This Call will focus on two topics, First-Time-Right Manufacturing and End-of-Lifecycle Management.

First-Time-Right Manufacturing

One of the objectives of the European Green Deal is to promote sustainable manufacturing practices that minimise waste, pollution, and enhance efficiency. A key concept in achieving this objective is First Time Right (FTR), which encompasses a range of activities from Zero-Defect processes to strategies for Zero-Waste value chains. FTR is a manufacturing philosophy that prioritises getting things right the first time, rather than relying on rework and correction to achieve quality. By implementing FTR, manufacturers can reduce scrap and waste, improve efficiency, and ultimately enhance their bottom line. This approach involves the use of various solutions such as simulation, in-line quality monitoring, and non-destructive testing to ensure high-quality outcomes.

To achieve First Time Right (FTR), manufacturers should leverage the following technologies and solutions, in particular, applied to critical production processes:

• Simulation and digital twins;
• Advanced analytics;
• Real-time monitoring and sensors;
• Predictive maintenance;
• Artificial intelligence;
• Automation.

End-of-Lifecycle management

Another objective of the European Green Deal is to make the European Union climate-neutral by 2050. To accomplish this, a comprehensive and sustainable approach is required across all industries. End-of-lifecycle management plays a crucial role in this approach, focusing on the responsible handling of products at the end of their useful life to ensure they are either repurposed for their next lifecycle or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. In contrast to the traditional approach of disposing of products in landfills or incinerating them, the European Green Deal emphasises the importance of a circular economy. This entails creating a closed-loop system where waste materials are reused, recycled, or repurposed to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency.

In order to advance towards these goals, it is crucial for manufacturers to take a proactive approach to end-of-lifecycle management. Innovate Together actively supports projects that foster:

• Circular design of products;
• Product reuse;
• Easy disassemly and recycling;
• Frameworks and platforms for circularity.