Selected Highlights
Research in circular economy and sustainable design
IDE has built a strong research portfolio across circular product design, ecodesign, digital product passports, sustainable manufacturing, circular textiles, plastics, composites, and wind energy. Our projects are supported by national and international funding from Innovation Fund Denmark, Industriens Fond, TRACE- the national consortium for a transition to a circular economy, and the EU LIFE Programme, and commissioned policy work.
Societal impact through citizen science
Through Change4Circularity, IDE contributes to one of Denmark’s largest citizen science initiatives on plastic pollution, household sorting, and textile behaviour. The project engages pupils, teachers, citizens, municipalities, NGOs, and researchers in generating knowledge for circular transition strategies. The project was shortlisted for the World Summit Awards (WSA) in the Environment category.
Industrial collaboration and implementation
IDE works closely with industrial partners to translate circular economy ambitions into practical design and implementation pathways. Our collaborations include companies and organisations such as The LEGO Group, Danfoss Drives, Grundfos, BESTSELLER, Kvadrat, FORCE Technology, Danish Technological Institute, and Danish SMEs (i.e. KE Fibertec).
Policy and international engagement
IDE contributes to national and international policy discussions on circular economy, including work on wind turbine blade recycling for the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and international collaboration through IEA Wind Task 45. We also participate in EU LIFE FIBRA, supporting circular system assessments for novel natural fibre-based feedstocks.
Public dissemination and visibility
IDE researchers actively communicate research to wider audiences and stakeholders. This includes public outreach, media contributions, policy-oriented reports, and award-winning dissemination, including the SDU Research Dissemination Award.
Education and research capacity building
IDE connects research and education by involving students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and research assistants in real-world circular economy challenges. Through project-based learning and industry collaboration, we help educate the next generation of engineers and design researchers.
Research in circular economy and sustainable design
IDE has built a strong research portfolio across circular product design, ecodesign, digital product passports, sustainable manufacturing, circular textiles, plastics, composites, and wind energy. Our projects are supported by national and international funding from Innovation Fund Denmark, Industriens Fond, TRACE- the national consortium for a transition to a circular economy, and the EU LIFE Programme, and commissioned policy work.
Societal impact through citizen science
Through Change4Circularity, IDE contributes to one of Denmark’s largest citizen science initiatives on plastic pollution, household sorting, and textile behaviour. The project engages pupils, teachers, citizens, municipalities, NGOs, and researchers in generating knowledge for circular transition strategies. The project was shortlisted for the World Summit Awards (WSA) in the Environment category.
Industrial collaboration and implementation
IDE works closely with industrial partners to translate circular economy ambitions into practical design and implementation pathways. Our collaborations include companies and organisations such as The LEGO Group, Danfoss Drives, Grundfos, BESTSELLER, Kvadrat, FORCE Technology, Danish Technological Institute, and Danish SMEs (i.e. KE Fibertec).
Policy and international engagement
IDE contributes to national and international policy discussions on circular economy, including work on wind turbine blade recycling for the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and international collaboration through IEA Wind Task 45. We also participate in EU LIFE FIBRA, supporting circular system assessments for novel natural fibre-based feedstocks.
Public dissemination and visibility
IDE researchers actively communicate research to wider audiences and stakeholders. This includes public outreach, media contributions, policy-oriented reports, and award-winning dissemination, including the SDU Research Dissemination Award.
Education and research capacity building
IDE connects research and education by involving students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and research assistants in real-world circular economy challenges. Through project-based learning and industry collaboration, we help educate the next generation of engineers and design researchers.