Electronics manufacturing is crucial for Norway’s competitiveness in high-tech, high-value, and strategically important global value chains such as defense, maritime, and offshore industries. At the same time, a significant share of the environmental footprint originates from raw material extraction and manufacturing processes, making resource efficiency, extended product lifetimes, and improved recycling essential. Stricter regulations and increasing vulnerability in the supply of critical raw materials and global supply chains further emphasize the need for circular electronic products and production systems.
The GP BÆREL project aims to accelerate the green transition in the Norwegian electronics industry through the development of a data-driven and integrated value chain. This will be realized through a digital platform that enables seamless integration from design and manufacturing to remanufacturing and recycling, supported by feedback loops. The project covers the entire lifecycle and focuses on waste reduction, as well as increasing levels of repair, remanufacturing, reuse, and recycling, by developing solutions for circular and sustainable electronic products, value chain processes, business models, and services. Circular solutions will enhance economic sustainability through reduced costs and increased revenue; environmental sustainability through reduced waste and higher resource efficiency; and social sustainability through safer working environments and competence development.
The main innovations will be developed and demonstrated through four industrial pilots in strategic sectors such as defense, maritime, and offshore. Inission Løkken will develop circular product designs and remanufacturing processes for EV chargers. Kongsberg Maritime will implement AI-based quality control for zero-defect production of sensors. Safran STN will increase productivity and quality through data-driven quality management and establish a repair and calibration center for high-value electronics such as gyro sensors. Stena Recycling will develop new solutions for safe and efficient sorting and recycling of electronic waste.
The project is led by SINTEF Industri, which is also responsible for research and technology development in collaboration with SINTEF Digital. Novotek and Idletechs will provide technologies for data collection, analysis, and decision support. The University of South-Eastern Norway will contribute to training and competence development related to circular and digital solutions. Thamsklyngen will support the industrial pilots through business model development and cluster collaboration, while MTNC Katapult will provide testing facilities.