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Waste generated from electrical and electronic equipment, known as e-waste, is increasing worldwide. Developed countries like those in Europe produce the most significant proportion of e-waste worldwide and, therefore, rely on exporting it to other countries for waste disposal. As Europe is transiting towards a Circular Economy and tackling environmental-related problems, there has been an increase in environmental policies and regulations in this area. This paper presents empirical evidence of how European Union regulations have affected the exports of e-waste. Yearly data from 2010 to 2018 for a panel of 18 European Union countries were analysed using the PCSE (Panel-Corrected Standard Error) estimator. In order to measure environmental regulation, Environmental Tax Revenues from the manufacture of computers, electronic, and optical products were selected. The findings of this paper suggest that taxation is ineffective in reducing e-waste exports, with a tax on manufacturers actually increasing them. Also, high dependence and sub-standard e-waste collection systems increase e-waste exportation. Given that countries often depend on foreign raw materials, a sensible approach would be to invest in collection points for e-waste to take economic advantage of this waste's vital elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dominant conception of the circular economy presents it as a politically neutral, technology-driven process of efficiency improvements and green market expansion. However, it does not consider the social embedding of circularity and thereby risks undermining the transition out of de facto linear economies. This paper begins with a critique of the dominant conception of the circular economy and its shortcomings in relation to allocation, justice, and sustainable scale. Second, the paper contributes toward theorizing an alternative, social economy-based embedding of circularity. We theorize how the social economy embeds circularity through: (1) business models reflecting the needs and interests of their stakeholders and, with them, a primacy of social value creation; (2) production and consumption based on active citizen involvement in deliberation and decision-making; (3) an approach to technology that seeks to empower technology users; and (4) the promotion of regional economies and circular value chains based on a sense of place. Our theory propositions are inspired by prior empirical research at the intersection of the circular economy and the social economy. We discuss the potential and the challenges of a social economy embedding of circularity against the background of vested interests and incumbents profiting from low circularity and unsustainability. • A critique of circular economy in relation to allocation, justice and scale. • A novel theoretical approach to social economy-based embedding of circularity. • Theory propositions about business, governance, technology and environment. • Reasons for stasis and for transformation toward socially embedded circularity. • Examples of social economy-embedded circularity from cooperatives and nonprofits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract With the introduction of the Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe (2011) and the more recent commitment of The Action Plan towards the Circular Economy (2015), the European Commission (EC) has expressed its fundamental interest to substantially improve the resource efficiency of the European economy and enable the transition towards the Circular Economy (CE). This policy push has meanwhile been complemented by some quite ambitious national programmes for RE and CE and institutional advances but it is not yet bound to targets or mandatory reporting. Against this background, the objective of this paper is to give a comprehensive overview of the current policy frameworks at EU and a selection of MSs and provide insights into the elements shaping policy processes. The analytical framework relies on three essential interconnected components: the policy framework, the economic incentive system and economic side policies which are relevant in the context of RE and CE and actor constellations. The paper does this looking at the interface between EU-MSs. The analysis is based on different empirical surveys in which the policy development is observed and discussed (EEA 2011, 2016a, 2016b, EIO 2013, 2014, 2016) and a comprehensive review of legislative and policy frameworks at the EU and selected MSs, undertaken as part of the project POLFREE (Policy option for a Resource-Efficient Economy) (Domenech et al., 2014, Bahn-Walkowiak et al., 2014). The analysis reveals that policy frameworks for RE/CE are complex and fragmented as competing goals and visions reduce effectiveness of measures. The paper makes recommendations as to how EU and MS policies could improve RE in a coordinated way, but recognizes that achieving such coordination will be challenging in the current political context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding which drivers and barriers exist in the development of a circular economy (CE) is a relevant and timely endeavour. The aim of this paper is to contribute to this debate by analysing evidence regarding the different factors helping and hampering the development of a CE. Specifically, this paper focuses on the eco-innovation (EI) pathway towards a CE, and tries to coordinate available but fragmented findings regarding how “transformative innovation” can foster this transition while removing obstacles to sustainability. Drawing upon a new corpus of both academic and non-academic literature, this work offers a framework for analysis, as well as an evidence-based survey of the challenges, for a green structural change of the economy. We argue that the combination of the innovation systems' view with the more recent “transformation turn” in innovation studies may provide an appropriate perspective for understanding the transition to a CE. Ultimately, the paper aims to capitalise on these insights to contribute to the design of policy guidelines and organisational strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This commentary is a practice expert essay based on review of scientific papers on phosphorus scarcity that provides a resumé of arguments relating to adequacy of phosphate rock (PR) resources to supply future requirements and an explanation as to why, although we cannot know how much will be available in future, we can say that the static lifetime is much more likely to be of the order of hundreds or even thousands of years rather than decades. Once the knowable facts are established, a case can be made for moving towards increased phosphate recycling and loss-reduction, based on the current inefficient use and the consequential harm done to the environment. Whilst these concerns are understandable, given that phosphate resources are finite and unsubstitutable, it is important to derive a true perspective in order that the most efficient use of financial and human resources can be deployed by governments. An assertion in 2010 that phosphorus mining would begin to be resource-constrained within decades proved false, but continues to be referred to by those advocating resource governance. Such assertions, when proved not to be accurate, run the risk of validating a 'cornucopian' view of mineral resource adequacy and diminish the tenets of ecological economics which, among other things, prescribe a move towards a circular economy, by cutting losses in the supply chain and increasing recycling. The phosphate supply industry has generally been less concerned about potential resource constrains than the academic community. It is true that, apart from a few larger state-owned producers, this lack of concern partly results from the industry's shorter-term economically-driven perspective which tends towards the cornucopian view. This short-term perspective of the commercial industry is at odds with the long-term mitigation of the impacts of mining that is a feature of ecological economics. In the phosphate industry mining and chemical processing has certainly led to major negative environmental legacies and impacts being deferred to future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy (CE) is regarded as a new concept to promote sustainable development issues by improving economic, environmental and social goals. Essentially, the key idea of the CE is to assist modern economies to shift from linear economic thinking to a circular one in order to ensure that components of products could have a second use in new products and services. The majority of the relevant literature has focused on the relationship between CE principles and firms. However, to achieve CE principles, data and information from the macro level is also required; something which is currently under examined by the literature. Consequently, a significant gap in this field is the explanation of how the CE affects the macro economy and vice versa. To fill this gap, this paper aims to examine the relationship between a macro-level Circularity Rate and various macroeconomic variables across a sample of 28 European countries employing panel data. The findings suggest a robustly positive relationship between real GDP and the circularity rate over the long-run while higher environmental taxes are associated with an increase in the Circularity Rate. Southern European countries exhibit a significantly lower level of Circularity Rates compared to their northern counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the economic implications of the circular economy and recycling activities from a macroeconomic perspective. The paper incorporates the circular economy into an otherwise standard neoclassical dynamic general equilibrium linear economy model, in which the production function depends on capital, labor, and raw materials. Raw materials are a composite of natural resources (the linear economy) and recycled material (the circular economy). Waste is a function of consumption but can be incorporated back into production activities through recycling. We find the existence of a positive S-shaped relationship between the optimal recycling rate and economic development, indicating that increasing the circularity of the economy is a necessary condition to augment social welfare in a growing economy. The optimal recycling rate depends positively on the pollution damage and waste content of final consumption goods. Simulation of the model supports the existence of a steady-state Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) relationship between the stock of waste and the output in the presence of a circular economy. Finally, we find that while a permanent improvement in recycling technology has positive effects on output, expanding the circularity of the economy, an increase in the cost of natural material has harmful effects on output, increasing waste accumulation and reducing recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to a circular economy is often presented as a straightforward, neutral and apolitical process, characterised by an implicit techno-optimistic and eco-modernist stance. However, in their recent paper on 'circular futures', Bauwens et al. (2020) illustrate that the circular economy is best understood as an umbrella term that might come to define very contrasting visions of sustainable development. Despite this, there continues to be a lack of discussion about the basic assumptions regarding social and economic structures on which the circular economy should be based, with research predominantly focusing on technical and practical questions. Therefore, in this conceptual paper, we assess the a priori compatibility of different plausible configurations of the circular economy with the principal theories of value found in mainstream and heterodox economics. We argue that these futures are themselves value articulating institutions that implicitly adhere to a theory of value even if this is not recognised. Moreover, given that theories of value go to the heart of how economies and societies function and reproduce themselves, we argue that circular economy research should recognise the importance of value and acknowledge how value theory might enable or contradict the visions of sustainable development articulated. • Circular economy literature lacks grounding in economic theory. • The compatibility of different circular futures and theories of value is examined. • Futures are value articulating institutions implicitly adhering to a theory of value. • Theories of value can help articulate more ambitious CE visions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the existing confusion around the conceptual definitions and interpretations of the term circular bioeconomy. The co-existence of diametrically opposite interpretations of the concept indicates lack of a serious discussion of its theoretical foundations. Two narratives on circular bioeconomy are explored in depth: (i) the new economic paradigm based on technological progress (the economics of technological promises) that seeks perpetual economic growth; (ii) an entropic (thermodynamic) narrative that reflects on the limits on economic growth imposed by nature. The latter narrative makes a distinction between primary, secondary and tertiary resource flows and helps to identify what can and cannot be re-circulated within the metabolic pattern of social-ecological systems. Adopting the biophysical view, it becomes clear that the industrial revolution represented a linearization of material and energy flows with the goal to overcome the low pace and density of biological transformations. The required level of productivity of production factors in contemporary developed economies (flows per hour of labor and per hectare of land use) is orders of magnitude larger than the pace and density of supply and sink capacity of natural processes. Relying on nature to 'close the loop' will simply slow down the economic process. • Confusion around the concept of circular bioeconomy is explored • The concept is linked to Georgescu-Roegen's fund-flow model • The industrial revolution was a movement from a circular to a linearized economy • Dependence on renewable ecological fund-flows slows down the economic process • Current productivity of productions factors is incompatible with circular bioeconomy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper analyses 143 cases about the implementation of various and often interlinked, integrative, Resource Efficiency Measures (REMs). These REMs have been brought in a framework distinguishing on the one hand a cluster of supply side measures, demand side measures and life cycle measures with a synergistic mode of operation. They further have been related to clear classes or Business Model Changes (BMCs) that can support their implementation, notably changes in the supply chain (SC), internal processes (IP), customer interface (CI), financial model (FM) and the value proposition (VP). The BMCs were further characterised in terms of typical Implementation Barriers (IBs) that were reported in the cases, i.e. institutional, market, organisational, behavioural and technological barriers. Our study could not confirm some common theoretical wisdom, such as that firms mainly focus on 'simple' REMs like cleaner production and green products. Indeed, we could not confirm that REMs with a high scope and degree of change, often perceived as complex to implement, faced more Implementation Barriers than others. In general most Implementation Barriers play a role in all types of REMs and BMCs, although also some weak patterns were found. Internal processes BMCs were mainly hampered by institutional and technological factors. Value proposition and Financial model BMCs faced mainly behavioural and market barriers. Customer interface BMCs encountered additionally organisational barriers, while supply chain BMCs face a mix of all classes of barriers distinguished in this study. This is one of the first studies on business models and resource-efficiency looking at a large set of cases which is a step forward from the single case studies that dominate current literature. Yet, follow-up research should overcome weaknesses in our approach, such as a possible bias towards success cases and be more quantitative in analysing the effort it takes to overcome IBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper addresses a poorly documented issue in the literature, namely the role of clusters in green transformation, including processes related to green, low-carbon, and circular economies. The purpose was to identify and understand the practices of clusters in this area. The adopted mixed research strategy consisted of both qualitative and quantitative research. Both research phases were conducted in a group of Polish Key National Clusters. Through qualitative research, the authors abductively identified practices that are vital for green transformation and categorized them into three thematic areas: Integration, Access to resources, and Education and awareness building. On this basis, the authors developed a method to measure the clusters' level of advancement in green practices, which was used in quantitative research. The results show that the surveyed clusters undertake a number of practices to promote green transformation. They are active in each of the distinguished areas and also engage in its most demanding forms. The study sheds new light on the concept of the clusters, showing how such organizations can be used as agents of change in favor of green transformation. • Research on clusters in relation to green transformation is at a very early stage. • Clusters can pursue various practices to promote green transformation. • Cluster green practices can be grouped as: Integration, Resources, and Education. • Advancement of Polish National Key Clusters in green transformation is rather high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from current linear economy toward a circular economy (CE) needs the adoption and diffusion of circular economy innovation (CEI). However, the rate and direction of CEI influenced by policy instruments are still not well understood. This paper explores the roles of demand-pull and technology-push policy instruments in shaping CEI in Europe. The different impacts on the adoption across different sectors and the specific effects on each circularity innovation pattern are also examined. The findings indicate that both command-and-control regulation and technology-push instruments are significant in stimulating Small Medium Enterprises' (SMEs') adoption of CEI. While the environmental tax hinders SMEs' implementation of CEI in the whole economic activity sectors, it is a significant driver of CEI for SMEs in the manufacturing sector. The technology-push instrument strongly encourages SMEs to invest in re-planning and re-designing activities to minimize the usage or maximize the re-usage of water, energy, and materials. Environmental tax highly determines SMEs' adoption of CEI related to improving energy efficiency. In contrast, the command-and-control regulation significantly increases SMEs' likelihood to undertake innovation activity in minimizing waste by recycling or reusing the waste. Our study elucidates the potential interactions between policy instruments and CEI, paving the way toward the desirable CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have proposed different approaches to reduce the use of natural resources to a sustainable level. Operational eco-efficiency, circular economy, and sufficiency are three prominent examples that follow their own specific logics. So far, these approaches have been almost exclusively discussed in isolation, with the assumption that they are independent of each other. This paper brings all three approaches together in one coherent model. Our model shows that individually each approach can reduce the use of natural resources to a sustainable level. Yet, our model also reveals how various effects arise as a direct result of combining approaches, i.e. one approach affects another when executed in tandem. Our model identifies operational eco-efficiency and circular economy as 'no regret' approaches, while sufficiency constitutes a 'regret' approach. By way of example, we show that increasing operational eco-efficiency increases the costs or 'regret' of sufficiency approaches, reducing their effectiveness. Sufficiency approaches and increasing operational eco-efficiency risk interfering with the careful balance that is required for optimal circularity. We find that these interactions must be carefully considered if the three approaches are to be effective in reducing resource consumption to a sustainable level. • Operational eco-efficiency, circular economy & sufficiency can reduce resource use. • The three approaches are usually discussed in isolation. • We bring all three approaches together in one coherent model. • Our model shows that the approaches interact with each other when executed in tandem. • To effectively resource use interactions between the approaches must be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moving towards a circular economy (CE) has become one of the main strategic initiatives on a global scale in the search for sustainable economic systems. However, the conceptual relationship between sustainable development and the circular economy is a matter of ongoing debate. In particular, the extent to which CE initiatives are contributing to the mitigation of resource extraction seems to be a still unclear topic. This paper investigates the relationship between the extraction of natural resources and the CE, and also analyses the effects of critical socioeconomic drivers such as economic and population growth and economic structures. The analysis is based on a panel data covering 28 European countries during the period 2010–2019. Results confirm that promoting a shift towards more circular economic systems can reduce the extraction of primary resources. However, the mitigating effect of CE initiatives remains rather marginal when compared to the impact of economic growth. Namely, estimates show that the primary resources extracted annually linked to economic growth are roughly four times the resources saved by CE initiatives. The findings provide evidence that the circularity of economic systems should be approached from a systemic perspective that includes both production and consumption as well as waste management. In particular, complementary measures addressing behavioural consumption are needed if we want to achieve a sustainable development. • GDP growth increases resource extraction 4 times more than the savings achieved by CE initiatives. • A 1% increase in GDP can increase resource extraction between 0,3 and 0,6%. • Promoting circular material use and circular economy activities contribute to reduce raw material extraction. • More effective policy interventions should be sought targeting behavioural consumption [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses the GEM-E3 macroeconomic computable general equilibrium model to calculate the magnitude of greenhouse gas (GhG) emission rebound effects across a range of efficiency scenarios in the automotive sector supply chain. The scenarios are technically feasible as they are designed using bottom up information from the iron and steel industry. Rebound effects occur when efficiency improvements reduce prices, stimulating demand and offsetting some of the environmental benefits that would otherwise be had. This paper allows energy, material and product-service efficiency rebound effects to be compared for the first time. The results suggest that there is a greater risk of rebound effects for downstream emissions abatement strategies that save embodied emissions: 85% of the emissions savings in the product-service efficiency scenario and 77% of emissions in the material efficiency scenario are offset by economy-wide rebound effects. This compares to 7% in the energy efficiency scenario. These findings show that, in the current policy environment in which GhG emissions remain relative unconstrained, improvements in material efficiency that are particularly good at spurring growth are also likely to carry the greatest rebound effects. The conclusions of this paper are not purely dependent on the chosen macroeconomic model, but are a function of the underlying value structure along supply chains: downstream efficiency improvements that save embodied emissions involve greater potential monetary savings per unit GhG avoided, spurring rebound effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the direct network effect for online platforms supporting industrial symbiosis (IS), which is a recommended strategy to support the transition towards the circular economy. Through IS, companies can use wastes produced by other companies as inputs to production processes. Online platforms supporting companies in operating IS relationships can play a critical role in developing the IS practice. In this paper, an agent-based model is designed to simulate the emergence of IS relationships among companies located in a given geographical area. Companies can establish relationships traditionally (relying on face-to-face contacts) or by using a platform. Several scenarios, defined by different platform usage rates, are simulated. Results show that there is a minimum platform usage rate allowing companies to benefit from using the platform. If the platform usage rate is lower than this threshold, the platform does not contribute to generate further benefits for companies. When the platform usage rate is higher than the threshold, the individual benefits for users are higher the greater the number of other companies using the platform. Based on these results, implications on how to ensure a win-win approach for companies and platform owners can be provided, as well as implications for policymakers. • The network effect of online platforms for industrial symbiosis is studied. • The study adopts the agent-based simulation approach. • The emergence of industrial symbiosis is simulated for several platform usage rates. • Companies using online platforms have higher performance than other companies. • Benefits for each company from using the platform depend on the number of users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the macro-economic drivers of accumulation and recycling of material capital from in-use Stock of a class of durable goods: Electrical and Electronic Equipment. This category is relevant for the European policy's objectives for its content of critical raw materials and its relevance in the Digital Agenda. A theoretical model and empirical estimations over a EU27 + UK national panel are developed to understand the optimal dynamic of accumulation, innovation, and recycling. The former is growth models supporting a theory of stock accumulation and stock diversity. This framework is used to delineate possible biases of the empirical analysis, which is made throughout a panel data model estimation. The panel uses weight per capita and Shannon concentration index as target variables to address the Environmental Kuznets Curve. Dummies proxied the Waste Packages of 2008 and 2012 to control for breaks. The results show the high significance of the panel data model within each Stratum of EU states. Waste policies are strongly correlated to increasing EEE material accumulation rather than a reduction ceteris paribus. Socio-economic variables are generally significant, with evidence of economic activity decoupling EEE stock. Lastly, the increase in average durability is positively correlated to material accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy (CE) has gained prominence in recent years in government and business policies, as well as academic research. Yet, its alleged wholesomeness is increasingly questioned and few quantitative studies include both the outer (e.g. recycling) and inner circles (e.g. reduce or reuse), respectively the ex-ante least and most efficient CE strategies. By developing a supply chain equilibrium model , based on general equilibrium theory, this paper presents a modelling framework where a product-service system is introduced as a circular alternative to conventional products. Through generalised prices that cover inner and outer circle variables, targeted economic and fiscal policy measures affect overall price levels and, by consequence, operational levels of the supply chain. The rationale behind this approach relies on combining material and economic efficiency by integrating material/product life cycles with market interactions. To illustrate its performance, the model examines the rollout of a reusable plastic bottle initiative in Belgium. The results show that if circular products are perceived as substitutes for conventional products, well-targeted policies can reduce material use substantially. Furthermore, coordinating circular policies along the supply chain can improve their outcomes. However, the absence of CE data impedes model development and risks undermining the validity of the results. • Desirability of circular economy measures depends on societal outcomes and varies case by case. • Supply chain equilibrium captures material and economic efficiency of circular policies. • Perceived substitutability of circular and conventional products shapes policy outcomes. • Coordinating circular policies along supply chain can induce synergies. • Data availability can enhance circular economy model development and validity of outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the responsible operating space (ROS) framework, a framework that includes both the common governance of the global environmental concerns and the comprehensive management of environmental sustainability. The ROS framework determines environmental objectives regarding the global concerns using a footprint perspective, and defines coherent integrated environmental objectives for the production and consumption processes at different territorial scales. In this case study, we firstly estimated the global ROS, as well as both the consumption-side ROS and the production-side ROS of Spain. Then, the national ROS was transferred to the 17 Spanish regions and was further extended to the 313 municipalities of one of the regions (Galicia). Finally, we transferred the ROS to 163 sectors, as well as to one industrial park and several companies. Our results demonstrate that, even assuming the methodological limitations and scarcity of data, it is already possible to allocate objectives and decentralize the management of global environmental concerns even at municipal and company levels. The role of circular economy under the ROS framework is also discussed on the basis of the potential coexistence of circularity with an unsustainable production-consumption system. • Coherent reduction targets at municipal and company levels can be calculated. • The framework allows integrating circular economy actions at different scales. • Decentralized management of the global environmental concerns is achievable. • The framework boosts the operationalization of environmental sustainability. • The framework can be integrated into a holistic sustainable development plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using resources more circularly, individual resources users hope to contribute to a more eco-efficient and sustainable resource use. Whether resources are used sustainably is decided at the macro-level, raising the question if, as well as how, the efficient and circular use of resources at the micro-level adds up to their efficient and circular use on the macro-level. Currently, the link between the circular use of resources at micro- and macro-levels is under-theorized. The symbiotic relationship between individual resource users enables a reduction in the resource use at the macro-level. In this conceptual paper, we argue that an analogous link exists in finance where desirable investment return is linked to undesirable investment risk, and that via the generation of efficient portfolios, individual risks are at least partially diversified away. As our main contribution, we theorize the circular economy, both in its perfect and imperfect forms, using modern portfolio theory. Our theory identifies the drivers of circular resource use and shows under which conditions individual resource use contributes to the circular use of resources. • We develop a portfolio theory of the circular economy. • Research focuses on perfect circularity. Most resource use is imperfectly circular. • Under imperfect circularity maximizing circularity and eco-efficiency are distinct. • A portfolio lens identifies three drivers of circular economy. • A portfolio lens informs the governance of natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy operates as an umbrella concept for attempts to find sustainable alternatives to linear 'take-make-dispose' production and consumption systems. Making a circular economy transformation has sparked interest in business models as means to decouple value creation and the use of virgin raw materials. However, so far, little attention has been given to the differentiating capacities of business models to enhance circularity. Using Finnish biogas production as a case study, this paper shows how business models operating within a single economic domain and within uniform institutional conditions differ in terms of how they organise material circuits. Four business models are differentiated based on what wastes and side-flows they enable to be recovered, and how. Because the business models co-evolve, their potentials are analysed in relation to the business model ecosystem. An emerging business model competes with the dominating model. The newcomer would help to generate more closed material loops, but the existing institutional landscape fails to provide support for its emerging modes of value creation and value capture. Two other business models qualify as niche solutions coexisting with the other models. Knowing the business model ecosystem opens up prospects for policy revisions that can foster a more circular economy. • Advancing the circular economy sets a focus on circular business models. • Knowledge is needed about the ways business models serve material organisation. • Biogas production in Finland is used as a case study. • Four business models forming a business model ecosystem are identified. • The business models differ in the ways they help to close material loops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial symbiosis (IS) is a collaborative approach among firms involving physical exchanges of materials, energy, and wastes, which creates economic advantages for firms and environmental benefits for the society. In this paper, we adopt an ecosystem approach to conceptualize the network of firms involved in IS relationships (ISN), in terms of organisms (firms), functions (waste exchange), and services (environmental benefits), and provide new insight on how to assess and compute IS performance indicators. In particular, we designed five classes of indicators aimed at assessing 1) the impact of services provided by ISNs on the environment, 2) the performance of the ISN services, 3) how the single functions contribute to ISN services, 4) the performance of the ISN functions, and 5) how the single firms contribute to ISN functions. A numerical example is also discussed showing how to compute them and the information they provide. The proposed indicators are useful to develop proper strategies to increase the efficiency of the system in exploiting the IS synergies, to improve the symbiotic exchanges carried out in ISNs, and to identify firms contributing most to IS benefits. Hence, they may assist managers of ISNs and policymakers in decision-making aspects, an urgent need of the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shifting to more circular supply chains is likely to have uneven economic and environmental implications among stakeholders within an industrial symbiosis. However, current macroeconomic models fail to capture such complex interactions with high material and spatiotemporal resolution. To address this issue, this paper presents an economic time-series material-product chain model extended to a multiregional industrial symbiosis. It integrates the interdisciplinary elements of partial equilibrium modelling and material flow analysis. It seeks to minimize the annual systemic costs by optimizing the supply chains of materials (primary, secondary and waste materials) and products of three synergetic sectors within five regions. The model capabilities are demonstrated by investigating the territorial consequences on annual operating cost, commercial trade balances, raw material extraction and greenhouse gas emission of the global cement industry willingness of using more waste-derived materials in cementitious materials. The results show favorable incentive at the global level. When broken down by region along the eastern borders of Canada and the United States, they show winners and losers due to an uneven spatial distribution of secondary material and a profound change in optimal trade patterns. It brings new insights in anticipating geopolitical, economic and environmental consequences of a large-scale circular economy transition. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Circular Economy ("CE") is gaining momentum as an approach to addressing sustainability challenges. The CE is framed as a transformative model with economic, environmental and social benefits. Nevertheless, the degree of circularity in the global economy is low and critics highlight that current interpretations fall short in delivering promised results regarding the social dimension of sustainability. Instead economic growth is elevated above more radical socio-environmental transformation. This exploratory paper adopts a human needs approach, using Max-Neef's Human-Scale Development proposal as an analytical lens to explore the contentious social dimension of the CE. The study revisits four seminal texts which are commonly referenced as influencing the CE's conceptual development: The Blue Economy; Cradle to Cradle; Regenerative Design for Sustainable Development; and, The Performance Economy. These texts were analysed to identify satisfiers of human needs. This provides insight into how inclusive earlier visualisations were of encompassing human needs, and how these compare to the current CE direction. We argue that satisfiers of human needs are embedded, to differing extents, in some of the early CE depictions. Nevertheless, the CE concept has selectively developed, neglecting radical, human-centric transformational aspects and instead adheres to a familiar pathway of business-led economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of environmental information is crucial in driving individuals' environmentally relevant behaviors. The aim of this paper is to shed light on the impact of different sources of information and trust in information providers on four behaviors related to waste management and resource efficiency. In order to consider dynamic effects related to behaviors of different age groups, we adopt a pseudo-panel approach using data from three cross-sectional Eurobarometer surveys. The use of multivariate regression analysis allows us to show the existence of complementarities among "similar" behaviors. Our results suggest that the use of eco-information sources and trust in different providers significantly affect green behaviors of EU citizens towards a 'truly' circular economic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]