Siemens Launches Circular Soft Starter With IOTA Tracking — Cuts CO₂ by 50%

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• Siemens introduced a refurbished soft starter with up to 50% lower carbon emissions.
  
• IOTA-powered tracking enables full lifecycle transparency and digital product passports.
  
• Circular manufacturing is gaining traction in industrial equipment markets.

At Light + Building 2026, Siemens introduced its first circular refurbished soft starter, marking a notable step toward sustainable industrial manufacturing. The new SIRIUS 3RW5-Z R11 combines refurbished hardware with a digital traceability framework powered by IOTA, aiming to balance performance with environmental efficiency.

The launch highlights a growing shift in industrial equipment toward circular economy models, where reuse and refurbishment take priority over full-scale manufacturing.

Circular Manufacturing Takes Center Stage

The SIRIUS 3RW5-Z R11 is designed to perform at the same level as a newly manufactured unit. Siemens says each refurbished device undergoes detailed inspection, selective part replacement, and rigorous testing before returning to the market. Customers also receive warranties comparable to those offered with new equipment, addressing common concerns around reliability.

This approach significantly reduces material waste. Instead of discarding used units, components are reused wherever possible, cutting down on raw material demand and production energy. Siemens estimates that the refurbished soft starter can reduce carbon emissions by up to 50% compared to a new device.

The move reflects broader industry efforts to align with sustainability targets while maintaining operational standards.

IOTA Powers Digital Product Traceability

A key feature of the product is its integrated digital tracking system. Each unit includes an ID Link—a QR-based identifier that allows users to access detailed information about the device’s lifecycle, including usage history and condition data.

This system is part of Siemens’ broader push toward digital transparency. By leveraging distributed ledger technology through IOTA, the company is building a framework that supports secure and verifiable product data across multiple lifecycle stages.

The initiative is also tied to future compliance requirements. Siemens is developing its digital architecture to align with upcoming EU regulations, particularly the Digital Product Passport under sustainability-focused legislation. This framework is expected to standardize how industrial products are tracked, reused, and documented.

Expanding Smart Protection Technologies

Alongside the soft starter, Siemens also announced updates to its circuit protection lineup. Its SENTRON Electronic Circuit Protection Device will soon include integrated residual current monitoring, enabling continuous fault detection without interrupting operations.

A three-phase version for 400V applications is also in development, targeting use cases such as industrial automation systems, HVAC units, and power distribution networks.

Also Read: 7 Key Ways IOTA Is Targeting Governments and Global Trade Infrastructure

Siemens’ latest launch signals a practical shift toward combining circular manufacturing with digital innovation. By integrating refurbishment processes with blockchain-based traceability, the company is positioning itself at the intersection of sustainability and smart infrastructure.

As regulatory pressure and environmental concerns grow, solutions like the SIRIUS 3RW5-Z R11 could play a key role in shaping the future of industrial equipment.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.