Open Access

Nils KünsterORCiD, Nada RuzicicORCiD, Vera HummelORCiD

• The transformation of the economic model from a linear cradle-to-grave mode to a circular cradle-to-cradle mode promises the potential to address prevalent issues in climate change and resource scarcity in supply chains. Effective implementation of circular economy principles in value chains involves not only the creation of recycling processes but also a product design suitable for recovering materials and parts. One important aspect of design for circular economy joining and fastening technology is to simplify disassembly and improve recovery yields. Learning factories are becoming increasingly more popular environments to teach learners knowledge and skills necessary in the transformation towards circular economy. However, teaching concepts focusing on the joining and fastening technology for a circular economy have not been explored yet. Therefore, this paper presents a teaching concept that allows learners to comparatively assess the circularity implications of different joining technologies. The teaching concept relies on physical and digital demonstrators and uses virtual reality technology for an immersive learning experience. The paper serves as a practical guide to introduce aspects of circular design into learning factories’ sustainability curriculums.