R.A.U.M. Laboratory

The construction sector is currently facing profound challenges driven by climate targets, rising energy costs, resource scarcity, and new regulatory requirements related to recyclability, recycled content, and product carbon footprints. At the same time, many companies have reduced their in-house research capabilities in recent years. The R.A.U.M. Laboratory addresses this gap by providing a modern research infrastructure for application-oriented innovation and collaborative industrial development.

At the core of the project is a “virtual-real” competence and application center that combines physical laboratory and pilot-scale facilities with advanced digital technologies. By digitalizing machinery, processing equipment, and testing systems, the project enables data-driven development of sustainable products and processes, including lifecycle-based environmental assessment. This approach supports the development of circular and resource-efficient construction products.

The project focuses on the research and application of bio-based and recycled materials, the development of reusable, repairable, and recyclable construction products, and the optimization of sustainable manufacturing processes. Modernized testing technologies further enable the evaluation of material performance, durability, and recyclability under realistic conditions.

A unique feature of the project is the accompanying Living Building Lab initiative, in which the developed products and technologies are directly implemented and tested within the research infrastructure building itself. The R.A.U.M. Laboratory therefore serves as a real-world demonstration and reference platform for sustainable construction products in both indoor and outdoor applications.

Within the project, AMIBM contributes its expertise in sustainable fiber technologies and melt-spinning processes for advanced materials. AMIBM is responsible for the research and further development of melt-spinning technologies in the context of sustainable and circular materials. This includes the analysis of regulatory frameworks, participation in stakeholder workshops, and the development of experimental strategies and end-of-life scenarios for melt-spun carpet yarns. Technical activities focus on the modification and optimization of melt-spinning equipment, the development and characterization of novel yarn structures, and the scale-up of sustainable yarn production processes.

With its interdisciplinary infrastructure and cross-border collaboration, the R.A.U.M. Laboratory strengthens the innovation capacity of the construction products industry and contributes significantly to the development of sustainable materials, products, and manufacturing technologies in the Aachen region, the Euregio Meuse-Rhine, and North Rhine-Westphalia.

The R.A.U.M. Laboratory Euregio Meuse-Rhine research project – Resources, Atmospheres, Environments, People – is funded by the European Union (ERDF NRW) and the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy. We would like to thank the funding bodies for their support. Responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the project partners.