Cast products with resource efficient production and business models

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 results from the sub-project GRETA Phase 3 have led to five newly started research projects. Three aim at increased circularity in different material flows, sand, aluminum and steel. The fourth explores the possibility of replacing fossil coal with biochar, while the fifth creates basic conditions for traceability in the casting process for future digital product passports.

Through interviews, seminars and workshops, a large number of companies in the foundry industry have participated in a broad discussion about challenges and opportunities with circular business models. Approach and implementation:

A number of case studies have been carried out in collaboration with foundry companies. Linked to product design, different strategies and models have been discussed to define a sustainability index for cast products. The project has evaluated various systems for circular business models where sustainability factors have a clear role. A degree project at Jönköping University has been carried out and a state-of-the-art survey has been published.