectives.
Excursions and Interactive Formats
In mid-November, the first excursion took place in Straubing. At NAWAREUM, students received a guided tour through the sustainability museum. The second part of the day focused on the "Circular Islands" game developed within the network. This interactive game enabled students to discover and explore various circular economy perspectives.
Another highlight was the visit to the uvex group in Fürth one week later. During a guided tour through uvex's production facilities for safety glasses and laser vision equipment, students explored how protective eyewear and eye equipment are manufactured. Direct exchanges with experts enabled them to understand real circularity challenges and ask targeted questions.
On December 2, 2025, the Acatech workshop "Make It Circular" followed, where students received strategic tools for their upcoming uvex case study.
Business Models and Strategic Thinking
In parallel, students received important input on circular business models. Among others, we hosted Indeed Innovation, who presented two projects: circular sanitation systems and CircX as keys to a successful circular economy. At the end of November, there were additional guest lectures from academia and industry. Prof. Lüken from Rosenheim Technical University illustrated how a transformation to a circular economy can succeed – the transition from a "cowboy" to a "spaceman economy." Carina Hofmann-Wellenhof from Circular Republic showed how design and business models must be considered simultaneously, and Yawri Carr from SAP presented how digital solutions enable circular business models.
Project Week and Final Presentations
From January 12 to 16, 2026, the actual project week took place. In teams, students worked on developing sustainable solutions for the uvex case study. Supported by prior coaching with KPMG, they translated theoretical insights into concrete, actionable business concepts for circular laser safety glasses. A particular focus was on the question of what sustainability advantages rental or leasing models offer compared to pure purchase. The teams analyzed potential user groups, compared models regarding customer acceptance and economic viability, developed pricing models and service options, and designed sustainable processes for return, refurbishment, and resale.
On the last day of the project week, the final event took place at the Munich School of Politics and Public Policy in the TUM Think Tank. Teams presented their final strategies for integrating circular economy perspectives into the business model for laser safety glasses – not just as presentations, but as a dialogue with Dr. Thomas Fröhlich, Christine Hentschel, and Jana Hellmann from uvex. The uvex representatives listened to presentations on-site, evaluated them, and gave students direct feedback. With their ideas, students demonstrated how sustainability can be concretely implemented and, most importantly, how interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange between research, teaching, and practice can lead to innovative circular solutions.
Acknowledgments and Outlook
We thank all participants, speakers, and organizers who made these project weeks a great success. The project weeks demonstrated how important the connection between theory and practice is in circular economy education. We look forward to continuing our journey toward a more sustainable future through teaching, research, and collaboration