Cast products with resource efficient production and business models Phase 2

Purpose and goal:

The goal of the GRETA project was to give Swedish foundries tools for a sustainable transition through more efficient use of resources with regard to energy use, material flows, and product design. Improvements were proposed, tested and evaluated in eleven pilot projects and degree projects linked to selected foundry companies. Knowledge gaps were identified and complementary research and development work led to six newly started research projects together with the foundry companies and their suppliers and customers.

Expected results and effects:

The sub-project GRETA Phase 2 focused on energy efficiency. World events and societal developments during the project period gave renewed weight to energy issues within Swedish industry. Continuous communication with the foundry companies in the form of lectures, webinars and workshops could convey valuable insights into the conditions for linked investments in the foundry industry.

An energy network for Swedish foundries was initiated in collaboration with Svenska Gjuteriföreningen. One of the case studies led to a new research project. Approach and implementation:

Four case studies have been carried out in collaboration with foundry companies on existing equipment. In a majority of the cases, significant energy savings could be established already during the project period. A master´s thesis on Jönköping University was carried out and a state-of-the-art survey was published.