Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Kohl

Deputy Director of Fraunhofer IPK
Head of Sustainable Corporate Development – TU Berlin
Head of the Corporate Management – Fraunhofer IPK
Technische Universität Berlin | Fraunhofer IPK, Germany

Title:

Digital product passport to strengthen the circular economy

Abstract:

Digital Product Passports (DPPs) play a crucial role in strengthening the circular economy by improving the flow of information throughout a product's lifecycle. In particular, digital product passports can close gaps in product information and lifecycle data, facilitate a more circular approach and promote longevity, repair and recycling, and also provide context-sensitive information seamlessly between all stakeholders both in the value chain and after end-of-life.


Prof. Bui Van Ga

General Editor of The Journal of Science and Technology
University of Danang, Vietnam

Title:

Future Prospects of Hydrogen as a Sustainable Fuel in the Automotive Industry

Abstract:

In practice, no single renewable fuel can completely replace fossil fuels. Among renewable options, hydrogen is considered the most sustainable long-term fuel because it can be produced using solar energy and water. In a future hydrogen-based economy, hydrogen will be a primary energy source, especially in the transportation sector. There has been considerable debate over whether the future automobile market will be dominated by Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) or Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). It is likely that both types of vehicles will coexist. FCEVs offer several advantages over BEVs, including lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout their lifecycle, higher energy storage density, shorter refueling times, and longer cruising ranges. The efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells is more than double that of hydrogen internal combustion engines. The cost of hydrogen fuel cells continues to decrease due to advancements in manufacturing technology and the application of new materials. Given the low levels of GHG emissions throughout the lifecycle of FCEVs, it is anticipated that FCEVs may dominate the automobile market in the latter half of this century, as progress is made towards a hydrogen-based economy. However, the primary challenge in hydrogen application for automobiles is onboard hydrogen storage. Hydrogen's low volumetric energy density necessitates oversized storage tanks to ensure an acceptable cruising range. Material-based hydrogen storage technology provides high energy density with moderate operating pressure and temperature, making it suitable for hydrogen fuel cell automotive applications. Swapping hydrogen canisters is a viable solution for supplying hydrogen to hydrogen fuel cell motorcycles. Onboard production of HHO (hydrogen and oxygen gas) may be used to improve combustion efficiency of the engines. Some hydrogen carriers such as NH3 or DME provide an interim solution for hydrogen storage onboard vehicles.


Prof. Yasushi Umeda

Professor in Research into Artifacts, Center for Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering
University of Tokyo, Japan

Title:

Life cycle engineering for enabling a Circular Economy

Abstract:

In addition to carbon neutrality and nature positive, “circular economy” is getting attention as a means for achieving environmental sustainability. It encourages the shift from a linear economy, which is based on mass production, mass consumption, and mass disposal, to the economy in which resources are circulated repeatedly through various paths including long life, maintenance, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling with various business models. One of the most important aspects of the circular economy is “life cycle thinking.” Life cycle engineering is a system of technologies that enables this life cycle thinking, including modeling, design, management, and evaluation of product life cycles. This presentation introduces an overview of life cycle engineering and some hints to realize manufacturing businesses that fits to the circular economy with several examples.


Mr. Tran Hieu

Founding CEO
Indefol Solar, Vietnam

Title:

Sustainable Energy strategy at Indefol

Abstract:

Indefol is developing a comprehensive green hydrogen ecosystem to support the supply chains of major global brands such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, VF, and Decathlon across seven countries, with a particular emphasis on Vietnam (40% focus) and additional efforts in Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, China, India, and Bangladesh (60% collectively). This innovative ecosystem centers on the manufacturing of green hydrogen electrolyzers that utilize direct current (DC) boost technology sourced directly from solar energy, bypassing traditional grid connections. This approach enhances efficiency by an impressive 7% compared to conventional solar grid-tie systems, while the electrolyzers themselves achieve an overall efficiency of 83%, comprising a 76% efficiency in electrolysis and the additional 7% from the DC boost mechanism.

In Vietnam, initial deployment of hydrogen off-takers is prioritized in collaboration with the Vietnam-Germany University (VGU) and coordinated by GIZ. A quality certification Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with TUV SUD has been established to ensure adherence to industry standards. Revenue generation is primarily targeted from the development of green hydrogen boilers for heat and steam applications (80% of revenue), complemented by the generation of green electricity (20%). Indefol has secured contracts that contribute to a backlog order totaling approximately $15 billion USD until 2032, aimed at decarbonizing the entire hydrogen supply chain.

Future expansion plans include discussions regarding green hydrogen taxi and trucking services, with anticipated agreements to be finalized by 2025-2026. Indefol plans to synergize solar rooftop green hydrogen plants with hydrogen fueling stations to enhance operational efficiency. Furthermore, acknowledging a growing demand for skilled talent, Indefol seeks VGU’s collaboration in co-development activities, such as prototyping and testing. The group also intends to work with EulerHermes and related industry partners to establish a production facility in Germany to manufacture high-end green hydrogen products, including fuel cells and engines for vehicles and drones, filling a production gap currently unmet by its Vietnam operations.


Mr. Benedikt Kümmel

General Manager
TRUMPF Vietnam Co., Ltd., Vietnam

Title:

Sustainability at TRUMPF and in Sheet Metal Processing

Abstract:

TRUMPF is a globally renowned, family-owned company specializing in manufacturing industrial machine tools, laser technology, and electronics. Founded in 1923, TRUMPF has grown to become a leader in high-tech solutions, driving innovation and shaping the future of manufacturing industries worldwide. TRUMPF's advanced technologies are integral to the automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical device manufacturing sectors. With more than 70 subsidiaries, the group is represented in nearly every European country, in North and South America, and Asia; the company's influence and expertise extend to Vietnam, where it plays a key role in supporting the local manufacturing industry through cutting-edge equipment, smart factory solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Nowadays, industries worldwide increasingly acknowledge their responsibility to minimize environmental impacts, reduce carbon emissions, and adopt energy-efficient technologies. Companies like TRUMPF lead by example, taking significant steps to ensure that our operations not only contribute to economic growth but also to environmental protection and social well-being. At TRUMPF, sustainability has always been at the heart of this family-owned company, which has an impressive history and is a central component of corporate responsibility. In addition to climate protection and social aspects, this also includes responsible corporate governance. The keynote speech will explain TRUMPF's activities in this area.


Prof. Dr.-Ing. Rafi Wertheim

Former CIRP President (2001/2002)
Professor in Mechanical Engineering, Braude College, Karmiel, Israel
Advisor for Fraunhofer IWU and TU Chemnitz, Germany

Title:

A Metrics-based Transformative Approach for Developing and Implementing Sustainable Additive Manufacturing

Abstract:

There is a pressing need to improve sustainability by saving resources, reduce energy consumption and minimizing the environmental impacts of human activities including manufacturing processes. Machining operations by mechanical cutting are fundamental manufacturing processes while minimizing and eliminating environmental impacts is vital. In this keynote paper, sustainability in the context of machining is identified. The cutting tools, workpiece materials,  flushing/coolant, and the machine tool are analyzed. Energy and resources used in machining have been categorized and the social and environmental impacts and potential methods to reduce them have been identified. The findings are discussed and the challenges for future research direction are highlighted.