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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]

Navigating the complex pavement system to the circular economy is a multi-dimensional and time-consuming endeavour. Obstructed by lock-in mechanisms of the prevailing "take-make-dispose" linear mode, the current circular economy studies in pavement infrastructure often focus only on one certain type of practice, featured by fragmentation from a system perspective. This study presents the first systematic literature review on the historical development trend of the circular economy concept in the pavement sector based on the collected 59 studies from 2006 to 2022. This review also identifies the soft (regulatory, social/environmental) and hard (technical, market/economic) drivers of- and barriers to the paradigm shift, aiming to coordinate the existing fragmented findings and facilitate the future systemic implementation of the circular economy. The synthesis of the results indicates that the underdeveloped technical guidance and legal system are inhibiting the paradigm shift to the circular economy. Furthermore, the authors argue that the importance of transparent and standardized data along the whole supply chain should be highlighted. Ultimately, this paper suggests that a welcoming environment set by the road authorities is crucial for innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as for constructing a system where stakeholders can confidently take responsibility and initiative. • First systematic review of circular economy transition in pavement engineering. • Identify the soft and hard drivers of- and barriers to the sustainable transition. • Guide towards the future adoption of material passports in the pavement sector. • Call for decentralization and multi-stakeholder engagement in the decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firms' circular sourcing strategies are essential for the transition to a circular economy as they enhance circularity both within individual firms and across industries. A key barrier to the implementation of such strategies is that many approaches still offer a static perspective on resource use without addressing its evolutionary characteristics and dynamic interdependencies over time. Based on the assumption that companies' strategic procurement decisions on recyclate markets show temporal patterns depending on the development of these markets ("marketness"), the dynamics in the complex cause-and-effect structures of circular procurement strategies are analysed longitudinally with the help of causal loop diagrams. Employing a comparative case-study design with the example of German frontrunners sourcing recycled plastics, the paper addresses three recyclate markets at various stages of development, ranging from the emerging market of recovered plastic litter, through the developing market of plastic recyclate from mixed post-consumer packaging waste, towards the well-established market of recycled deposit bottles. The results reveal ideal-typical longitudinal patterns of company leaders' strong commitment to sustainability, facilitated by flexible organisational structures, significant investment in product development, sound supplier relationship management and brand building to sway consumer preferences towards circular products, indicating that market-shaping activities are key in long-term shifts towards circular market transitions. By understanding the dynamics of circular sourcing and their relationship with the development stage of recyclate markets, the study sheds light on potential governance measures to scale-up plastic recyclate markets for a circular plastics economy. It concludes that overall dynamics point to a steady development of firms' circular sourcing strategies and a rapid growth in recyclate application, involving complex challenges of resource circularity that call for carefully targeted regulatory policies. • Adoption of circular sourcing strategies follows ideal-typical durational patterns. • Company leaders' personal commitment is a primary factor in circular sourcing. • Key dynamics of sourcing practices are independent of market development. • Reoccurring patterns indicate market-shaping activities towards circularity. • Overall dynamics show sourcing strategy developments with increasing recyclate use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest from the research and policy community in the circular economy (CE) is growing. This research describes how the potential for a circular economy in open economies can be estimated by using different assessment methods. Methods and indicators have been selected that have a relevance for one or more of the public policy objectives for circular economy: Openness Index, economic structure, Balassa Index, value chain analysis, substitution potential of Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) strategies, waste treatment scenarios based on physical and hybrid Input-Output (IO) analysis. These methods differ in scope and degrees of complexity and are used at different assessment levels. The potential for a circular economy in this paper is assessed by evaluating the contribution to the public policy objectives for CE: resource efficiency, reduction of dependency on materials, competitiveness, creation of domestic jobs, reduced Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Results obtained by these methods are shown for Belgium and, in some cases, compared to the results of other countries to illustrate the differences between economies. CE activities (in response to public policy objectives) will enhance the ongoing trend of reducing the share of primary sectors in economies. The openness of an economy is expressed as the ratio of sum of import and export and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Imported products add to the potential of domestic closed-loop circular initiatives like re-use, repair, remanufacture, recycling, but this will require knowledge about composition and spare part availability. Exported products are no longer available for these domestic CE initiatives, reducing the domestic potential for CE and the domestic export activity is vulnerable to CE activities abroad. Especially the increasing geographical distance in trade complicates the practical and legal barriers to close the loop. In open economies, both global and domestic substitution effects due to new circular economy policy initiatives are important to consider. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of shifting the built environment to a circular economy, this paper first provides a meta-synthesis of the literature that clarifies the strategies related to the asset lifecycle in the circular economy (CE) context. The definitions of forty-two approaches, classified into seven categories (A to G) were analysed to identify their differences and similarities using a text mining method. Based on the definitions, approaches', their needs and requirements, and their benefits and impacts have been listed. Four variables have been identified: the asset phases (V1), the sustainable approaches (V2), the benefits and impacts (V3) and the needs and requirements (V4). As the main contribution to knowledge, two diagrams have been drawn to picture the relationships between, first, V1, V2 and V3 and secondly V1, V2 and V4. An additional contribution is semantic information captured and drawn in a Force Directed Graph (FDG) to clarify the diversity of existing approaches and their relationships. More than a hundred approaches/concepts are staged in a diagram and their links are identified. Particularly the importance of the design phase and its related approaches are developed. The FDG illustrates the complexity of the building projects involving multiple stakeholders. The paper also provides the limitations of the variety of approaches that should be overcome to achieve CE. In particular, the limitations of reuse (components cannot be reused indefinitely) and limitations of design-only approaches (like prefabrication where deconstruction is not prepared). Further research is recommended about the Product Service Systems associated with Extended Producer Responsibility that appears to be key enablers for the CE. Work is also needed to define the circularity of buildings and the associated circularity assessment tools. The outputs could be used to rationalise policies to foster these approaches to enable the construction sector to develop strategies to overcome the current obstacles to the transition to a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The textile/apparel industry is of great importance to the economy in terms of trade, employment, investment and revenue all over the world. This sector is however characterised by substantial losses, due to production excesses on the one hand, and the "throw away" culture on the other. This state of affairs suggests that textile recycling is needed. Apart from the environmental and ecological advantages which can be brought about by the re-use and recycling of textiles, there are many benefits of a socio-economic nature. This paper analyses current trends on textile recycling, the barriers impeding greater recycling, and outlines the socio-economic advantages of moving towards a circular economy. Some examples of on-going initiatives are discussed, together with some of the measures that may be used to further reduce the current waste deriving from the apparel sector. Graphical abstract Image 1084 Highlights • The apparel industry is economically important all over the world. • Production excesses lead to losses, so textile recycling is needed. • There are socio-economic, environmental and ecological advantages brought about by recycling of textiles. • There are measures that may be used to reduce the current waste deriving from the apparel sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The built environment is the most resource intensive sector of the economy, accounting for a significant share of the extracted materials and the total waste generated. Within the built environment the most recurrent replacements of building materials and components take place during fit-outs, which are the process of installing interior fittings, fixtures and finishes. These materials and components are frequently replaced in non-domestic buildings. Non-domestic building fit-outs are therefore responsible for a significant consumption of materials and a large source of waste. However, they tend to be excluded and unmeasured in the research on the built environment. The present work aims to study this research gap and analyse the potential for fit-outs to become more sustainable. The approach of this project ties in closely to the concept of circular economy, where materials are kept at their most useful state for as long as possible. This paper analyses fit-out practices within London, identifying the supply-chain stakeholders, the key materials used and the waste streams generated, while tracing the decision and material flows across the supply chain. A material flow analysis (MFA) is conducted for a fit-out case study, showing the paths and destinations of the waste generated. The mixed methodology includes on-site observations, cross-examination of the corresponding waste reports, MFA, and qualitative analysis of interviews with the involved stakeholders. The aim of this research is to provide a grounded perspective that allows the identification of process and design flaws as well as potential improvements that support the transition towards more "circular" fit-outs. It is concluded that there are potential areas of improvement as fit-out practices show a predominantly linear tendency both for decision making and material flows, in which there is a discontinuity of communication and material-flow information across the supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food packaging facilitates storage, handling, transport, and preservation of food and is essential for preventing food waste. Besides these beneficial properties, food packaging causes rising concern for the environment due to its high production volume, often short usage time, and problems related to waste management and littering. Reduction, reuse, and recycling, but also redesign support the aims of the circular economy. These tools also have the potential to decrease the environmental impact of food packaging. In this article, we focus on chemical safety aspects of recycled food packaging, as recycling is currently seen as an important measure to manage packaging waste. However, recycling may increase the levels of potentially hazardous chemicals in the packaging and -after migration- in the food. Since exposure to certain chemicals migrating from food packaging has been associated with chronic diseases, it is of high importance to assess the safety of recycled packaging. Therefore, we describe recycling processes of commonly used food packaging materials, including plastics, paper and board, aluminum, steel, and multimaterial multilayers (e.g., beverage cartons). Further, we give an overview of typical migrants from all types of recycled food packaging materials, and summarize approaches to reduce chemical contamination. We discuss the role of food packaging in the circular economy, where recycling is only one of many complementary tools for providing environmentally-friendly and safe food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To fully contribute to sustainable development, circular economy has to devote more attention to social inclusion. This paper thoroughly analyzed the literature, answering the research question: how is circular economy embracing social inclusion? The research design applied quantitative and qualitative strategies. Bibliometric quantitative analysis with the aid of VosViewer, the RStudio software, and Bibliometrix Package were employed. An inductive content analysis was undertaken to analyze the themes of circular economy and social inclusion, applying NVivo software. The results brought out six clusters: (i) reverse logistics and recycling, (ii) circular economy and innovation, (iii) social innovation, (iv) sustainable supply chains, (v) bioeconomy, and (vi) closed-loop supply chain. Our findings showed that the circular strategies of reuse and reduce were the focus of the surveyed literature, while consumers and communities were the key stakeholders addressed. Recycling was directly linked to waste management and the inclusion of waste pickers in developing countries. As future research themes, it highlighted more theoretical and empirical research about community and consumer engagement in circular practices, besides the importance of entrepreneurship and social innovation to intensify circular practices embracing social inclusion. • The literature focused on reuse and reduce as circular strategies. • The key stakeholders addressed were consumers and communities. • Recycling was linked to waste management and the inclusion of waste pickers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current macroeconomic models of the circular economy rely on the unrealistic assumption that materials can be recycled infinitely, often ignoring price and demand adjustments. In reality, most virgin materials are recycled only a few times, while the proliferation of cheap products made from recycled materials is likely to affect final demand. In this paper, we address both of these shortcomings. We propose a novel climate-economy agent-based model of the circular economy combined with the climate cycle and opinion dynamics. Consumers and producers are embedded in co-evolving networks, with preferences of consumers influencing the direction of technological progress and the diffusion of goods made from recycled materials. The main novelty of our study is that we compare the macroeconomic consequences of inputs being recycled once, twice and infinitely. We find that the more times materials are recycled, the more global temperature and resource depletion decrease. In addition, our study shows that the transition to renewable energy leads to the material rebound effect, where more raw materials are used in the manufacturing sector compared to an economy dependent on fossil fuels. Whether the circular economy can mitigate this effect depends on how many times inputs are recycled. • We study inputs being recycled once, twice or infinitely in the circular economy. • The more times materials are recycled, the more global temperature decreases. • A combination of low-carbon and circularity goals can cause the material rebound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Circular Economy (CE) is a concept that has gained considerable global attention during the past decade amongst private and public sector actors, politicians and policymakers, citizens and media, and scientific communities. Water and water-related ecosystems, despite their vital role in practically all human activities, have been largely missing from conceptualisations and scientific definitions of the CE. Therefore, this paper presents a definition and concept for a water-smart CE that incorporates water and water-related ecosystems. A water-smart CE would (i) reduce losses of water, energy and valuable substances, (ii) improve water efficiency and productivity, (iii) reuse treated wastewater, and (iv) better protect and lessen pressure upon water-related (both aquatic and groundwater) ecosystems. The paper also touches upon the potential risks of the CE to water-related ecosystems. Policy instruments that could be used to promote a transition towards a water-smart CE in Finland – the setting of the present study – and beyond were also sought. Additionally, actors who provide and/or use water-smart CE solutions were interviewed to shed light on their perceptions about the drivers of, barriers to and potential policy instruments for promoting a transition towards a water-smart CE. Based on the analyses of policy instruments and stakeholder interviews, a mixed use of economic, regulatory and informative instruments is suggested to support the desired transition towards a water-smart CE in Finland and elsewhere. [Display omitted] • A concept for a water-smart Circular Economy (CE) is introduced. • Elements of a water-smart CE are presented. • Instruments to support the transition to a water-smart CE are analysed. • Drivers for and barriers to the transition to a water-smart CE are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on the circular economy is dominated by visions that either disregard the role of civil society in (transitions to) a circular economy or depict civil society actors merely as passive consumers. However, there are organized citizen initiatives that align with circular economy thinking and that envision a much more active role for civil society in (transitions to) the circular economy. This paper explores Repair Cafés and Precious Plastic as two examples of such initiatives based on exploratory questionnaire surveys conducted among the associated communities, supplemented with evidence from documents from the initiatives. Repair Cafés and Precious Plastic can be understood as translocal communities that strive toward creating a circular economy through, for example, local repairing and recycling of plastic waste. This article is the first to study translocal communities in the context of a circular economy. In theory, such communities can develop transformative potential to challenge, alter and/or replace dominant institutions. This requires them to develop a critical mass, a shared identity and a political voice. The study shows that networking (and thus the development of critical mass) occurs primarily in specific countries (in the case of Repair Cafés) and not necessarily community-wide (in the case of Precious Plastic). Evidence for a shared identity does exist in both communities, although more clearly in the case of Repair Cafés. The study does not provide evidence for an explicit political voice developing in either community, although in the case of Repair Cafés, the Repair Café International Foundation does take up lobbying activities. Thus, the ingredients for transformative potential in these communities are present only to a limited extent. This study contributes to the circular economy literature by showing how civil society actors can engage with (transitions to) the circular economy through organized citizen initiatives, a phenomenon that has thus far been largely neglected in the literature on circular economies. The study also adds to the limited pool of empirical knowledge on two rapidly growing citizen initiatives toward circular economies. • Dominant visions of CE have an underdeveloped view on the role of civil society. • Repair Cafés and Precious Plastic are translocal communities for CE. • Repair Cafés and Precious Plastic enact visions of CE through practical activities. • Repair Cafés and Precious plastic promote an active role for civil society in CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on the circular economy is dominated by visions that either disregard the role of civil society in (transitions to) a circular economy or depict civil society actors merely as passive consumers. However, there are organized citizen initiatives that align with circular economy thinking and that envision a much more active role for civil society in (transitions to) the circular economy. This paper explores Repair Cafés and Precious Plastic as two examples of such initiatives based on exploratory questionnaire surveys conducted among the associated communities, supplemented with evidence from documents from the initiatives. Repair Cafés and Precious Plastic can be understood as translocal communities that strive toward creating a circular economy through, for example, local repairing and recycling of plastic waste. This article is the first to study translocal communities in the context of a circular economy. In theory, such communities can develop transformative potential to challenge, alter and/or replace dominant institutions. This requires them to develop a critical mass, a shared identity and a political voice. The study shows that networking (and thus the development of critical mass) occurs primarily in specific countries (in the case of Repair Cafés) and not necessarily community-wide (in the case of Precious Plastic). Evidence for a shared identity does exist in both communities, although more clearly in the case of Repair Cafés. The study does not provide evidence for an explicit political voice developing in either community, although in the case of Repair Cafés, the Repair Café International Foundation does take up lobbying activities. Thus, the ingredients for transformative potential in these communities are present only to a limited extent. This study contributes to the circular economy literature by showing how civil society actors can engage with (transitions to) the circular economy through organized citizen initiatives, a phenomenon that has thus far been largely neglected in the literature on circular economies. The study also adds to the limited pool of empirical knowledge on two rapidly growing citizen initiatives toward circular economies. • Dominant visions of CE have an underdeveloped view on the role of civil society. • Repair Cafés and Precious Plastic are translocal communities for CE. • Repair Cafés and Precious Plastic enact visions of CE through practical activities. • Repair Cafés and Precious plastic promote an active role for civil society in CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In England Duty of Care legislation requires businesses to ensure the waste they generate is managed in a responsible way protecting both human health and the environment. Businesses usually comply with Duty of Care by paying a service provider, authorised by the Environment Agency, to collect their waste. Non-compliance with Duty of Care could mean businesses are illegally dumping waste or using household waste services which is prohibited. Under Duty of Care, waste is tracked using Waste Transfer Notes which record important information on the waste collected including its source, quantity, composition and who collected it. Historically the system was paper based but in 2014 an electronic version - Electronic Duty of Care (EDOC) – was launched which aimed to lead to a more efficient system for tracking waste. In England whilst the Environment Agency is the regulatory body for the environment, enforcement of Duty of Care is conducted at a localised level by local authorities. There is an absence of peer-reviewed research understanding the enforcement strategies being adopted by local authorities to enforce Duty of Care in England, or similar regulations in other jurisdictions. This paper presents the results of collecting primary data from 267 local authorities in England (83.7% of the total) to analyse the waste collection services they offer to businesses, approach to enforcement of Duty of Care and use of EDOC. The results show an inconsistent approach across England with 49% of local authorities not offering any collection services to businesses, and 12% of local authorities not enforcing Duty of Care at all. There was variation in enforcement approaches including protocols, resourcing and issuing of Fixed Penalty Notices. There was low uptake in EDOC with only 2.5% of local authorities operating a business waste service using the system. Barriers to uptake included local authorities already operating their own system, business customers unable to manage the EDOC system, lack of internal resources, and preference for hard copies. The research highlights the need for a more consistent approach to tackle waste crime and improve resource flows as we strive to move towards a waste system based on Circular Economy principles. • Duty of Care requires businesses to be responsible for the waste they generate to protect society. • 267 English local authorities were surveyed on how they enforce Duty of Care. • 12% – covering 213,220 Small and Medium Enterprises – did not enforce at all. • Only 2.5% used the Electronic Duty of Care (EDOC) system. • Results highlight an inconsistent enforcement system across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy approaches are commonly depicted by two cycles, where the biological cycle is associated with regeneration in the biosphere and the technical cycle with reuse, refurbishment, and recycling to maintain value and maximize material recovery. This work, instead, presents an alternative vision to the management of carbon-based materials that integrates the two cycles and enables the phasing-out of fossil carbon from the material system. The aim is to investigate the benefits and global potential of a co-recycling system, as an alternative to conventional recycling systems that separate biomass-based materials (e.g., wood, paper) from fossil-based materials (e.g., plastics). Thermochemical recycling technologies enable the conversion of carbon-based waste materials into high-quality synthetic products, promoting circularity and avoiding carbon losses such as carbon emissions and waste accumulation in landfills and nature. Here, the construction and analysis of co-recycling scenarios show how the deployment of thermochemical recycling technologies can decouple the material system from fossil resource extraction. Furthermore, energy use is reduced if pyrolysis and/or gasification are included in the portfolio of recycling technologies. In a decarbonized energy system, deployment of co-recycling can lead to near-zero carbon emissions, while in more carbon-intensive energy systems the choice of thermochemical recycling route is key to limiting carbon emissions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic is an incredibly versatile and useful material, however with only a fraction of this material being collected for recycling, it thus creates a serious environmental issue. Much of the research on plastics that contributes to a circular economy emphasises end of life, whereas solutions may be present earlier in the supply chain. There is a need for an evidence-based framework that describes circular economy interventions that can occur throughout the plastics supply chain. This research is, to the best of the authors knowledge, the most comprehensive review of plastics focussed circular economy literature covering the previous 21 years and 391 articles. Using a semi-systematic approach, a coding framework was designed to assign articles to one of sixteen circular economy stages across the supply chain. Papers were also coded according to their polymer resin types, first author country and plastic use categories. The resulting coded database was interrogated for publication trends across these categories. Our results show that publications in this field are growing rapidly, with much of the published literature coming from Europe and America. We also noted that most of the articles appeared general in nature, not specifying a particular resin type or plastic use category. This may limit the translation of research into practical, implementable solutions. The data obtained was used to validate a comprehensive framework that describes and quantifies the full breadth of circular economy interventions for the plastics supply chain. This research takes the sixteen circular economy stages our research identified and divides them into six key areas: resources (n = 67, 17%), production (n = 31,8%), use (n = 37, 9%), recycling (n = 100, 26%), waste (n = 49.13%), and system analysis (n = 107, 27%). This shows that by far, there is a focus in the literature on system-based approaches and recycling interventions, constituting 53% of all articles examined. In contrast, early-stage interventions involving production and use appear as relative gaps, collectively making up only 17% of the articles examined. The most important contribution of this research is to develop and validate a conceptual framework for plastics in the circular economy. This framework can be applied to addressing and conceptualising a circular economy for plastics in research, industry and policy settings, thus serving to catalyse this transition. [Display omitted] • An evidence-based framework is presented for plastics in the circular economy. • This describes 16 circular economy stages across the plastic supply chain. • Trends across time, country, stage, resin type and use category were evaluated. • A full state of research is presented (21 years), and knowledge gaps identified. • The framework is a practical tool for the transition to a plastics circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their different scopes, both the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology and the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified™ Product Standard can support companies in the implementation of circular economy strategies. Considering the case of aluminum cans, the objectives of this paper are twofold: (i) to compare the environmental impact associated with different levels of two C2C certification requirements by using LCA; and (ii) to identify the main challenges and drawbacks in the combined use of LCA and C2C for packaging within the circular economy framework. Twenty different scenarios were developed and compared, according to three C2C certification levels, in terms of % renewable energy and % recycled content. The results show that increasing the recycled content provides more improvements to environmental impacts than increasing renewable energy usage. Furthermore, receiving a higher certification level does not necessarily mean environmental burden reduction in LCA sense. From a methodological point of view, the main challenge for LCA is to address the continuous loop of materials and account for the benefits from recycling in a consistent way. Meanwhile for C2C the challenge is to guarantee a proper translation of the C2C principles into the C2C certification program, avoiding burden shifting and to find a balance between the different certification requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite high estimated gains of a circular economy implementation, progress on the macro, meso and micro level is sluggish. The purpose of this paper is to examine, from a theoretical economics perspective, how four barriers – technological, market, institutional and cultural – can prevent the implementation of a circular economy. The barriers that currently hinder a circular economy from developing are identified and a mapping of these barriers is performed to understand how they are interdependent and entangled. The conclusion is that even small barriers could stop the emergence of a circular economy. Even though a circular economy is different from our traditional "linear" economy, the theoretical analysis in this paper gives no reason to believe that a circular economy will not follow the same rules as a traditional economy. There will be property rights, rule of law and price signals guiding the economy. If some of the essential parts of a market are lacking, a weaker circular economy than otherwise possible will materialize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is estimated 30.8 million tonnes of waste is generated by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in England, more than is generated by households. Despite this there is surprisingly limited research nationally and internationally on the management of waste from SMEs. In England businesses have a Duty of Care to ensure that their waste is managed in a responsible way and it is illegal for them to household waste services. This paper presents the results from semi-structured interviews and site visits with 100 SMEs to assess levels of compliance with Duty of Care. It also presents the results of analysing 3.8 tonnes of household waste to identify levels of waste from SMEs illegally entering the household stream. The author believes this is the first study which attempts to estimate levels of business waste abuse of household services through undertaking waste composition analysis. With policy makers increasingly focusing on the Circular Economy the research is the first to estimate levels of resource leakage of recyclable and biowaste from SMEs into the household waste stream. 25% of SMEs interviewed were found to be illegally using household services for their waste, and 38% for their recycling. Waste composition analysis of household waste found that 6% of the waste sampled was from SMEs and that 77% of this waste was biowaste or dry recyclable materials that could have been diverted from disposal through recycling programmes. The paper considers the implications of these findings and presents recommendations to improve the management of the SME waste stream. • In England 30.8 million tonnes of waste is generated by SMEs. • It is illegal for businesses to use household waste services. • Of 100 SMEs interviewed 25% used household services for waste and 38% for recycling. • Of 3.8 tonnes of household residual waste analysed 6% was from SMEs. • 77% was dry recyclable material or biowaste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing circular economy policies and planning approaches in cities is an emerging research field and the aim of the present paper is to contribute to the existing body of literature by analysing multiple governance forms whereby municipalities can support and facilitate a local level transition to a circular economy. The purpose of this article is therefore to analyse how cities and municipalities can support and facilitate the circular economy through multiple modes of governance, e.g. through the use of own assets to support the circular economy; the use of the ownership of utilities and waste companies to support the circular economy; the use of rule enforcement and/or economic regulation or through facilitating, coordinating, collaborating and encouraging. The analysis in the article is based on two in-depth case studies of projects seeking circular economies, in which Danish municipalities collaborated with local stakeholders to close the material loop for demolition materials and textile waste. Overall, this study is based on an action research approach that emphasises the benefits of co-innovation processes carried out between multiple stakeholders. The analysis of the case studies concluded that municipalities can function as an important change agent to support and facilitate a transformation towards a circular economy. • Analysis of four modes of local governance for a circular economy. • Case studies on the recirculation of demolition materials and textile waste. • Analysis of how cities and local governments can contribute to a transition towards a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of companies are voluntarily committing to help complete the transition from a linear to a circular economy, thereby curbing the global environmental pollution caused by plastics. The various endeavours are codified both by signing global commitments, like the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment , and by incorporating individual plastic strategies in sustainability reports. However, a critical analysis of whether these voluntary commitments can mitigate the plastic crisis and shape the transformation towards a circular economy is lacking. This paper qualitatively analyzes the self-commitments of ten international consumer goods manufacturers and reconstructs their understanding of the circular economy concept itself as well as the related key concepts: reduction, reuse, and recycling (3Rs). It can be demonstrated that a uniform definition of the 3Rs is missing and that the concepts of reduction and reuse are mostly associated with recycling. As this prevents the rigorous implementation of a circular economy from the outset, commitments must be strictly evaluated based on unambiguous definitions and this is currently not being done. • Companies' interpretation of 3Rs and circular economy regarding plastic analyzed. • Qualitative analysis based on sustainability reports and press releases. • Understanding is largely not in line with the waste hierarchy's definitions. • Strong focus on recycling that may hinder implementation of a circular economy. • Unequivocally definitional basis to evaluate commitments is currently missing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Business experimentation has been recognized as an important means for accelerating transitions towards a circular economy (CE). This paper aims to develop a new understanding of how learning from business experiments at the front end of innovation may help develop ideas and concepts that can advance a CE. The study adopts a case study approach and investigates four experiments conducted by a single organization in the context of recycling. The learning outcomes of these experiments are examined by using the lens of learning loops. Single loop learning refers to detecting and correcting errors in existing policies. In double loop learning underlying assumptions are questioned and new policies are formulated. In triple loop learning, entirely new processes and methodologies for problem solving are devised. We conclude that incremental ideas associated with single loop learning may be insufficient for a CE. While radical ideas associated with double loop learning may be critical for a CE, double loop learning may require designing the experiments to address CE innovation challenges. We propose that focusing on triple loop learning may be the answer, and by examining the relationships between the different forms of learning and CE innovation challenges, we determine which type of learning was best suited to overcoming these challenges. Further, this study elaborates the concept of learning loops in the context of front end of CE innovation by identifying 11 forms of learning from experiments. For managers, the study offers insights on how the experimentation process should be developed to overcome the barriers to CE innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic today is commonplace. Products and parts made with plastic have short life cycles, ending up in landfills not long after manufacture. Finding new pathways for plastic waste has become a critical focus of sustainability efforts, especially within manufacturing. Thus, research in this field continues to grow in order to determine the feasibility of reclaiming post-consumer plastic for reuse. This paper evaluates the potential for a sustainable, circular pathway for end-of-life plastic material using 3D-printing techniques. To do this, the work investigates two prevalent industrial 3D-printing technologies: selective laser sintering (SLS) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) of polymers. Material-flow and economic models are developed to outline how plastic parts at the end of their life cycle can be processed and reused. Prior works on fundamental material degradation are integrated into mathematical models of cost and operation. This enables mapping of how multiple reuse cycles affect two prevalent industrial polymers: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyamide 12 (PA 12). The mapping identifies there is significant opportunity for improving both SLS and FDM 3D-printing technologies when it comes to economic viability and sustainability. Comparison between reuse of FDM using ABS and SLS using PA 12 shows the former costs 82% less than the latter, while also producing 87% less waste than it. While the study established that available industrial 3D-printing technologies can help to reduce plastic waste within manufacturing, a fully circular economy demands materials with less thermal degradation than the primary industrial 3D-printing polymers. • Reuse of 3D printing material can reduce part cost by 10% for PA12 SLS and 70% for ABS FDM while decreasing material waste. • Polymer degradation during the print cycle is a primary barrier for reuse of 3D printing polymers in a circular economy. • Additional research is needed on material options for increasing reuse capability and enhancing the mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling strategies for waste products from grinding processes have become an essential concern for the industrial sector, as up to 250,000 tons of grinding sludge is generated annually in Germany alone. In this paper, a suitable recycling strategy for the recovery of the metallic component of industrial sludge generated from cold work tool steel grinding is investigated and reported. Possible reuse of the recovered metallic material as a precursor for supersolidus liquid phase sintering (SLPS), a powder metallurgy process, is assessed for the first time. Using a novel technique, including washing, dry screening and magnetic separation, 50 wt% metallic swarf and 50 wt% abrasives can be recovered from dried, industrial grinding sludge. These metallic swarf are a mixture of discontinuous and continuous microchips with a particle size of up to 250 μm. The metallic swarf tend to agglomerate, resulting in larger accumulations and a correspondingly larger overall size with a particle size of over 1000 μm. Using SLPS, the densification of the metallic swarf was considered promising, as density increases with increasing sintering temperature. A maximum density of 76 vol% was achieved, owing to the morphology of the swarf. Occasionally, a few abrasives were observed in the microstructure. Hence, a new sustainable recycling strategy for the recovery of the metallic swarf in industrial grinding sludge has been proposed and the reuse of swarf as precursor for SLPS has demonstrated promising results. Further work is being undertaken to improve the densification of the metallic swarf by SLPS. • Characterization of grinding sludge. • Novel technique for recovery of metallic swarf from grinding sludge. • Reutilization of recovered high alloyed metallic swarf for supersolidus liquid phase sintering. • Particle shape and microstructural analysis and comparison of metallic swarf and gas atomized powders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pavement engineering, the use of bio-binders and reclaimed asphalt (RA) promotes the principles of sustainability and circular economy, without penalizing or even improving the performance. In this regard, this study focuses on the "circular propensity" of bio-binders obtained by partially replacing a conventional bitumen with a bio-oil generated as a residue by the wood and paper industries. Specifically, the objectives are: 1) to assess the effectiveness of bio-binders in the hot recycling of traditional RA and 2) to evaluate, in a long-term perspective, their recyclability potential. For this purpose, two severely aged binders (one "RAP" binder recovered from reclaimed asphalt and one laboratory-produced "Bio-RAP" binder) and two fresh binders (one bio-binder and one bitumen) are blended to reproduce four hot recycled binders. The mechanical behaviour and the aging susceptibility of these blends are compared to those of a control virgin bitumen. The experimental investigation includes conventional tests, rheological testing and modelling (modified CAM model) as well as chemical analysis (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). The main results indicate that the hot recycling of reclaimed bio-asphalt (bio-RA) may lead to mixtures less susceptible to cracking as compared to the recycling of conventional RA, as well as the use of bio-binders in the hot recycling of conventional RA may be beneficial in terms of cracking. Even though the blends with the bio-binder are characterized by a lower aging rate, the permanent deformation behaviour of all the recycled blends studied is comparable in unaged and short-term aged conditions, i.e. the circumstances under which rutting is usually a concern. Finally, the recycled blends show significantly lower aging susceptibility than the control bitumen. Overall, these results suggest that the bio-binders studied are effective in the hot recycling of RA and 100% recyclable, and their use in asphalt pavements can lead to significant technical and environmental benefits. • Recycled blends with bio-binder undergo lower aging than those with bitumen. • Blends with bio-binder seem less susceptible to cracking than those with bitumen. • High-temperature performance is comparable for all recycled blends. • All recycled blends show lower aging susceptibility than the control bitumen. • Bio-binders are effective in hot recycling and 100% recyclable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding buildings as material depots radically changes the way resources need to be managed within the construction industry and the built environment. Similar to warehousing, buildings, cities and regions will have to keep track and anticipate the stocks and flows of materials, needing to document and communicate (at the right moment) which materials in what quantities and qualities become available for re-use or recycling where and at what time in the future. This paper describes the process of documenting materials and products utilized in the construction of the Urban Mining and Recycling (UMAR) unit within the Madaster platform. UMAR is a fully circular residential unit of Empa NEST created from secondary resources and designed as a material depot for future constructions. Madaster is an online platform, which generates and registers materials passports and calculates a Circularity Indicator for their construction, use, and end-of-life phases. The results of the calculations show that the UMAR unit is 96% circular. Constructed from 95% non-virgin and rapidly renewable materials, the unit has a utility rate of 98% and 92% of its materials are prepared to return into pure-type material cycles at the unit's end of life. In combination, these two case studies provide a unique opportunity to evaluate the capabilities of materials passports and the Madaster Circularity Indicator to document material stocks and flows within a circular built environment, and to assess the potential of circularity indicators as a design tool supporting the transition towards a circular construction industry. The continuous development of tools and systems for material cadastres undoubtedly represents a key prerequisite for the implementation of a paradigm shift towards a functioning circular construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]