Abstract: The growing demand for sustainable products and the shift towards circular economy models highlight the need for transparent, interoperable, and verifiable data throughout the entire product lifecycle. In the electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) sector, which encompasses common household appliances, the adoption of life cycle engineering tools is limited, which poses a barrier to effective circularity. This study explores the potential of a blockchain-based Digital Product Passport (DPP) as a digital tool to overcome this challenge by enabling the traceability and secure management of product data throughout the entire lifecycle. Tested on a washing machine, the DPP prototype demonstrates how digital passports can enhance lifecycle management, promote sustainability in the EEE sector, and support multi-stakeholder collaboration. The system integrates a standardized Extensible Markup Language (XML) data model and blockchain technology to ensure immutable, verifiable, and transparent data accessible via a centralized platform. The results highlight the DPP’s capacity to support decentralized data governance, foster informed decision-making, and facilitate the practical transition toward circular economy scenarios.

Keywords: Digital Product Passport | Electrical Electronic Equipment | Life cycle management

Abstract: This paper presents the evolution of the concept of the disassembly map into a standardized, software-readable Digital Disassembly Map (DDM) designed to support virtual product disassembly. The proposed DDM is an XML-based format derived directly from a 3D CAD model, delivering an optimized disassembly sequence for defined target components in product assemblies that minimizes time and cost while ensuring consistency and repeatability. It offers structured, step-by-step guidance to efficiently access target components, facilitating repair, remanufacturing, and recycling operations. The DDM is developed in accordance with the CEN-CENELEC 4555X series standards for product repair and disassembly, and it ensures interoperability with existing engineering and enterprise systems (e.g., PLM, ERP, and production planning tools). This paper describes the methodological framework for generating the DDM from CAD data, as well as the design of its XML schema and library structure. By enabling standardized, software-readable disassembly information, the DDM advances the state of the art in virtual disassembly analysis, represents a step forward in integrating manufacturing and de-manufacturing, enables seamless data integration across the product lifecycle, and supports Industry 5.0 objectives and technologies.

Keywords: demanufacturing | design for disassembly | disassembly map | Industry 5.0 | XML

Abstract: Electrical and electronic equipment are widespread products that support the daily activities of people, but, due to their complexity, they are responsible for large quantities of improperly managed wastes. In this context, the present paper aims to demonstrate how the PiCo2RAEE digital platform can enhance lifecycle management, data sharing and stakeholders’ collaboration in the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) sector. The PiCo2RAEE platform is composed by three main modules: (i) a design for disassembly tool, (ii) a digital product passport module, and (iii) a second-life tool. The platform architecture is able to implement different but interconnected use scenarios, supporting the creation of a collaborative environment, in which materials and information effectively circulate among the product value chain and whole EEE lifecycle, favoring the creation of circular business models.

Keywords: circular economy | digital product passport | lifecycle management | remanufacturing | repair | reuse

Abstract: Snap-fits are fasteners that join and separate components without screws, adhesives, or rivets, streamlining mechanical connection and disassembly in several applications, as electric appliances. This study focuses on evaluating manual disassembly time for U-shaped snap-fits, analyzing various geometric characteristics (tab width, length, inclination, and the number of locking tabs). The tests showed that slotted housings ease disassembly, with tab width and length having the most significant impact on time, while slope and lug count had minimal influence. The findings provide a basis for creating a database to support future design for disassembly tasks, improving circularity potential in many industrial sectors.

Keywords: Circular economy | Disassembly time | Electrical appliances | Snap-fit | U-shaped

Abstract: Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) are a large family of common products that support the daily activities of our life (e.g. washing of clothes, food storage, cooking). In this sector the scarce use of life cycle engineering methods and tools represents an important barrier against the practical implementation of circular economy models. The study aims to propose a platform, called PiCo2RAEE, to support the design and management of the EEEs during the whole life cycle, fostering collaboration among the most important life cycle stakeholders, from designers to consumers to subjects involved in end-of-life management. The platform integrates three main modules: (i) a tool dedicated to the design for disassembly; (ii) a digital tool to track relevant information among all the value chain stakeholders; (iii) a tool to favor the sharing and recirculation of information, competences, products, components and materials. The PiCo2RAEE platform aids the adoption of circular models based on enhancing EEEs durability, recyclability, repairability, upgradability, remanufacturability.

Keywords: Circular economy | Ecodesign | Life cycle management

Abstract: Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) are essential products that support everyday activities such as washing clothes, storing food, and cooking. However, the limited application of life cycle engineering approaches in this sector creates a significant barrier to adopting circular economy models. To address this issue, this paper proposes a platform, called PiCo2RAEE, developed to promote the management of EEEs throughout their entire life cycle. The platform aims to facilitate coordinated collaboration among critical stakeholders, including designers, consumers, and end-of-life management entities. PiCo2RAEE integrates three main modules: (i) Design for Disassembly (DfD) tool to suggest design solutions able to simplify the disassembly of key components; (ii) Digital Product Passport (DPP) for tracking and sharing critical information among stakeholders along the value chain; and (iii) Second Life tool to encourage the exchange and reuse of knowledge, expertise, products, components, and materials. This platform enables the transition to circular economy practices by emphasizing durability, recyclability, reparability, and remanufacturing of EEE products. Improving these attributes, PiCo2RAEE supports the sustainable use of resources, reduces waste, and promotes the implementation of green and long-lasting solutions in the EEE industry. Its collaborative approach ensures that all parties involved in the product life cycle contribute to achieving a more sustainable and circular economy.

Keywords: Circular economy | Ecodesign | Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) | Life cycle management | Product passport

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the thermo-acoustic and hygrothermal properties of innovative panels made of leather waste produced by a bag factory from a circular economy perspective. Their performance was compared with other residual-based insulation panels. The leather scraps were chipped and three boards were fabricated by means of a mold with different compositions, adding adhesive glue. In order to improve the sustainability aspects, a sample was assembled by using a water-based polyurethane glue, in addition to the two panels with vinyl glue. Panels were tested for thermal, acoustic, and hygrothermal performance. Thermal conductivity values in the range of 0.064–0.078 W/mK at 10 °C were measured depending on the composition and the adhesive. A slight thermal performance deterioration occurs when using the natural water-based glue. The samples were characterized by good performance both in terms of sound absorption coefficient (Noise Reduction Coefficient NRC = 0.21–0.28) and Transmission Loss, up to 59 dB values. Water vapor resistance factor values in the 35–48 range were obtained, close to the values of standard materials, such as expanded polystyrene and polyurethane.

Keywords: acoustic performance | bovine leather cutting waste | hygrothermal properties | thermal properties

Abstract: Digitalization is one of the fundamental pillars of Industry 4.0. Within smart factories, Big Data Analytics systems play a key role in supporting the decision-making process of various stages of business processes. In this context, this research aims to identify solutions able to process large volumes of data from digital business processes with the final goal of adding value to the organisation. More specifically, the research deals with the implementation of a digital manufacturing tool able to digitize the workforce management process. The research has been applied in the case study of an Italian manufacturing company operating in the leather goods sector through the digitalization of the workforce management by a cloud-based platform. The implementation of the tool increases the efficiency of the production process, provides efficient management and integrates workforce data into one system. The implemented tool generates a large volume of data, the final goal is to make data user-friendly to support business decisions. Digitisation provides an exchange of information to support managers to make confident decisions.

Keywords: Big data | Digital / Digitised engineering value chains | Industry 4.0 | Workforce Management

Abstract: Manufacturing companies to start successful digital transition turn to Industry 4.0. In order to maintain competitiveness on the global market and answer customer demands, industries need to adopt a set of digital technologies to innovate their production processes. The paper aims to propose a methodology that is a step-by-step path to summarize the application phases that a manufacturing company should follow to realize its business digital transformation. The proposed methodology is applied to the case study of an Italian company operating in the luxury leather goods sector. The case study starts from the assessment of the digital maturity of the company. A detailed mapping of the production process and a specific data collection allowed to identify which business processes are particularly critical and should be optimized through the use of digital and enabling technologies. A strategic roadmap is suggested and priorities for resolution are finally defined on the basis of the technological gap and the company’s strategy of enabling actions to mitigate the criticalities.

Keywords: Digital factory | Digitalization | Industry 4.0 | Leather goods sector

Abstract: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global personal protective equipment (PPE) volume production and demand increased by 300-400% between 2019 and 2021. In this scenario, the present study aims to propose and validate an innovative circular economy scenario for end of life (EoL) PPEs, reusing them to produce reinforced bituminous mixtures. Despite that several studies confirmed the possibility of reusing plastic in the asphalt mixtures, none of them investigated the potential of PPEs, highlighting the innovativeness in the scientific panorama. Five different alternatives of EoL PPE mixtures (different products, materials, dosages, etc.) were tested at laboratory scale to verify the technical feasibility of the proposed scenario. The most promising solution resulted to be the mix of gloves and face masks composed by polypropylene, polyethylene, nitrile and lattice at a dosage of 0, 5% weight/weight that allowed to produce bituminous mixtures with acceptable performances in terms of relevant mechanical parameters while recycling waste PPEs. This leads to environmental benefits, since more than 3kg of EoL PPEs per square meter of road pavement can be reused instead of disposed (about 1, 5 million tons/year considering the bituminous mixtures produced at European level), as well as economic benefits for public administrations and the collectivity, due to the reduced landfilling of solid wastes.

Keywords: Circular economy | Personal protective equipment | Reinforced asphalt | Reuse

Abstract: The generation, storage and use of electric energy is a relevant issue for the modern society that is dependent from this energy typology for its activities (e.g. heating, goods production). Batteries are key components for the storage of electric energy, to be used for a large set of domestic, industrial and transport applications. The paper investigates the environmental impacts of two different battery technologies used as accumulator in the context of a production plant: (i) the lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, and (ii) the sodium-sulfur (NaS) battery. The analyses have been performed according to the Life Cycle Assessment methodology, by using the ReCiPe method at midpoint and endpoint levels to quantify the potential environmental impacts. Results highlight the principal impact of two different technologies, considering all environmental indicators. Results show that the LiFePO4 solution can be considered the most sustainable solution for the considered industrial application. However, the difference is very small, within 2% and strongly influenced by the energy needed to recharge the batteries during the use phase. Instead, if we consider the production of batteries, the NaS solution resulted the most sustainable solution with an impact in terms of the aggregated single score damage category of about a half in comparison with the LiFePO4 solution.

Keywords: batteries | life cycle assessment | lithium iron phosphate | sodium-sulfur

Abstract: The deposition of diamond coatings on hard metals substrates is a common strategy to improve mechanical characteristics of parts (e.g. cutting tools), but requires the pre-treatment of substrates. The study aims to investigate the environmental and economic sustainability of two different substrate pre-treatment processes: (i) two-step chemical etching process, and (ii) high-power continuous wave diode laser method. The cradle to gate study considers the superficial treatment of a WC-Co specimen as functional unit. The Life Cycle Assessment results highlight that for most of the ReCiPe impact categories, the environmental impact of laser treatment is greater than that of the chemical process (+38% in case of Climate Change, +45% in case of ReCiPe endpoint Single score), mainly due to the high energy consumption of the laser. The cost estimation, instead, highlights relevant savings for the laser process (about -98%), due to higher cost of chemicals than for electricity.

Keywords: cost estimation | diamond deposition | life cycle assessment | WC-Co substrate pre-treatment

Abstract: As nearly one third of global energy demand and CO2 emissions are attributable to manufacturing activities, the reduction of energy/resource consumption in the industrial sector is increasingly crucial. Therefore, research and innovation for the factories of the future is not only a matter of developing and integrating new technologies, but also a challenge to make manufacturing less dependent on energy and managed in an optimized way. This requires considering the efficiency of resource exploitation according to a systematic approach. To this aim, the present paper proposes a resource-saving tool, called Resource Value Mapping (RVM), and describes its application in a smart multinational company that produces electromechanical components for the automotive industry. The RVM tool is composed by three main modules that jointly allow the involved stakeholders to collaborate toward the optimization of the plant management: the Cloud data center that represents the repository of the collected real-time and offline data, the Analytics module that is responsible for data elaboration with the aim of calculating a set of key performance indicators useful to identify process inefficiencies, and the Web-based platform that represents the user interface of the tool. The case study demonstrated how such a tool allows (1) mapping the energy/resource flows to multiple levels (machine, line, plant), (2) characterizing them to identify the most critical activities that do not generate value and (3) supporting multiple stakeholders (plant manager, energy manger, operators) in the management of resource anomalies and definition of a more sustainable action plan.

Keywords: Energy efficiency | Industrial case study | Plant management | Resource-saving tool | Sustainable manufacturing