Mumbai, Aug. 12 -- Covestro has joined the KOLLEKT research project, a three-year initiative focused on developing recyclable automotive lighting, mechatronic and electronic components through circular product design and advanced recycling technologies.
The project brings together FORVIA HELLA as coordinator alongside BMW, Covestro, Geba, Fraunhofer IEM, Fraunhofer UMSICHT, the University of Paderborn, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and SW Maschinenservice.
Running from June 2026 to May 2029, KOLLEKT is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space under the CircularGlowUp framework. The project has a total funding volume of EUR 4.371 million, including project lump sums.
KOLLEKT places 'Design for Circularity' at the centre of product development, with a focus on repair, reuse, remanufacturing and recycling. The initiative aims to develop automotive lighting components that can be more easily dismantled, recovered and returned to high-quality material cycles.
As a materials partner, Covestro will contribute expertise in high-performance polymers and sustainable material solutions. Its Makrolon, Bayblend and Apec materials are widely used in automotive lighting applications, with the project assessing recycling pathways for polycarbonate and the quality of recovered materials.
An AI-powered robotic dismantling cell will form a key part of the project. Supported by digital product twins and AI-based data processing, the system is being developed to enable automated and material-pure disassembly of components at industrial scale.
Monique Buch, Chief Commercial Officer at Covestro, said collaboration across the value chain would help integrate circularity into product development from the outset.
KOLLEKT builds on the NALYSES research project completed in 2026 and aims to develop an end-to-end circular value creation model. Its findings are also expected to support future applications beyond automotive lighting, including the electrical and electronics sectors.
Covestro said the project will support its broader circular economy strategy and contribute towards meeting future EU end-of-life vehicle recycling and recycled-content requirements.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.