09.03.2026 Redaktion WoP

EmpowerDPP: Data management meets digital product pass-port – support for companies

Starting in January 2026, three Fraunhofer Clusters of Excellence will launch a joint pro-ject to support companies in implementing the EU requirements for digital product pass-ports (DPPs), which will become mandatory in 2027. The project will focus on both technical and organizational areas of action for DPP data management. On this basis, additional data points will be added to the core requirements of the DPP in order to develop new service offerings, particularly in production engineering. The Fraunhofer Clusters of Excellence Cognitive Internet Technologies CCIT, Programmable Materials CPM, and Circular Plastics Economy CCPE are involved in the project.

Starting in January 2026, three Fraunhofer Clusters of Excellence will launch a joint pro-ject to support companies in implementing the EU requirements for digital product pass-ports (DPPs), which will become mandatory in 2027. The project will focus on both technical and organizational areas of action for DPP data management. On this basis, additional data points will be added to the core requirements of the DPP in order to develop new service offerings, particularly in production engineering. The Fraunhofer Clusters of Excellence Cognitive Internet Technologies CCIT, Programmable Materials CPM, and Circular Plastics Economy CCPE are involved in the project.

The project "EmpowerDPP" focuses on both technical and organizational areas of action for the data management of digital product passports (DPPs).
31.07.2025 Redaktion WoP

CPM-Feature in "merlin" Magazine

For years, the smart3 innovation network has been reporting regularly on innovations in the field of smart materials in its merlin magazine. The current issue now devotes an entire article to programmable materials. Under the headline “With both feet in the future of materials,” the authors highlight the possibilities that programmable materials offer for shoe soles.

Das Innovationsnetzwerk smart3 berichtet in seinem merlin-Magazin seit Jahren regelmäßig über Neuerungen im Bereich der smart materials. In der aktuellen Ausgabe widmet sich nun ein ganzer Artikel programmierbaren Materialien. Unter der Überschrift „Mit beiden Beinen in der Materialzukunft“ beleuchten die Autor:innen die Möglichkeiten, die programmierbare Materialien für Schuhsohlen bieten.

29.10.2021 Redaktion WoP

4D printing: Heat shrinks printed objects

Printed plastics that change their shape once in a predetermined way when heated? This is made possible by 4D printing technology developed in the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Programmable Materials CPM.

Printed plastics that change their shape once in a predetermined way when heated? This is made possible by 4D printing technology developed in the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Programmable Materials CPM.

Dilip Chalissery develops process technology for 4D printing at Fraunhofer IAP
15.10.2020 Redaktion WoP

Programmable insulation materials

Novel insulation materials made from shape memory polymers are being developed and tested by the Fraunhofer Institutes for Applied Polymer Research IAP, for Chemical Technology ICT, and for Building Physics IBP as part of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Programmable Materials CPM. The high-tech foams are intended for use as functional materials in applications such as construction.

Novel insulation materials made from shape memory polymers are being developed and tested by the Fraunhofer Institutes for Applied Polymer Research IAP, for Chemical Technology ICT, and for Building Physics IBP as part of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Programmable Materials CPM. The high-tech foams are intended for use as functional materials in applications such as construction.

The synthesized shape memory polymers are processed on special reactive foam systems.