On 18 May 2026, the Upper Austrian Parliament invited guests to the event series “Raus aus der Nebelzone. Wissenschaft bringt Orientierung” initiated by Max Hiegelsberger, President of the Upper Austrian State Parliament, in Kremsmuenster. Hosted at the campus of Greiner AG, the event focused on the topic “Circular Economy – A World Without Waste”. Current challenges and research approaches in the recycling of plastics, batteries, and wood were discussed in front of a distinguished audience.

Rebeka Frueholz, a doctoral candidate in the COMET Module “FuLIBatteR”, highlighted the role of lithium-ion batteries as a key raw material of the future. With recycling material volumes increasing by around 20% annually, battery recycling offers significant potential to secure resources and sustainably reduce Europe’s dependence on imports.