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Abstract Building bricks were produced by utilizing deinking paper mill sludge (DPMS) and alluvial soil by varying percentage of sludge at different firing temperatures. Different mix proportions were prepared with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% of DPMS incorporation in alluvial soil by weight. Three firing temperatures of 900 °C, 950 °C and 1000 °C were investigated to simulate the typical condition of kiln. The density, firing shrinkage, water absorption, efflorescence, apparent porosity, compressive strength and thermal conductivity of the bricks were determined. The XRD and microstructural analysis of brick specimens were also studied. The optimum firing temperature was 950 °C. The thermal conductivity decreases with increase in percentage of deinking paper mill sludge. It was found that 15% deinking paper mill sludge gives optimum strength at firing temperature of 950 °C. Developed bricks satisfy the requirements of class 10 of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), in terms of efflorescence, compressive strength and water absorption. Thermal conductivity results show that the developed brick was thermally more insulated than the conventional bricks and can be used as alternative to conventional bricks. This will address the issue of waste management through cleaner production and show the ways towards sustainable, economical and energy efficient construction. Highlights • Building bricks were developed utilizing deinking paper mill sludge (DPMS) & soil. • Maximum level of DPMS in production brick is 15% at firing temperature of 950 °C. • The developed bricks satisfies the requirement of class 10 bricks of BIS. • Developed bricks are sustainable and thermally insulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive review explores recent advancements in the manufacturing of cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-based cellulose nanopaper (CNP). The analysis delves into customizing CNPs through nanofiber manufacturing, mechanical refining, and chemical treatments. The report underscores the growing interest in CNPs derived from CNF due to their exceptional properties and eco-friendly attributes. CNP strength significantly enhanced through mechanical refining encompassing cellulose nanofibrillation were breaking down of cellulose into nanofibers takes place. Conversely, dense CNF network formed through filtration and casting method. Chemical treatments such as dispersion, functionalization, and coating methods followed by drying and consolidation introduce custom functionalities for diverse applications. These applications span packaging, electronics, energy harvesting, EMI shielding, optoelectronics, nanogenerators, transparent conducting films, water treatment, bioelectronics, and neuromorphic computing. The study conducts an in-depth investigation to assess CNP's effects on promoting sustainability and minimizing environmental waste, making a significant contribution to the circular economy. This investigation underscores the pursuit of innovation and aligns with the principles of progressing toward a more environmentally sustainable future. [Display omitted] • Explores CNF production, refining and chemical treatments for CNP customization. • Remarkable properties of CNP draw academic and industrial interest. • CNP applied in packaging, electronics, energy, and environmental science. • Investigates role of CNP in circular economy. • Emphasizes CNPs as eco-friendly, fostering innovation and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a well-established and informative method of understanding the environmental impacts of consumer products across the entire value chain. However, companies committed to sustainability are interested in more methods that examine their products and activities' impacts. Methods that build on LCA strengths and illuminate other connected but less understood facets, related to social and economic impacts, would provide greater value to decision-makers. This study is a LCA that calculates the potential impacts associated with Bounty ® paper towels from two facilities with different production lines, an older one (Albany, Georgia) representing established technology and the other (Box Elder, Utah), a newer state-of-the-art platform. This is unique in that it includes use of Industrial Process Systems Assessment (IPSA), new electricity and pulp data, modeled in open source software, and is the basis for the development of new integrated sustainability metrics (published separately). The new metrics can guide supply chain and manufacturing enhancements, and product design related to environmental protection and resource sustainability. Results of the LCA indicate Box Elder had improvements on environmental impact scores related to air emission indicators, except for particulate matter. Albany had lower water use impacts. After normalization of the results, fossil fuel depletion is the most critical environmental indicator. Pulp production, electricity, and fuels for product production drive fossil fuel depletion. Climate change, land occupation, and particulate matter are also relevant. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by pulp, electricity, papermaking, and landfill methane from the disposed product, drive climate change impacts. Pulp provides significant offsets to balance climate change impacts due to sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Ninety-nine percent of land occupation is for the growth of the trees for pulp production. Papermaking, electricity, and pulp production cause the most potential particular matter formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulp mill excess sludge (PMES) is an industrial biomass waste containing high moisture, many organic compounds, and highly concentrated adsorbed organic halides (AOX). The safe disposal and recycling of PMES using an environmentally friendly and sustainable treatment represents a major challenge. In this study, alkali-oxygen cooking was used to recover cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from PMES while removing AOX in a one-pot process. Single-parameter experiments showed that more than 95% of AOX was effectively removed, meeting sewage emission standards, and greater than 70% of cellulose was recovered as CNC. A response surface experimental design was then applied to determine the optimal reaction conditions. A temperature of 200 °C, alkali dosage of 35 wt%, and reaction time of 5 h resulted in an AOX removal rate of 96.57% and CNC recovery rate of 73.78%. The results of this study not only demonstrate an environmentally friendly, sustainable strategy for the treatment and recycling of PMES into CNC, And the alkali-oxygen cooking process can be applied other cellulose-rich industrial wastes to recover value-added products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production systems are being restructured to close production cycles via implementing circular economy (CE) practices. The planted tree industry in Brazil has shown potential for applying CE practices due to its efficient use of resources and inclination towards environmental innovation. However, some gaps and difficulties have been observed in several industrial segments so that the logic of the circular production system is put into practice more effectively and intensely. In this context, the aim was to investigate the use and impacts of CE practices in the Brazilian planted tree industry by sector of operation and scale of enterprises based on the ReSOLVE framework. Data were collected from 34 companies that answered a questionnaire, corresponding to 47.2% of Brazilian planted tree industry companies. Data analysis involved univariate and multivariate statistical techniques, considering the grouping of companies by sector of activity (forest producer, pulp and paper, and timber processing) and scale (small, medium, and large). The results revealed that "pulp and paper" and medium- and large-scale companies had the most significant application of CE practices and reported more significant impacts. [Display omitted] • Explores a segmented analysis of the circular economy by scale and sub-sector groups. • Scores of circular practices and their impacts are presented according to the groups. • The association between circular practices and impacts by group are analyzed. • Propositions to enable the adoption of circular practices are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper and cellulose manufacturing industry generates significant quantities of waste, including an extremely humid sludge, which is considered to be an effluent with high environmental liability for the manufacturer. Studies have shown that this waste sludge may be utilized in construction material, such as mortar for fixing blocks, as well as for ceiling and wall coatings that use ceramic masonry as a sealant. The recycling of pulp and paper industry waste sludge has important environmental benefits, by preventing soil and water pollution caused by inadequate disposal and by reducing the depletion of natural resources, such as lime, used in cementitious materials. This study analyzed the sustainability of incorporating such waste into cement-based mortars. Tests were conducted replacing lime, one of the most expensive mortar components with high environmental impact, with waste sludge in contents of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Analysis was then performed on the samples to assess the primary technical characteristics of these incorporated mortars, such as the consistency index, heat of hydration, content of incorporated air, water retention, mechanical strength and the capillarity coefficient. The results were compared with the results of the characterization tests that were performed on the waste material. The results showed that for use in wall and ceiling mortar coatings, the level of incorporation should not exceed 10%, because higher levels yield lower values of mechanical strength resistance, incompatible with market requirements. This result is probably due to the low heat of hydration of the waste material which generates slower reactions. On the other hand, higher levels of waste material content, above 10%, are appropriate convenient for mortar used to fill small repairs in masonry that do not require control of properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papermaking is a water intensive industry. The growth of paper demand will further intensify the need of fresh water resources. Papermaking involves complex processing routes. Previous investigations of water consumption in papermaking industry have focused primarily on key processes and pathways, ignoring the impacts of many intermediate and inter-related processes in paper production cycles and there underestimating the sustainability impacts. Herein, the results of a life cycle analysis of water consumption for papermaking industry in China using an extensive system boundary that includes the water embedded in intermediate processing are presented. The results show the life cycle water consumption and water saving potentials for different papermaking pathways. The advocacy of "forest pulp and paper integration" may have few practical contribution to reducing water consumption due to the low indirect water consumption of raw materials and energy for transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability measurement in economics includes assessment of environmental and economic effects in an integrated manner. In this study, system level economic data are integrated with environmental impacts determined from a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a common product. We adopt a costing methodology that captures conventional costs, but additionally incorporates externality costs to present a convenient, easily interpretable metric. Green Net Value Added (GNVA) is a type of full cost accounting that incorporates total revenue, the cost of production, depreciation, and environmental externalities. We present externality costs disaggregated by upstream sectors, full cost of production, and GNVA to evaluate the relative sustainability of Bounty ® paper towels manufactured at two production facilities. We found that the longer running, more established line had a higher GNVA. The predominant components contributing to externality costs come from the stationary sources in the supply chain: electricity generation (27–35%), refineries (20–21%), pulp and paper making (15–23%). Health-related externalities from Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions are to a great extent driven by electricity usage and emissions by the facilities, followed by pulp processing and transport. Supply chains for other facility purchases, product distribution, and end-of-life management contribute the least to the environmental health-related costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study develops a framework of internal and external factors that influence the adoption of eco-innovation. We studied 80 adoption processes in the Dutch brewing industry and the Dutch paper industry and analysed the relative importance of different factors. We find that internal factors were more important than external factors. The analysis also shows differences between the industries. The financial advantage was important for both industries, but especially for the paper industry. For the brewing industry, ethical responsibility and stakeholders played a more important role in the adoption. The analysis also revealed differences for small and large firms. Ethical responsibility and stakeholders are relatively more often mentioned by small firms, whereas clear objectives and regulations were mentioned more by large firms. Our study highlights that the adoption of eco-innovation is a complex process and the position in the supply chain as well as the size of a firm influence what is important in the adoption of eco-innovation. • Many different internal and external factors influence the adoption of eco-innovation. • Internal factors are more important than external factors. • Ethical considerations and stakeholders seem more important for smaller firms. • The position in the supply chain influences which factors are important. • Firms visible to consumers are influenced by ethical considerations and stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water removal during paper manufacturing is of primary importance to production rate and cost efficiency for the pulp and paper industry. It is crucial to develop methods to reduce energy consumption by increasing the percent solids in the paper web entering the dryers from the presses. This research aimed to develop a fundamental understanding of the effect of bio-chemo-mechanical pretreatments on a bleached softwood fiber matrix and evaluate the impact on the percent solids of the paper web after pressing. Experiments included enzymatic, refining, and cationic polymer pretreatments on the bleached softwood pulps, followed by laboratory papermaking and determining the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) after pressing and the pulp and paper properties. The combined effect of mild refining, controlled enzymatic pretreatments, and cationic strength aids proved to enhance the water removal during wet pressing (up to 35 % reduction) and increase paper strength (up to 60 % increase). The results of increased solids after pressing were used to calculate the potential reduction in drying energy during paper manufacturing. Energy savings of around 10 % for paper drying could be achieved through fiber matrix modification by bio-chemo-mechanical pretreatment. Enzymatic pretreatments have previously been conventionally applied before refining as an energy-saving method. However, this research shows that synergistic actions of enzymes added after refining modify the fibers and create the optimal conditions for enhancement in drainage, press dewatering, and paper properties. [Display omitted] • Enzyme-assisted fiber modifications improve press dewatering and paper strength. • Enzyme blends can enhance fiber cell wall flexibility and fibrillation. • Synergistically, enzymes increased ∼35% press dewatering and ∼60% tensile strength. • Enzymes, mild refining, and cationic biopolymers enhance paper process efficiency. • This research introduces alternative methods for decarbonizing the paper industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There has been much debate on the topic of whether stricter environmental regulations can promote environmental performance and economic performance at the same time. Different researchers have used different indicators to measure environmental performance and economic performance in their empirical studies. However, it is a surprise that few studies have checked the relationship between environmental regulation and eco-efficiency, as the latter is widely regarded as a quite powerful tool of considering ecology and economy together. In this study the background is the implementation in 2003 of the Stricter Discharge Standard (SDS) in Shandong Province’s Pulp and Paper Industry (SPPI), compared to the national standards of China. The stricter regulations were intended to promote corporate change from passive management to active control and from end-of-pipe treatment to cleaner production. This study investigated the eco-efficiency trends of SPPI from 2001 to 2008 in three fields: water efficiency, energy efficiency and environment efficiency. A “de-linking” and “re-linking” tool was used to attain a further evaluation. The study showed that with the implementation of stricter regulation most of the efficiency indicators (except CO2 emission and energy consumption) had achieved significant improvements, and the overall environmental performance trends of SPPI showed it to be more sustainable. However, the study also found that it was not enough to address a single indicator in the environmental regulation of the pulp and paper industry. More holistic eco-efficiency indicators need to be further considered and introduced to the industry as the next step to create true sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nanoparticle innovation with application to ‘print-on-paper’ is analysed as an emergent network using social network mapping methods. Its relationship with the innovation network concerned with deinkability for enhanced fibre recycling is explored. Three types of nano-innovations are identified: ink, fibre and coatings applications embedded in heterogeneous networks of nanoparticles and deinkability. It is shown that, in spite of expectations for the potential contribution of nanoparticle technology to deinkability, the networks are poorly linked. The primary role of the nanoparticle innovations identified is for commercial printability rather than sustainable deinkability. These findings suggest that broad claims for the contribution of nanotechnology to sustainability are not necessarily translated into specific innovation priorities in business practice. If such potential is to be realised then these currently separate networks need to be linked much more effectively. Key gatekeepers are identified who could potentially contribute to the achievement of this. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Disposable paper cups comprise typical single-use plastic items, as they are lined internally with a thin plastic coating for waterproofing. They are consumed at a staggering rate worldwide, with the UK alone consuming around 7 million cups daily, thus annually producing around 30,000 tonnes of paper cup waste. Contrary to popular belief, less than 1 in 400 paper cups is currently recycled in the UK, which is in stark contrast to the waste hierarchy and the European Commission's ambitious Circular Economy Action Plan. Paper cups typically end up in landfill sites or even improperly disposed of, contributing to (micro)plastic waste and potentially polluting the world's oceans. The implications of the latter are not fully known yet and cannot be quantified by existing life cycle impact assessment methods. By employing the life cycle assessment methodology, UK's annual carbon footprint from paper cup consumption was found to be 75 kt of carbon dioxide equivalents, which is similar to that of manufacturing 11,500 mid-size passenger cars. Globally, their environmental footprint was found to be comparable to that of some 1.5 M average European inhabitants, indicating the nature and extent of the single-use plastics problem, which paper cups are just a typical example of. Paper cup recycling could reduce this environmental footprint by up to 40%, whereas switching to reusable cups appears to be more environmentally sustainable, achieving a threefold reduction in carbon emissions, which at global scale is more than twice Malta's annual carbon footprint. Results indicate that consumerism along with small daily choices, such as using reusable cups or bags instead of their disposable counterparts, could play a huge role in climate change. At policy level, no concrete measures to curb the superfluous consumption of paper cups, as well as of other single-use plastic items that are becoming increasingly ubiquitous, have materialised. Furthermore, it appears that decision- and policy-makers tend to step in to curtail wasteful and polluting practices only when environmental problems have started to generate widespread concern, instead of undertaking preventative policy measures. Image 1 • The environmental sustainability of disposable paper cups was examined. • 75 kt CO 2eq are emitted annually in the UK and 7.5 Mt CO 2eq globally. • Switching to reusable cups axes carbon emissions by threefold. • Robust LCIA methods should be introduced to account for (micro)plastic pollution. • Existing policy on single use plastics appears to be too little too late. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indonesia's internationally- and domestically-significant pulp and paper industries source their feedstock from tree plantations. A suite of regulatory (Indonesian Sustainable Production Forest Management Certification and Timber Legality Verification) and market instruments (forest certification) have been introduced to promote sustainability and legality of production from tree plantations, and some producers have also adopted other voluntary sustainability measures. This study investigates sustainability and legality compliance by actors in an Indonesian pulp and paper value chain as a case study of environmental innovation. Results are based on primary fieldwork along segments of the value chain, and analysis of audit reports and other publicly-available information. The value chain sources fibrewood from tree plantation concessions and pallet wood from a variety of suppliers. Audit reports suggest high levels of compliance with sustainability and legality requirements, but our research suggests that these reports might not reflect some area of poor performance and non-compliance. We identify weaknesses in the design of regulatory systems, and in auditing and monitoring processes, as the principal reasons for these deficiencies. Drawing on relevant theory and on practice elsewhere, we suggest that compliance and sustainability can be improved by addressing key areas of regulatory silence, by shifting auditing to be more performance-than paper-based, by strengthening independent monitoring from civil society, by increasing the frequency of witness auditing from the National Accreditation Board, and by fostering synergies between regulatory instruments and voluntary forest certification. These changes would improve the effectiveness of regulatory and voluntary instruments to promote cleaner production in Indonesian pulp and paper value chains. Image 1 • Indonesian pulp and paper value chains are globally significant. • These value chains must comply with national sustainability certification and legality verification systems. • Audit reports suggesting high levels of compliance do not appear to reflect areas of poor performance and non-compliance. • Weaknesses in regulatory design, auditing and monitoring are the main reasons for poor performance and non-compliance. • Changes in regulatory design and implementation would promote cleaner production in Indonesian pulp and paper value chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this survey is to provide an overview about what efforts have been spent during the years by academia and industry make cheese packaging more sustainable. The analysis followed is based on a structured methodology that has general validity. A large pool of scientific papers (403) and patents (2272) was analysed and classified by identifying the exploited eco-strategies, the materials, the types of protected cheeses and by intersecting them to obtain more detailed classifications. The review is accompanied by graphs and tables to explain trends and to select the most representative papers or patents. Overall, the most followed strategies are improving cheese shelf life with active/vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging and using biodegradable packaging. The preferred materials are bioplastic with vegetal origin, followed by synthetic plastics. A great attention is paid to soft cheese and its requirements, such as the rapid perishability. Some discrepancies were found, mainly between the strategies covered by the papers and the patents and partly on the claimed materials. In particular, over the years, papers have become more interested in increasing cheese shelf life, especially by using active packaging, while patents remain strongly focused on biodegradable packaging. Finally, while not excluding biodegradability, it would seem that the development of cheese packaging could lean more towards active and smart (sensorized) ones in the future, even in industry. [Display omitted] • Survey of 403 scientific papers and 2272 patents about sustainable cheese packaging. • Analysis and classification by eco-strategies, packaging materials, and types of contained cheese. • Analysis of the identified mismatching between papers and patents about strategies and materials. • Relevant topics are biodegradable packaging and increasing cheese shelf life through active packaging. • Most used materials are bioplastic with vegetal origin and synthetic plastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formal scavenging grants material circularity, but its potential contribution to the sustainability of a Supply Chain (SC) is far from being a trivial issue. Thus, this paper aims to understand what is the impact of formal scavenging on the sustainability of an SC and quantify it. Accordingly, a case study in an Italian Pulp and Paper circular SC was developed through the lenses of the Triple Bottom Line. This SC consists of five groups of stakeholders and a formal scavenger that collects and redistributes wastepaper. The findings show that, in a one-year time window, the formal scavenger generated an economic value of over €3 million and led to saving 718 tCO 2 e and an energy equivalent to that consumed by 1000 average Italian families every year. In addition, it created new stable jobs and directly contributed to decreasing the waste tax in the geographical area in which it operates. Furthermore, formal scavenging proved to be effective in building up SC resilience in the face of unexpected changes in the prices and volumes of wastepaper. The results contribute to framing formal scavenging as a collaboration-based solution to enable the achievement of sustainability benefits in closed-loop SCs and provide actionable suggestions for SC managers and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of CaO for lime-based plaster and render generates 1.2 t CO 2 /t CaO, consumes 1.78 t CaCO 3 /t CaO. This research paper examines the environmental and economic performance of upcycling paper mill sludge (PMS) and carbide lime (CL) as replacements for hydrated lime (HL) in lime-based plasters production. For this, a new Cradle-to-Gate industrial-scale inventory is designed, upscaling recent lab-scale innovations, investigating PMS and CL treatment processes, followed by a Cradle-to-Grave scenario analysis. The results show that incorporating CL in the plaster yields better environmental and economic outcomes compared to PMS. The intermediate treatment for CL is cost-effective and has low carbon emissions. The upcycling of CL eliminates 100% of CO 2 emissions, while PMS reduces emissions by 11%. The production of the traditional binder HL is more expensive than upcycling PMS (+69%) and CL (+65%), with carbon taxes accounting for 35%, 44% and 15% of production costs, respectively. The effect of an equilibrated carbon price to ensure fair market competition, considering the natural carbonation of lime (carbon credit) is discussed, and the cost assessment reveals a 47% and 54% reduction for upcycled plasters using PMS and CL, respectively, compared to traditional HL. [Display omitted] • Availability, properties, and treatments of secondary lime resources. • Industrial-scale inventory for upcycling carbide lime (CL) & paper sludge (PS). • Cradle-to-Grave assessment: CL reduces CO 2 most, trailed by PS and hydrated lime. • Key factors for Cradle-to-Grave impact: lime kiln heat consumption (PS) and drying operation (CL). • Cost analysis of carbon taxes and credits across the material's life-cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The swift urbanization and ensuing challenges in global cities require a transition towards "intelligent" urban management. This change is motivated by the necessity to enrich the quality of life, tackling crucial issues such as transportation. How can municipal authorities effectively utilize smart city principles and technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability in urban living? This query plays a vital role in steering urban policies and city governance towards a more sustainable and intelligent future. The paper suggests a survey-based research perspective unprecedented on "disruptive" transportation, offering a longitudinal examination (2010–2023) of cross-national comparison (ITA-UK) using a relatively large sample (No. 450 total) and divided into No.150 –UK 2023, No.150 –ITA 2023, and No. 150 Italy 2010 respectively. The sample base considers the two Capitals (London and Rome) for diversity, population size, and ongoing projects related to "smart" urban developed. Intending to offer a valuable analytical tool for policymakers, scholars, managers, and professionals, the paper primarily explores the evolutionary progression of sustainability concepts inherent in the smart city paradigm and their fusion with transportation; after the cross-national comparison is essential for highlighting mindset disparities that influence future planning endeavors for future urban transportation sector. The key findings revolve around cultural, ideological, ownership disparities and individualistic tendencies that contribute to a resistance to change. The empirical analysis demonstrates an advancement for Italy compared to previous years, but still cautious particularly concerning the adoption of shared mobility alternatives, which also presents a viable solution for increasing the adoption of electric vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI technology, has surged across various industries. However, a notable drawback of this technology is its significant energy consumption during model training and operation, which poses challenges to sustainability goals and the environment. Consequently, various initiatives have emerged to promote what is termed "green artificial intelligence," aiming to mitigate these environmental impacts. Nevertheless, research discussing these initiatives remains scarce. Hence, this study aims to identify green artificial intelligence initiatives that contribute to environmental friendliness. This paper has comprehensively reviewed the existing literature, professional websites, and expert blogs to identify and analyze available green AI initiatives. This paper has identified 55 such initiatives, broadly categorized into six themes: cloud optimization, model efficiency, carbon footprinting, sustainability-focused AI development, open-source initiatives, and green AI research and community. This study discusses the strengths and limitations of each initiative to offer a comprehensive overview. The findings provide valuable insights, particularly for industries interested in green artificial intelligence and green technology in general. While some tools have been recognized and studied, comprehensive research and analysis are still required to empirically evaluate the majority of other tools due to their early stages of development in this field. • Study explores the growing awareness and concern about environmental impact of AI. • It investigates development of tools and approaches to address Green AI. • Significance of collaboration, open-source initiatives, in Green AI development. • Examine importance of ethical considerations in green AI development. • Provide insights for industries in green AI and green technology in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the urgent need for sustainability, this paper provides a critical discussion and serves as a pivotal resource for stakeholders in the mining and construction sectors. It advocates repurposing mining waste into concrete aggregate, promoting eco-friendly practices. The paper conducts a thorough review of recent developments, technological innovations, and methodologies to showcase mining waste's potential as a sustainable construction material. Highlighting more than a decade of research, our analysis reveals significant environmental, economic, and practical benefits, such as reduced ecological footprints through waste minimization and resource conservation, alongside cost-effective material alternatives. This investigation offers an in-depth look at these advantages and sparks essential discussions about incorporating advanced recycling technologies into conventional construction workflows. Promoting circular economy principles, the study underscores the dual gains: lessening environmental impact and progressing towards resource efficiency. Aiming to alter industry perceptions and practices, the work encourages a shift towards environmental stewardship and innovation. Ultimately, this paper aims not only to disseminate knowledge but also to motivate action. It provides readers with the necessary insights to lead a transition towards more sustainable industry norms, thus establishing a new benchmark for addressing sustainability challenges with creativity and collective effort. • This paper enhances construction sustainability by repurposing mining waste effectively. • This paper advocates for integrating recycling and circular economy principles in construction. • This paper promotes an industry-wide sustainability shift by leveraging mining waste's potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable product design (SPD) is instrumental in improving the sustainability of a product throughout its entire life cycle. To attain this goal, decisions related to SPD should consider a spectrum of influential factors. Despite numerous SPD studies, a unified perspective among their findings is lacking, and comprehensive research on SPD factors is still needed. This gap in research affects the ability to comprehensively address the potential economic, environmental, and social impacts associated with each life cycle stage of a product during its design phase. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the SPD factors available in the literature. To achieve this objective, the methodology involved: (1) conducting a systematic review of literature to explore SPD factors, (2) categorizing the key factors into themes related to product sustainability using an inductive approach, and (3) mapping these factors across the entire product life cycle. In the literature reviewed, a total of 297 factors pertaining to the economic, environmental, and social aspects of SPD were identified. Among these, 219 factors were mentioned only once in the in the articles analyzed, while 43 factors were frequently addressed by at least three papers. These frequently considered factors were categorized into nine primary themes: quality and reliability, manufacturability, costs, and financial gain under the economic aspect; resources, waste and emissions, and end-of-life (EOL) management under the environmental aspect; and functionality and usability, and social well-being under the social aspect. In light of their influence on life cycle-oriented product design, this study mapped the factors across the total product life cycle (TPLC) stages. The results of this paper provide valuable insights into SPD by addressing its impacts on sustainability throughout the life cycle of a product. Future research can capitalize on these results to comprehensively address issues concerning product sustainability. • Identification, categorization, and mapping of sustainable product design (SPD) factors were carried out. • A wide range of factors have been considered for SPD in the literature reviewed. • The SPD factors affect the economic, environmental, and social aspects of sustainability. • The mapping of the SPD factors highlights the need for life cycle-oriented product design. • A framework integrating the SPD factors, triple bottom line, and total product life cycle is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This conceptual study explores the alignment between servitization—a shift from selling products to offering services—and circularity principles. The study introduces institutional confluence—a configuration of institutional pressures that enhance business model legitimacy to stakeholders and facilitate operational success— which can serve as a driver aligning servitization with circular principles. Institutional confluence has the capacity to trigger novel business models, shape resources and processes, enhance value capture, and inhibit unsustainable business models. The study develops the concept and underscores the role of institutional confluence in promoting this alignment and subsequent environmental sustainability. The article utilizes illustrative case examples from servitization and circular business models to develop the concept of institutional confluence serving sustainable servitization. The study offers strategic insights for managers and policymakers, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that integrates servitization and circularity from the outset of business model design. It advocates for policies that leverage regulatory, normative, and mimetic pressures to foster sustainable business practices. The article contributes to the servitization literature by delineating the mechanisms through which institutional forces facilitate or hinder the integration of servitization and circularity, offering directions for future research to explore these dynamics across different contexts and industries. • Management scholars have tended to view the uptake of servitized circular business model frameworks through an internal business model lens, with firm-level innovation capabilities. We look beyond the focal company and consider how business model development interacts with wider societal development. • This paper utilizes institutional influences as explanatory drivers for this process. • The paper introduces the concept of institutional 'confluence', a mutually reinforcing process of interactivity between institutional pressures, for servitized circularity. • Policymakers are encouraged to enhance normative socio-cultural pressures for servitized circularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing global energy demand and limited production of conventional crude oil, the extraction of unconventional heavy and extra-heavy oil is receiving unprecedented attention. China is the fourth largest producer of heavy oil. High viscosity and complex formation environments increase the difficulty of exploiting heavy oil. To alleviate the economic cost and environmental pollution pressure brought by heavy oil production, China has achieved significant advancement in the innovation of heavy oil recovery, including accelerating the transformation of thermal technology to non-thermal technology and the use of new energy technology to achieve the goal of low-carbon economy and green environmental protection. Based on the background of heavy oil in China, this paper recharacterizes the high-viscosity mechanism of heavy oil. From different aspects, including basic principles, main characteristics, applicability, limitations, and challenges, this paper comprehensively reviews existing heavy oil recovery technologies, including thermal recovery, in-situ upgrading, cold recovery, and new energy technologies. Currently, in China, the main target of heavy oil recovery is achieving the "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality" goals, which can be described as low energy consumption, low emission, and low pollution. To facilitate the low-carbon transition in the extraction of heavy/extra-heavy oil and attain environmental sustainability goals, it is essential to increase the proportion of non-thermal factors in thermal recovery technologies, develop efficient in-situ catalysts, adopt clean cold extraction techniques, and advance the development of new energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable and integrated management of resources is a crucial approach to achieving sustainable regional development in the face of limited land and increasingly scarce water resources. This paper proposes a multidimensional optimization model to jointly optimize land use patterns and water resource allocation under the conditions of maximizing economic benefits and minimizing social differences, ecological loads, environmental pollution, and carbon emissions. The optimization model is solved using the affiliation function method and then combined with random forest (RF) and cellular automata (CA) models to further obtain the optimal spatial layout of land use. This paper takes the Mid-Yangtze River City Cluster as an example and optimizes the land use pattern and water allocation in the region in 2020 and 2030. The results of the study show that the optimized water and land resource allocation scheme performs better than the status quo in all dimensions. The optimized economic benefits, social effects, ecological effects, environmental effects, and overall sustainability in 2020 are increased by 45.97%, 22.89%, 10.07%, 24.65%, and 42.73%, respectively. By 2030, overall sustainability reaches 0.69. The developed modeling framework helps to elucidate the internal linkages between land use and water allocation, and it provides decision-makers with diversified approaches to land and water resource management and adjustment for different cities in different periods, which promotes the sustainable development of urban agglomerations. [Display omitted] • The intrinsic relationship between different land use types and water demand is addressed. • A sustainable approach to integrated management of land and water resources is proposed. • The synergistic optimization of the economy, society, ecology and the environment is developed. • The spatial patterns of land use for the balanced development of urban agglomerations are promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling in apartments has been problematised around the world, as this housing typology is associated with relatively low resource recovery rates. Rather that assuming that occupant behaviours are the key concern, this paper starts with the observation that apartments are sites of unevenly distributed spatialities and responsibilities. They co-shape material and infrastructural affordances and call upon diverse knowledge of waste management in collective and shared arrangements. This paper analyses data from an in-depth qualitative study involving apartment waste and apartment households in Melbourne, Australia. It shows that boundaries and boundary objects help define waste and its relationships, mutually shaping and being shaped by material flows and reconfiguring responsibilities. The co-production of these boundaries and boundary objects is correlated to mechanisms of governance, regulations, assumptions associated with verticality/shared living, and seasonality. In the context of post-consumer waste recovery policy ambitions, the paper illustrates how a) shifting boundaries to redistribute responsibility b) engaging with somatic work to bridge boundaries that challenge material flows, and c) harnessing boundaries that nurture and normalize sustainable waste practices, can be potential sites of intervention. As a theoretical contribution, it draws upon boundary work and social practices as a novel way to inform interventions to promote sustainability. • Boundaries define waste and its relationships, mutually shaping material flows. • Boundaries are produced through social practices. • Co-production of boundaries relates to governance and assumptions about apartments. • Harnessing boundaries that normalize sustainable waste practices is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to introduce a new sustainable business excellence model, called Knowledge Management Excellence Model 21 (KMEM21), a theoretical framework that combines Knowledge Management and Business Excellence Models (BEMs), proposing an approach applicable to organizations to directly contribute towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper through a qualitative-exploratory methodology makes an analysis and benchmarking, emphasizes the integration of Knowledge Management and three specific Business Excellence Models (Management Excellence Model (MEG) from Brazil, Baldrige Excellence Framework, and EFQM). This integration uncovers relationships between organizational concepts associated with Knowledge Management and BEMs, which contributes to new insights in the literature regarding these concepts' interplay. BEMs are presented as tools that can catalyze the power of Knowledge Management towards achieving SDGs. However, it's noted that the existing BEMs might not be adequate, as the goal extends beyond organizational improvement and excellence to encompass sustainable development aligned with SDGs. The article suggests that specific organizational concepts, identified through a literature review and aligned with Knowledge Management and BEMs, can be selected as indicators associated with the constructed KMEM21 and the SDGs. These indicators are intended to form a bridge between the new model and the SDGs. However, given the comprehensive nature of the theory, model development, application, result acquisition, and analysis, the article's primary contribution will be in its focus on elaborating the instrument and technique, demonstrating the creation of a theoretical framework for the SDGs. Future works will showcase the application of the proposed KMEM21 method in five Brazilian organizations, members of Global Compact, to compare the achieved objectives and the results obtained with the organizations' performance and their sustainability reports. [Display omitted] • There is a visible relationship between knowledge management and business excellence models, aided by shared organizational concepts. • Achieving the SDGs in organizations can be done by using the traits incorporated into knowledge management and business excellence models. • The Knowledge Management Excellence Model 21 represents an original approach, acting as a new sustainable business excellence model. • A comprehensive model can be constructed using a methodology that incorporates an instrument, a technique, and a method. • KMEM21 presents a strategic path that aligns with business excellence principles and the sustainable development objectives, offering a framework for organizational success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to show how taxation of intermediate items produced from virgin and recycled materials negatively impacts closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) results (labor, capital, returns, outputs, prices, profits, and dead-weight-loss). It offers remedies to alleviate tax inefficiencies. After formulating upstream and downstream production functions and recycling process, a Stackelberg game framework is analytically solved and data from steel industry and automobile stimulus program in the US are used to obtain numerical results. The results show that an optimum collection channel along with endogenous consumer return behavior can improve outcomes and reduce inefficiencies stemming from output taxation. The principal policy implication is that American, Chinese, Canadian, and German governments' tax incentive programs applied to items produced from recyclables are a sound strategy in the way of spurring their circular economies, improving environmental sustainability, and reducing economic loss. [Display omitted] • Legislators aim to reduce environmental impact of used products and propel sustainable business. • However, governments interventions can distort circular economy outcomes. • This paper proposes remedies to reduce economic and environmental distortions. • The remedies include optimal collection channel and incentive-responsive return program. • The paper quantifies the outcomes in the steel industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural capital accounting plays a pivotal role in the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources. This paper aims to contribute to this field by conducting a bibliometric review of 1409 articles and employing explainable artificial intelligence modeling (XAI) to identify and predict the factors that influence the impact of natural capital accounting (NCA) research, especially in terms of citations to this research. The findings revealed that the Journal of Cleaner Production is the leading publication in this field, with the highest h-index of 37. The XAI found that age of publication and number of references significantly impacted the likelihood of a paper receiving many citations. This study offers an innovative and practical framework for forecasting citation counts and provides effective strategies for authors and editors to enhance the citation impact of their work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few years, energy communities initiatives have gained traction in Europe as a means to achieve energy transition goals, allowing citizen involvement in energy production, consumption, and distribution. Following the 2018 European directive RED II, these projects have rapidly increased across the continent, showcasing their potential for creating sustainable local energy systems. While studies highlight economic, environmental, and social benefits, barriers such as regulatory challenges, finance access, and low public awareness remain. This paper presents the results of a systematic literature review that explores the state-of-the-art of the academic research on energy communities. The study adopts a systematic approach to examine the body of literature on the topic to provide a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon on the basis of rigorous and replicable research criteria. The reviewed material consists of 140 articles collected through the Scopus database, evaluated using specific structural dimensions to group the literature into analytical categories. The analysis of scientific papers published between 2018 and 2022 shows a growing attention towards Renewable Energy Communities, particularly those based on solar energy for electricity production, often combined with storage systems and heat pumps, whereas attention towards energy communities based on thermal energy production is still limited. Furthermore, most scholars focused on analysing specific territorial contexts; comparisons between different regions allows to highlight common features and elements characterizing each model. It emerged that the development of energy communities depends mainly on regulatory, financial, and managerial barriers that require an adequate institutional and legal framework capable of promoting their diffusion. Most studies address the topic from an economic perspective, often in association with incentivizing community models. However, a social perspective should be included by introducing the concept of energy sharing and methodologies for its distribution among all members of the community. The scientific community is called upon to continue investigating and supporting the development of community energy initiatives by providing evidence-based recommendations to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and local communities. This can help to overcome existing barriers and facilitate the diffusion of energy communities models, contributing to the achievement of sustainable and inclusive energy transition goals. • Systematic literature review exploring academic research on energy communities in Europe. • Structural dimensions and related analytical categories as framework to review 140 journal articles. • Most studies concern ECs based on renewable energy sources, with solar power being the predominant source. • Most employed technologies are related to the production of electricity from photovoltaic with batteries and heat pumps. • Most studied focus on Renewable Energy Community, while Citizens Energy Community are less considered in academic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructed Wetlands (CWs) were widely used as nature-based solution to effectively remove contaminants from wastewater, while offering benefits for ecological value and landscape services. However, one limited factor for practical applications of CW technology is the conventional construction style, which is a laborious and complex civil engineering. As such, an idea of modular CW (MCW) was proposed and embodiment was made for different scales of treatment wetland projects. This paper introduces the MCW concept and the efforts made to realize it. MCW is a revolutionary approach in wastewater treatment that combines efficiency, adaptability, and environmental sustainability. MCW represents a paradigm shift from traditional CWs, offering a pre-fabricated, modular solution that simplifies the complexities of civil engineering in wastewater management. These prefabricated modular structures, assembled off-site and installed on-site, provide a streamlined, flexible, and user-friendly alternative to conventional CWs. The innovative design of MCWs incorporates advanced substrates and technologies, integrating enhanced processes such as intermittent aeration, tidal flow, and circulating reflux. This novel approach significantly improves pollutant removal efficiency, reduces land usage, and addresses clogging issues through rapid module replacement. The paper comprehensively delved into the structural, substrate, plant, and operational aspects of MCWs. It highlights the environmental and economic benefits of MCWs, emphasizing their role as a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly solution for wastewater treatment. The study concludes by underscoring the potential of MCWs in spearheading new research and development in sustainable wastewater management, marking a new generation in CW systems. [Display omitted] • The novel concept of MCWs was firstly and comprehensively introduced. • Plastic modules were designed & made to allow quickly and flexibly assembling MCW. • Systematical strategies were applied to enhance the MCW treatment effectiveness. • Design factors were given for future design and management of MCWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Anthropocene era, characterized by sustainability and environmental challenges, the Metaverse emerges as a virtual alternative with the potential to reduce the ecological footprint while enhancing human experiences. However, the development of Metaverse encounter unprecedented technical, social, and ethical challenges. Bioinspired technologies, referring to those developed with inspiration from the biological world, have demonstrated successful applications across various fields and show potential in addressing challenges within the Metaverse. This paper explores the integration of bioinspired technologies with the Metaverse, focusing on its social and ethical implications. It proposes a conceptual model for a bioinspired Metaverse, elucidating how bioinspired technologies may shape the evolution of the Metaverse through four dimensions: Enhancement of User Interaction, Promotion of Digital Inclusivity, Advancement of Sustainable Development, and Guidance of Ethical Considerations. This paper makes a significant contribution by adopting an innovative context - the bioinspired Metaverse - that facilitates a deeper reexamination of the relationship among technology, nature, and human society through interdisciplinary discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current environmental crisis calls for new sustainable materials and products. Mycelium-based materials are grown by fungi onto solid ligno-cellulosic substrates and are promising sustainable materials which still face barriers to entry. This review discusses the challenges and prospects for making mycelium products. First, the technical challenges, properties needs and scientific knowledge gaps are reviewed. Then, methods to tailor the performance of mycelium-based materials are proposed, using synthetic or natural means. Living mycelium-based materials are also considered as an interesting alternative. The potential market opportunities for these products and their distribution are also discussed along with the public acceptance and perception. Overall, this paper complements current reviews on mycelium materials fabrication and properties by highlighting key gaps and challenges to address to allow these materials to enter the market. The paper suggests directions of future research and development for including mycelium-based products in daily life and improving the sustainability of the materials commonly used and their production. • One barrier to entry for mycelium products is their biodegradability. • Mycelium products could be made competitive thanks to their biodegradability. • Mycelium materials' properties can be tailored using synthetic or natural means. • Mycelium-based materials can also be used as living engineering materials. • Positive public perception could increase by adopting holistic views of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy (CE) adoption is spreading worldwide, and it aims at decoupling the creation of value from resource consumption, leading to sustainable and responsible production and consumption as highlighted in the Sustainable Development Goal 12. The circular transition will ask for the transformation of the companies and the workforce, from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. The set of required skills will be influenced by the circular transition, while the degree of implementation of circular activities will depend on the availability of adequate skills. Nevertheless, the extant literature has not reached a consensus on which competences are required for a circular transition, and few studies have approached this topic at all. This paper presents a systematic literature review to identify and categorize the skills that can facilitate the adoption of circular practices in manufacturing companies. The identified skills were systematically organized within a structured framework extending Porter's Value Chain. Leveraging the literature review's findings, the paper proposes a series of ideal job profiles for circular manufacturing, and it outlines some preliminary education and training paths. This research contributes to the current body of literature and practical understanding on the "human dimension" of circular manufacturing. [Display omitted] • Systematic literature review on skills required for circular manufacturing. • Skill classification based on circular manufacturing value-added activities. • Ideal job profiles modelled on the most relevant skills mentioned in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional acid extraction of xylan is inevitably accompanied by serious water pollution. This paper presented a sustainable treatment process for extracting xylan from sugarcane bagasse by phosphoric acid-based porous geopolymers containing sodium (Na-PAG) under mild hydrothermal conditions. The experimental investigation showed that the maximum xylan relative extraction rate reached 25.9% when the hydrothermal reaction time was 4 h, the hydrothermal temperature was 150 °C, the pH was 2, the mass ratio of bagasse fiber to Na-PAG was 3, the mass ratio of water to bagasse fiber was 8, and the bagasse fiber meshes were 40–80. Compared to the difference in hemicellulose content before and after the reaction using the Van Soest method, the selectivity of Na-PAG for hemicellulose was as high as 89.32%. The high acidity required for hemicellulose depolymerization was reduced by the "acid slow-release" property of Na-PAG. The black liquor obtained after separating xylan and Na-PAG can also be used for repeated experiments. The treatment process enables the reuse of solid and liquid waste, which is crucial for sugar-paper co-production and clean production. [Display omitted] • This work presented a mild sustainable process for extracting xylan from bagasse. • Na-PAG was the phosphoric acid-based porous geopolymers containing sodium. • The selectivity of Na-PAG for hemicellulose was 89.32% @ 150 °C and pH = 2. • The extracting xylan process enables the reuse of solid and liquid wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sharing economy was initially beckoned as a facilitator of exchanges that would not compromise future needs and held great promise for those at the lower end of the socioeconomic pyramid. However, as the sharing economy expanded, questions about its sustainability emerged. This expansion manifested in two main forms: an influx of new users and providers into existing operations and the emergence of new platforms, resulting in a proliferation of sharing economy models. By categorizing these models based on their resource utilization, this paper establishes a connection between scalability and compromised sustainability, shedding light on the interplay between the two. The paper identifies seven distinct configurations in the sharing economy: co-use, re-use, repeated use, sustainable output, pooling of resources, and products and services created specifically for individual users. These configurations serve as a tool to uncover the tensions between scalability and coordination, as well as between sustainability and provision. The paper contributes to prior research by bringing attention to how the sharing economy is entangled in these tensions and by developing a typology. Understanding how these tensions can be resolved presents a highly significant practical contribution, allowing stakeholders in the sharing economy to navigate the challenges of scalability and sustainability effectively. • Discusses the tension between the sustainability and scalability of sharing economy models. • Categorizes sharing economy models based on different resource uses. • Identifies co-use, re-use, repeated use, sustainable output, pooling, and services or products created specifically for individual users. • Highlights the presence of tension between scalability and coordination, and between sustainability and provision. • Develops a typology for sharing economy models, describing uni-sided, share-washing, true sharing, and resource efficiency models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mitigation of climate change requires that agricultural development would proceed in accordance with green and sustainable practices. This implies that economic performance should be improved while minimizing the impact on the environment. One way to assess the underlying costs of sustainable agricultural development, and to model the relationship between the environment and the economy in general, is to use the carbon shadow price (CSP). In this paper, we utilize a by-production model within a non-parametric framework to estimate the agricultural CSP from 1997 to 2020 in 31 provinces of China. The patterns of the agricultural CSP are unveiled through kernel density analysis and convergence tests. Additionally, this paper constructs a comprehensive agricultural informatization indicator using the entropy method. We then empirically investigate its influence on agricultural CSP. The results reveal that China's agricultural CSP has demonstrated consistent growth over the past two decades which suggests serious improvement in environmental performance. Furthermore, the CSP show cross-province variation, albeit with conditional β convergence. Our empirical findings indicate that agricultural information technology contributes to an increase in CSP, thereby indicating its positive role on the green growth of agriculture in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The textile and clothing industry is a significant global sector due to its economic and social contributions. However, it is one of the most polluting industries. There has been a significant uptake of research on circular economy implementation to reduce its environmental impacts. Nevertheless, there is a critical gap in reviewing how the research field is evolving and what the core focus and underlying assumptions of the existing research are. This paper utilises bibliometrics, content analysis, and problematisation to comprehensively examine the state of research. Analysing 132 primary documents dating from January 2014 to April 2023, this study reveals that sustainability-oriented innovation and transition challenges are the core focus of existing research. Technology-oriented circularity and its positive impact on sustainability is the in-house assumption that almost all studies are founded on. Besides unpacking the risk of such assumptions, this study provides tangible suggestions for future research on circular economy disruption, its rebound effect, and sustainability-oriented innovation. Although the time lag and language biases may have impacted the representation of current research trends, findings from this study can facilitate academic research and industry practice in implementing circular economy practices for a more sustainable future. • There is a significant uptake of research on CE implementation, its positive effects, challenges, and opportunities. • This paper utilises bibliometrics, content analysis, and problematisation to examine the research on CE in the TC industry. • Institutional factors, consumer behaviours, sustainability-oriented innovation and transition challenges are critical for CE. • The disruptive and rebound effect of CE, institutional isomorphism and innovation capability are future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable food packaging alternatives represent an ever-expanding trend on supermarkets' shelves. Despite the technological efforts, a higher sustainability level often comes at the expense of other (perceived) benefits which consumers might not want to sacrifice. While the balance between the benefits and drawbacks of "cleaner" packaging production is central to the designers' perspective, it is generally overlooked in consumer research. This paper investigates how European consumers cope with product-packaging decisions, when these involve a compromise. Through an online survey with 5035 consumers in five different European countries, our results show that the sustainability appreciation can spill-over to other conventional benefits, such convenience, aesthetic quality or the perceived ability of the packaging to preserve the content. By contributing to sustainability literature and, in particular, to the understanding of the halo and spill-over effect of sustainability, this study shows that positive associations triggered by eco-design elements (e.g., a biodegradable and compostable material) absorb and filter out negative experiences, preventing consumers from perceiving certain drawbacks. This research also provides valuable practical implications to marketers and product designers, by demonstrating how different product categories, packaging types and consumer characteristics, in terms of gender, age, nationality, values and lifestyle, influence product-packaging decisions and their inherent trade-offs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled release technology of chemical fertilizers is an important cornerstone for the efficient development of sustainable agriculture. Damage to the coating layer and fragmentation of particles during the application of controlled release fertilizers can lead to the loss of their controlled release properties, making the development of effective damage reduction operations a key focus in the study of such agricultural materials. Therefore, this paper employs the bonded particle model (BPM) method within the discrete element method (DEM) framework to investigate the mechanism of coating damage in controlled-release fertilizers. It establishes a classification of damage types based on the level of damaged particles as an effective analytical approach. Furthermore, a comparative analysis is conducted between the discrete element particle model (DEPM) method and the bonded particle model method in terms of their performance in discharge mechanics and flow characteristics. The results indicate that the breakage rate of fertilizer discharge is influenced by both the formation of a steady state and the depletion of the fertilizer load within the container, with an average breakage rate of 1.511% over the total period. Differences in the average maximum compression force and mass flow rate between the discrete element particle model group and the bonded particle model group were 60.355 N and 1.998 g/s, respectively, reflecting limitations imposed by the fertilizer models on expected damage deformation behaviors. This study elucidates the process and potential impacts of fertilizer particle damage and deformation, revealing the strengths and limitations of two simulation model approaches under different application conditions, providing insights for sustainable agricultural production and technological innovation in fertilization equipment. [Display omitted] • Construct of model using the reciprocating piston mechanical stacking method. • Breakage rate is affected by stable state formation and fertilizer consumption. • Particle quantity gradation forms the criterion for categorizing types of damage. • Damage types reflect overall trends, predominantly partial and missing types. • The presentation of damage deformations is constrained by the fertilizer model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate photovoltaic (PV) power generation forecasting is crucial for optimizing the integration of solar energy into power grids and advancing towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. However, the inherent variability and complexity of PV power generation data pose significant challenges for accurate forecasting. To address these challenges, this paper introduces Collaborative Directional Representation (CoDR), a novel deep learning model that extracts and represents the directional fluctuations of solar irradiance data to improve forecasting accuracy and reliability. CoDR utilizes a series of steps, including data preprocessing, fluctuation extraction, directional representation, linearization, de-extraction, mapping, and data postprocessing, to capture both the temporal and spatial dependencies within the data. CoDR leverages a unique directional representation to capture both temporal and spatial dependencies in the data, enabling superior forecasting accuracy and robustness compared to twenty-two state-of-the-art benchmark methods. We validate CoDR on a real-world dataset of PV power generation in Belgium, demonstrating its effectiveness through extensive experiments, ablation studies, and sensitivity analyses. Importantly, CoDR enhances the transparency of the forecasting process by revealing the causal relationships and directional influences among input variables and PV power output. This explainability feature provides valuable insights into the underlying drivers of PV power generation, promoting trust and informed decision-making in the transition to cleaner energy systems. • Introduces Collaborative Directional Representation (CoDR) for accurate PV forecasting. • Outperforms 22 benchmark methods, achieving significant error reductions. • Provides explainable insights into PV power generation using 3D visualizations. • Demonstrates effectiveness on a real-world Belgian dataset through extensive analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development prospect and sustainability of new energy vehicles (NEVs) are facing numerous challenges under the coupling influence of various factors, which has become a major strategic issue in the automotive industry research within China. Establishing a prediction method to forecast the development trends of NEVs under the complex conditions is of great significance. This paper comprehensively addresses the relevant factors influencing the sales of NEVs over temporal depth and spatial breadth, including random white noise and lag effect resulting from lag operators of influencing factors. A multivariate forecasting approach utilizing the ARIMA model and its optimized model, alongside the GBDT model were adopted to forecast NEV sales in China. The findings demonstrate that: 1) NEVs have exhibited a trend of rapid growth, but are still susceptible to random interference and lag effects caused by influencing factors. Key technology breakthroughs, accessibility of charging infrastructure, and national policy support remain as primary drivers of NEVs development; 2) The ARIM–IO– LSTM model achieved high prediction accuracy with a goodness-of-fit R 2 exceeding 90%, outperforming the ARIMA and ARIMA-IO models by 23.586% and 20.790%, respectively, while the ARIMA-IO model improved accuracy by 5.126% compared to ARIMA. The method of model combination and outlier incorporation have proved to be practical solutions for strengthening model accuracy. 3) In the next 3–5 years, the NEV industry will enter a stage characterized by steady progress with an upward trend. Adapting the intensity, scope, and direction of policy support, coupled with achieving technological breakthroughs and enhancing infrastructure construction, are essential for sustaining industrial development and attaining desired objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous growth of anthropogenic carbon emissions from the aviation industry has emphasized the urgent request to substitute traditional aviation fuels with Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) because SAFs can potentially reduce carbon emissions by around 50–90% as compared to traditional kerosene-based fuels. In this paper, a novel SAF production pathway is developed which is based on biomass processing, nuclear energy, and thermochemical reactions of the vanadium chloride cycle for SAF, clean power, and hydrogen production. The entire system is assessed thermodynamically in terms of energy and exergy performances. Various sensitivity analyses are computed to determine the reliable operating parameters. The study concludes that biomass-to-SAF energetic and exergetic performance is achieved to be 76.72% and 74.35%. The energetic and exergetic performance values, through efficiencies, of the V–Cl cycle are calculated to be 68.08% and 53.50%, respectively. For hydrogen production and storage, an energy penalty of around 16.83 kJ/kg H 2 is calculated, which results in an efficiency penalty of 6.18%. The overall energetic and exergetic efficiencies of the proposed integrated system are found to be around 59.79% and 23.78%, respectively. • This study develops a nuclear and biomass-based integrated energy system for cleaner community applications. • A vanadium chloride thermochemical cycle is incorporated into the integrated system to produce clean hydrogen. • A fluidized bed pyrolysis reactor is simulated in the Aspen Plus. • An optimization study of the chemical process is undertaken. • Both energy and exergy efficiencies are considered for system performance evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the promotion of sustainable development goals, cleaner production (CP) has become an important strategy for energy-intensive manufacturing industries to maintain their competitiveness. Studies have shown that the implementation of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) can effectively promote the CP process in manufacturing. However, existing studies often focus on specific scenarios, limiting a comprehensive assessment of the industry's overall status. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the main research areas of I4.0 and its key impacts on CP by employing systematic mapping studies. By reviewing 121 studies retrieved from the Web of Science, a hierarchical analysis framework centered on the product life cycle (PLC) has been introduced. This framework provides a holistic analysis of sustainable intelligent manufacturing, summarizing the application of I4.0 and its impact on CP across the PLC stages. The main findings reveal a growing focus on I4.0 and CP, with the manufacturing and maintenance stages of the PLC being primary research scenarios. Moreover, attention should be directed towards integrating clean technologies, bolstering industrial data security, fostering circular economy practices, and exploring emerging fields like Industry 5.0. Moreover, to better explain the impact of this study, management implications are also provided from the three dimensions of theory, practice, and policy. These viewpoints and conclusions are of great significance for guiding future research and practical applications. • A comprehensive review of Industry 4.0 and cleaner production is conducted. • Systematic mapping and bibliometric methods are employed. • A hierarchical framework based on product life cycle is proposed. • The current challenges and future prospects are discussed. • Management implications from theory, practice, and policy are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of climate change, the circular economy is attracting the attention of public authorities, international institutions, industry and academia. There is currently no consensus on its definition and it varies according to the sectors and actors. The objectives of this work are threefold: (i) to identify all the discourses and initiatives attributed to the circular economy in order to situate them according to whether they belong to weak or strong sustainability; (ii) to enhance the value of this information by centralizing it, and creating tools to facilitate its exploration and access; (iii) to analyze how these initiatives allow circular economy to address global sustainability. Questions regarding data sources and processing of this information were raised to facilitate the collection of relevant data. This work focuses on information published on social networks, in particular Twitter called X now. Several data processing techniques such as text mining, geocoding and knowledge graph generation are applied. Data visualization tools are used to show the distribution of the data on a spatial, thematic and temporal level. The results obtained confirm the over-representation of circular economy practices based on weak sustainability in developed countries, while circular economy initiatives based on strong sustainability are most common in the Global South. This paper provides evidence on the social contribution of circular economy, which is less addressed in the technocentric approach. [Display omitted] • Global circular economy initiatives are collected, analyzed and mapped. • Circular economy initiatives are classified as strong or weak sustainability. • Weak sustainability initiatives exist in Global North, strong ones in Global South. • The circular economy is reconciled with the social pillar of sustainability. • Circular Economy can be linked to theories of social and environmental justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research addresses the critical necessity for energy-efficient solutions in port operations. The primary objective of this paper is to introduce and assess the viability of an innovative infrastructure termed Underground Reefer Container Storage (URCS) devised to mitigate the significant and increasing energy demand posed by reefer containers in ports. This study employs a discrete-event simulation (DES) model to evaluate the feasibility, environmental implications, and cost-effectiveness of three distinctive URCS infrastructure designs. These designs are compared against conventional storage methods to ascertain their capacity for minimizing energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis reveals that the best scenario for a specific case study involves a multi-block layout comprising two underground yards, capable of accommodating 39% of the overall refrigerated container capacity at a port. This layout cuts CO 2 emissions by 61% from the 2.704 GWh/year energy used by refrigerated containers, yielding around 1.4 million USD/year cost savings. Further analyses using weighted searches to prioritize URCS container slotting led to shorter container dwell times at ports, rendering energy savings 23% higher than in similar unplanned settings. Moreover, this study presents URCS as an eco-friendly alternative for port-based reefer container storage, offering practical alignment with sustainability goals and regulations. The innovative design and its successful application provide holistic insights, paving the way for enhanced port energy management and environmental care. In addition, the implementation of URCS has the potential to reshape port procedures, yielding economic and ecological benefits. This initiative contributes to diminishing the carbon footprint of ports, aligning with global endeavors towards greener and more responsible practices. [Display omitted] • Conventional stacking at ports consumes high energy for reefer containers, risking the cold chain. • Underground reefer container storage (URCS) reduces heat exchange by storing reefers in a colder underground deposit. • Multi-level block storage is preferred in URCS, according to a multi-criteria assessment. • Simulation recommends energy savings with proper stacking in multi-level block storage. • URCS enables environmentally responsible port operations, improving standards feasibly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been limited progress in addressing the demand uncertainty inherent over time and the sustainability impact on food logistics. This paper aims to fill this gap, addresses the sustainability of cold food supply chains, and proposes a mixed-integer programming model to solve a multi-period inventory routing problem (IRP) under non-stationary stochastic demand, route-dependent costs, and environmental concerns. The study investigates the replenishment and routing plans to minimise the total expected cost while producing a minimum amount of CO 2 emission. Due to the uncertainty of demand, we apply the static-dynamic strategy and propose a mathematical model under the (R , S) replenishment policy to maintain flexibility in ordering decisions under a pre-determined replenishment schedule. Our numerical experiments suggest that the (R , S) policy reduces inventory costs significantly, since it solves the excess inventory issue caused by the higher buffer stock levels due to the pre-determined order quantities in the (R , Q) policy. However, the resulting CO 2 emission levels and routing costs remain similar in both models. Due to the reduced inventory costs, the (R , S) policy makes a significant improvement on the total cost. Moreover, our numerical experiments show that the difference between the cumulative ending inventory levels for the (R , Q) and (R , S) policies increasingly grows as the time horizon gets longer, and it results in increasingly larger differences in the total cost values for both policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roads play a vital role in transportation systems, and their construction and maintenance expenses are high. Those reasons make crucial the examination of factors that accelerate road deterioration and those factors' negative impacts on societies. Climatic-related elements, especially temperature and precipitation, significantly affect the quality and lifespans of roads. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has reported that increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is causing changes in climate and that the rate of change has accelerated during the past several decades. To assess the impacts of changing climatic parameters on flexible-pavement performance, this study used 32 climate models to evaluate the performance of interstate, primary, and secondary roads across 11 diverse locations with varying traffic and climatic conditions. The study's findings reveal that changing climate exacerbates pavement distresses, leading to reduced pavement lifespans and increased numbers of reconstruction projects, which in turn raise demands for materials and equipment and contribute to higher GHG emissions. The effects of changing climate and changing climate's associated economic and environmental costs make the application of various engineering solutions to enhance pavement resilience essential, as described in this paper, in the absence of comprehensive emissions reduction strategies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research highlights the impact of renewable energy (REN) sources and natural resources (NRP) on environmental sustainability, but it leaves out the possible consequences of energy production (EP). Additionally, clean environment is addressed by Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 12. This study evaluates the outcomes of meeting the OECD's carbon zero targets by 2050 as well as the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties' 2030 carbon neutrality target. Therefore, evaluating how these factors affect the load capacity factor (LCF) may have pertinent ramifications for the government's pursuit of sustainable development objectives. Therefore, the effects of REN, NRP, and energy efficiency on LCF were examined for Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. The method of momentum quantile regression (MMQR) is applied during the period of 1990–2022. The results show that REN is increasing LCF by 0.157%–0.161% in four quantiles and NRP is also contributing to environmental quality by 0.385%–0.233% in 25th to 90th quantiles. EP is lowering LCF by 0.091%–0.073% in the long run. The paper provides policy implications for a cleaner environment in OECD nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The textiles and apparel industry is a major contributor to economic development while at the same time being one of the most polluting industries due to its lengthy supply chain and resource intensive production operations. To address these sustainability challenges, digitalization is seen as one of the potential solutions. Using the lens of sustainability and digitalization in Supply Chain Management (SCM), this paper analyses the sustainability and digitalization status of Dutch textile and apparel firms. We used a mixed methodology of quantitative text mining of 94 Dutch textile and apparel firms as well as qualitative thematic and coding analysis of experts' views and opinions on sustainability and digitalization in the Dutch textiles and apparel industry. Quantitative analysis of website data shows that Dutch textile and apparel firms predominantly communicate the environmental, to a lesser extent social, and least of all economic sustainability factors. Keyword analysis also shows that the use of technological keyword indicators is less prominent, while certain technologies such as IoT, sensors and blockchain correlate mostly to environmental sustainability factors. Moreover, qualitative analysis reveals that to address sustainability via digitalization, it is important to link sustainability goals to Key Performance Indicators, which requires data for traceability. We recommend firms to: (1) re-evaluate their business models and assess the extent traceability can be incorporated in their sustainability strategy; (2) enhance stakeholder collaboration within and outside the supply chain to utilize traceability; and (3) proactively use traceability information to improve transparency and accountability to meet legal requirements and address greenwashing. This study contributes to literature by showing the importance of traceability for (a) linking sustainability and digitalization in SCM, b) achieving the ultimate goals of transparency and accountability, and c) predicting demand and supply to address overproduction and waste in the textiles and apparel sector. • This study analyses the sustainability and digitalization status of Dutch textile and apparel firms. • Firms predominantly communicate environmental, followed by social and least of all economics sustainability, in their websites. • To address sustainability via digitalization, it is important to link sustainability goals to Key Performance Indicators. • Traceability data can improve transparency and accountability, as well as predictability of demand and supply in the chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While existing literature acknowledges the development of digital capabilities as essential for enterprises to achieve digital transformation, it falls short in offering comprehensive theoretical insights into the dynamic evolution of these capabilities, especially in the field of environmental and sustainability issues. This paper addresses this gap by employing an exploratory single-case study methodology to investigate the intricate process through which an ecological restoration enterprise in China updates its digital strategy, facilitating the dynamic evolution of its digital capabilities from a resource orchestration theory perspective. Our findings reveal a sequential evolution from digital strategy renewal to resource orchestration and, ultimately, the advancement of digital capabilities. Specifically, the enterprise engages in a co-adjustment and co-creation process, aligning its resources with a digital strategy refresh and fostering the emergence of digital integration and innovation capabilities through effective resource management. This includes the accumulation and divesting of resources as part of the construction process, alongside the enrichment and bundling of resources. This research bridges the gap in the current literature by providing a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms that drive the evolution of digital capabilities, and it offers a theoretical framework that integrates strategic renewal with resource orchestration for environmental and socio-economic sustainable development. Furthermore, the insights gained provide vital managerial implications for the governance, corporate social responsibility and policy of industrial digitalization towards global environmental practice and sustainable development goals (SDGs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]