Spoke 5

Spoke 5

Closed-loop, sustainable and inclusive factories and processes

Ambition
To envision a new kind of factory that does not yet exist: a zero-waste, pollution-free, energy-neutral, closed-loop, nature-oriented, human-centered, socially driven, inclusive, fully safe, self-sufficient and self-regenerating factory.
A new factory model that will bring Made in Italy toward the Urban Factory — and even the Factory in Space.

Sergio Terzi

Spoke 5 Leader

Objectives

  • Develop technologies, resources and frameworks to design — and implement — the circular and sustainable factory of the future, based on regenerative, bio-based additive manufacturing systems, in which asset lifecycles are systematically closed to maximize resource reuse and energy efficiency.
  • Create labs and proof-of-concept initiatives to evaluate and transfer viable circular factory solutions to industry.

Main Activities

01

Modeling and identification of new production processes to be tested in lab environments. This Smart Factory will support a multi-loop supply chain, where reused and recycled materials are reintroduced into production, generating new functionality and value.

02

Development of advanced solutions to optimize energy consumption in both production and end-of-life phases, following the principles of industrial symbiosis.

03

Implementation of new production technologies, processes, industrial smart working models, and advanced skills for inclusive, high-quality jobs — including the preservation of traditional artisanal know-how.

Projects

Spoke 5
PROPOSER
Università degli Studi di Brescia
PROJECT LEADER
Elza Bontempi
Spoke 5
PROPOSER
Politecnico di Milano
PROJECT LEADER
Giorgio Locatelli
Spoke 5
PROPOSER
Politecnico di Milano
PROJECT LEADER
Paola Bertola
Spoke 5
PROPOSER
Politecnico di Milano
PROJECT LEADER
Sergio Terzi
Spoke 5
PROPOSER
Università degli Studi di Palermo
PROJECT LEADER
Giorgio Domenico Maria Micale
Spoke 5
PROPOSER
Sapienza Università di Roma
PROJECT LEADER
Giuseppe Bonifazi
Spoke 5
PROPOSER
Sapienza Università di Roma
PROJECT LEADER
Luca Fraccascia

Other Spokes

Advanced digital design: technologies, processes and tools
Eco-design strategies: from materials to product–service systems (PSS)
Green and sustainable products and materials from non-critical and secondary sources
Smart and sustainable materials for circular and augmented industrial products and processes
Additive manufacturing as a disruptive enabler of the Twin Transition
Innovative, consumer-oriented business models for resilient and circular supply chains
Digital factory design and management through Artificial Intelligence and data-driven approaches