Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) are being employed to a growing extent across various industrial sectors. As the number of components and semi-finished products continues to rise, there is a corresponding need for an increased production of carbon fibers. Consequently, this also results in a higher volume of production waste and end-of-life components. Currently, the recycling of these end-of-life components is limited, hindering the establishment of an optimal closed material cycle for carbon fibers. This article introduces the collaborative project "Change through Innovation in the Region (WIR!)" and outlines its objectives.