Improving Circularity in Brewing through Data Spaces: A Case Study in Carbon Footprint Allocation

This paper explores how data space-based condition monitoring can enhance circular economy strategies and support sustainability in industrial production, using the RIF Cyber Physical Brewhouse as a case study. Data spaces, characterized by sovereign, interoperable, and trust-based data exchange, enable secure collaboration across stakeholders in the value chain. Drawing on a literature review and qualitative interview study within the Factory-X research project, the paper investigates the relevance of data spaces for sustainability from an industrial engineering perspective. The conceptual framework shows how sharing timely operational and environmental data through a federated data space for Festo's industrial valve terminal can inform lifecycle decisions. Two complementary services are used: a RGrading service assesses circularity potential (Reuse, Recycle, Remanufacture, Refurbish), while a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF)-Management Service allocates the component’s PCF based on its estimated remaining useful life. A method for assigning the valve’s initial PCF to the brewing process is proposed, illustrating how data spaces can operationalize sustainability goals and help industrial engineers integrate environmental metrics into operational planning decisions.