This study aims to investigate the thermo-acoustic and hygrothermal properties of innovative panels made of leather waste produced by a bag factory from a circular economy perspective. Their performance was compared with other residual-based insulation panels. The leather scraps were chipped and three boards were fabricated by means of a mold with different compositions, adding adhesive glue. In order to improve the sustainability aspects, a sample was assembled by using a water-based polyurethane glue, in addition to the two panels with vinyl glue. Panels were tested for thermal, acoustic, and hygrothermal performance. Thermal conductivity values in the range of 0.064–0.078 W/mK at 10 °C were measured depending on the composition and the adhesive. A slight thermal performance deterioration occurs when using the natural water-based glue. The samples were characterized by good performance both in terms of sound absorption coefficient (Noise Reduction Coefficient NRC = 0.21–0.28) and Transmission Loss, up to 59 dB values. Water vapor resistance factor values in the 35–48 range were obtained, close to the values of standard materials, such as expanded polystyrene and polyurethane.

Digitalization is one of the fundamental pillars of Industry 4.0. Within smart factories, Big Data Analytics systems play a key role in supporting the decision-making process of various stages of business processes. In this context, this research aims to identify solutions able to process large volumes of data from digital business processes with the final goal of adding value to the organisation. More specifically, the research deals with the implementation of a digital manufacturing tool able to digitize the workforce management process. The research has been applied in the case study of an Italian manufacturing company operating in the leather goods sector through the digitalization of the workforce management by a cloud-based platform. The implementation of the tool increases the efficiency of the production process, provides efficient management and integrates workforce data into one system. The implemented tool generates a large volume of data, the final goal is to make data user-friendly to support business decisions. Digitisation provides an exchange of information to support managers to make confident decisions.

Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) are essential products that support everyday activities such as washing clothes, storing food, and cooking. However, the limited application of life cycle engineering approaches in this sector creates a significant barrier to adopting circular economy models. To address this issue, this paper proposes a platform, called PiCo2RAEE, developed to promote the management of EEEs throughout their entire life cycle. The platform aims to facilitate coordinated collaboration among critical stakeholders, including designers, consumers, and end-of-life management entities. PiCo2RAEE integrates three main modules: (i) Design for Disassembly (DfD) tool to suggest design solutions able to simplify the disassembly of key components; (ii) Digital Product Passport (DPP) for tracking and sharing critical information among stakeholders along the value chain; and (iii) Second Life tool to encourage the exchange and reuse of knowledge, expertise, products, components, and materials. This platform enables the transition to circular economy practices by emphasizing durability, recyclability, reparability, and remanufacturing of EEE products. Improving these attributes, PiCo2RAEE supports the sustainable use of resources, reduces waste, and promotes the implementation of green and long-lasting solutions in the EEE industry. Its collaborative approach ensures that all parties involved in the product life cycle contribute to achieving a more sustainable and circular economy. Graphical abstract