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Sustainability

We contribute to a sustainable future

More than ever before, the world’s great challenges impact our daily lives. At the Department of Materials and Production, we integrate science, engineering and management to address global challenges relevant to technology, society and the environment.

Sustainability in education and research 

At the Department of Materials and Production, our broad scope allows us an active role in the green transition from nanotechnology in energy production over large-scale wind turbines to management of production systems in the circular economy. We also address sustainability issues in the health system following demographic changes, such as medical and technological solutions to population diseases such as osteoarthritis and diabetes.  

Regional, national and international

The solution to the climate challenges and the desire for a sustainable future calls for interdisciplinary solutions and efforts across national borders. Therefore, in our research and education, we focus on collaboration that extends beyond our own professional boundaries and geography.

Collaborations on sustainability

Together with companies and other external partners, we strive to deliver valuable knowledge and contribute to develop sustainable solutions to the challenges of today's society. 

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more about our research and collaborations with companiens on three important sustainable focus areas: health, recycling and production.

New center to boost knowledge about knee osteoarthritis

A new center is set to develop the World’s most comprehensive mathematical model for knee osteoarthritis research. The goal is to treat the difficult disease more efficiently and sustainably. The center is based in Aalborg but includes researchers from universities all over the world.

Modular production makes sustainability affordable

By splitting the production line into modules, companies can become sustainable in a more affordable way. Circular production based on reusing old components requires a flexible production chain. This is the way towards a sustainable future, says Associate Professor Thomas Ditlev Brunø from the Department of Materials and Production at Aalborg University.

Value chains must support industrial recycling

Improving their ability to recycle materials from used products can have a vast positive impact on companies’ green accounting. At the moment, too many useable components are going to waste because the value chains are not under control. The Center for Industrial Production assists companies develop circular solutions.

  • Take-back creates value for both the environment and the economy

    For several years, manufacturing companies have been developing products which only have a single life cycle. That is, once the product has reached the end of its service life, it is scrapped as an industrial waste product. But in line with an increased political focus on environmental responsibility, and because in the future critical materials will become limited worldwide, there is a need to think about other directions.

    Recycling and circular economy

  • New model is a giant leap for recycled plastics

    Plastics could be recycled to a far greater degree than they are today if we could develop better methods to test the quality of recycled plastic. That is why AAU is teaming up with industrial companies like Grundfos (water technology) and Logstor (district heating and cooling) among others to make one giant leap for plastic recycling.

    Recycling and circular economy

  • Exoskeletons in industry may mean better staff retention

    The use of exoskeletons in industry is significantly increasing, potentially reducing the number of work-related injuries and ensuring that fewer workers become physically worn out. A win for the individual, the employer and for society.

    Sustainable production

  • Rapid change over must increase competitiveness of industry

    Quick changeover, reconfigurable solutions and easy implementation. It is crucial for Danish industrial companies to become even more competitive in the global market.

    Sustainable production

  • Researchers develop enzyme for plastic research

    Researchers in the Department of Materials and Production at Aalborg University are the first in the world to design an enzyme capable of decomposing polycarbonate plastic for recycling purposes. If the prototype is further developed successfully, it could be a game changer for solving the challenges of plastic waste.

    Recycling and circular economy