The European Union is supporting the :bergische rohstoffschmiede (:brs) project with around €12.4 million.

Oliver Krischer, Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia, presented the funding approval for the project at the “Alles Ressource!” at the :metabolon innovation center, according to a press release from the project managers. According to the information provided, the Bergische Abfallwirtschaftsverband (BAV), the Oberbergische Kreis, the Rheinisch-Bergische Kreis, the Rhein-Sieg-Kreis, and the Technical University of Cologne are involved in :brs. The joint project will run for three years and is being funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of a competition.
 
The aim of the project is to establish the Bergisches Land region as a model region for circular economy and to promote the sustainable use of regional resources. The local economy should view waste materials as valuable resources and use them to save raw materials, energy, and carbon dioxide. The project ties in with its predecessor, the “Pilot zur Bergischen Rohstoffschmiede” (Bergisch Raw Materials Pilot), in which new processes for a resource-saving and climate-friendly economy were already tested. Since 2010, the Cologne University of Applied Sciences has been working with the BAV to develop innovative methods for recycling by-products, residual materials, and waste at the :metabolon site at the Leppe waste disposal center. A large research hall with modern facilities and two model houses as examples of sustainable construction methods were also built at :metabolon.
 
:brs builds on these results and is dedicated to three major work packages: alternative raw materials, circular construction, and process technology. The focus is on a joint learning and development process involving science, business, local authorities, and society for a sustainable resource economy. According to the information provided, a package of measures specifically tailored to the needs of the region is being implemented for this purpose. Research projects at the :metabolon site, regional expert dialogues, specialist workshops, and conferences will address topics such as circular value creation in the plastics sector, recyclable recycling processes, the processing of construction waste, predictive maintenance, and change management for circular value creation. The solutions are to be tested in practice and regional partners will be actively involved.
 
Minister Oliver Krischer explained: “The future is being shaped in the Bergisches Land region – research, trade, and industry are working together to put the circular economy into practice. This creates innovation, jobs, and important impetus for the whole of North Rhine-Westphalia.” Prof. Dr. Sylvia Heuchemer, President of TH Köln, added: “The funding recognizes our achievements at :metabolon. It shows how we successfully combine science, practice, and social responsibility.“
 
Sources:

• Presse release :brs (22.10.2025)
• Photo: © REGIONALE 2025 Agentur / Julia Holland