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High-performance aramid papers are ideal insulating materials in the electric industry, due to their superior mechanical strength and insulation capabilities. However, when subjected to prolonged high-voltage and high-power operations, these papers are prone to electrical damage, such as breakdown or corona aging. Unfortunately, most damaged aramid papers are viewed as mere waste, discarded through landfill or other unsustainable disposal methods. It is not only contrary to circular economy principles but also poses a significant environmental threat due to the potential for pollution. Herein, a closed-loop recycling strategy is proposed that efficiently and effectively reclaims electrically damaged meta-aramid papers. Using the DMAc/LiCl deprotonation system, waste aramid papers are completely decomposed into molecular chains, exposing carbon residues resulting from electrical breakdown. These carbon residues are removed through a step-by-step purification process. A reprotonation treatment is then applied to regenerate new meta-aramid papers by reforming the intermolecular hydrogen bonds. This approach not only fully restores the original honeycomb-like structure but also ensures the crystallization and hydrogen bond content, maintaining both electrical and mechanical properties at above 90 % of their original values. Notably, our recycling method is also compatible with aramid-based composites, achieving exceptional recycling efficiency. [Display omitted] • Electrically damaged meta-aramid paper can be recycled in a closed loop. • The DMAc/LiCl system completely dissolves waste aramid into PMIA molecular chains. • Carbon residues induced by electrical breakdown can be removed by purification. • The synergistic conservation of electrical and mechanical properties exceeds 90 %. • Closed loop recycling strategy is also viable for inorganic-aramid composite paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the growing demand for medical treatment resulting from an ageing population and advancements in medical devices and technology, the waste produced by the healthcare industry is rapidly increasing. While in many sectors, the shift to a circular economy has become more prevalent, in the healthcare sector, the linear cradle-to-grave model seems to still be a common approach despite growing concerns over the environmental burdens. Many devices are designed for single-use, often due to contamination concerns, limiting their potential for reuse. This paper considers the challenges associated with establishing a circular economy for medical devices, focusing on syringes as a representative single-use product. Through a series of material decontamination experiments, the potential for recycling of syringes has been assessed. These experiments have highlighted possible design improvements that would allow for a more streamlined end-of-life management. The findings from this research highlight the significant potential for both environmental preservation and healthcare efficiency through the circular use of medical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contemporary recycling of automobiles takes place on a very baseline material level. In order to fundamentally improve the ecologic footprint of the vehicle, a wider application of remanufacturing strategies is intended. Following different recycling approaches ranging from direct reuse or refurbishment through remanufacturing until repurpose, a well-aimed dismantling followed by manufacturing processes adapted to the post-consumer components is mandatorily required. For use on an industrial scale, environmental efficiency and economic viability must be balanced well. Within the paper, possible remanufacturing technologies and necessary prerequisites such as input data are discussed. For the design of remanufacturing operations, material properties and geometric information are a crucial starting point. Seamless integration of the specific properties is intended to encourage wider utilization of pre-used components and materials. With reference to the well-established process design for metal forming operations, adapted material cards and curvature equivalence values are proposed. The approach is illustrated by a reforming operation, where a brake disc cover is remanufactured from a used car body roof. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals of the Agenda 2030, the circular economy is being promoted as a means of ensuring a sustainable use of resources and a reduction in the amount of waste produced. The aim is to reduce the demand for often scarce raw materials through the continuous reuse, recycling and regeneration of materials and products. This paper explores the use of carbon fibre from wind turbine blades as an additive in the production of new efficient bricks. Clay mixes with 0, 5 and 10 wt% additive were fired at three temperatures (800, 950 and 1100 °C) and the fired bricks were analysed from mineralogical and physical points of view to determine their suitability for use in the construction industry. The results show that carbon fibre improves the durability of the bricks, which became 16 % more porous as the firing temperature increased. However, the compressive strength of the bricks with 10 wt% carbon fibre was about 50 % lower than that of the control bricks made without additive. It is interesting to note that the distribution of the carbon fibres within the brick varies considerably and that they are shorter and wider in the core of the samples. These results could offer an alternative line for new product development in the brick industry. The bricks tested here are an example of a circular economy in which waste from one industrial process (wind turbine blades) is reused as an input in another (brick manufacture). The environmental benefits achieved are twofold: reduced demand for clay and recycling of decommissioned turbine blades, which are currently amassed in wind turbine graveyards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic waste has become a major global concern, due to the widespread use of plastics, resulting in plastic waste accumulation in landfills, and poor plastic waste management that has caused discarded plastics to accumulate in oceans, worldwide. Pyrolysis, a thermochemical treatment technique, offers a sustainable and efficient solution by reducing pollution and recovering valuable energy and products. This paper provides an overview of existing pyrolysis techniques for plastic waste and discusses the parameters that influence product yield and selectivity. It explores the impact of different catalysts on the pyrolysis process and offers a comparative assessment with the conventional pyrolysis. By recovering plastic waste through pyrolysis, the dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels can be reduced, bolstering energy sustainability while mitigating plastic waste's environmental repercussions. This paper also discusses the deactivation and regeneration mechanisms of the catalysts, as well as strategies to optimize liquid oil production from plastic waste, highlighting the potential for utilizing pyrolysis-derived liquid oil as a more sustainable energy source. Lastly, the paper includes a discussion on the future outlook of the pyrolysis industry. This review would provide recommendations for future research directions, enabling researchers and stakeholders to identify key areas of interest and develop new projects accordingly. [Display omitted] • Pyrolysis technology has the capability to convert plastic waste into valuable fuels and chemicals. • A comprehensive review of recent advancements in plastics-to-fuels and chemicals technology was presented. • The product yield and selectivity are determined by operating parameters and catalysts. • Emphasis was placed on the importance and significance of establishing a circular economy for plastics. [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]

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]

A closed aluminum loop can potentially reduce CO2 emissions considerably by using more post-consumer scrap (PCS). Unfortunately, there is a wide gap between the potential uses of recycling aluminum and the real introduction of it in structural aluminum-based products. In the case of Norway, the main criterion for customers is the quality of the product, challenging the usage of a high percentage of recycled aluminum in the casting mix. This paper aims to evaluate the influence of factors such as sustainable awareness and quality requirements from the customer perspective on the casting mix demand and the material flow that such demand will have on the manufacturing system. System Dynamics is used to model aluminum production and recycling in Norway and to understand the dynamics among the actors and material flow with changes in demand. A Causal Loop Diagram was built, mapping the decision-making process that generates the material flow in the automotive recycle aluminum value chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Europe's P system assessed as linear and circular flows through supply chain. • Decisions controlling P life cycle differ greatly across EU-27 countries. • Bayesian games show most EU-27 countries do not make rational P sourcing decisions. • Improved P recycling increases probability of rational decisions in 16 countries. • EU-wide "committee" decisions have no Nash equilibrium for recycled P. European Union (EU) faces serious disturbances in the supply of phosphorus. To tackle this problem, the Member States have started practicing the principles of circular economy in the management of phosphorus supply chain. A decision to select either primary or secondary sources of phosphorus is one of the major dilemmas in the application of these principles. In this paper, the Bayesian and Nash Equilibrium games are used to analyze the selection of primary or secondary sources of phosphorus in Europe (EU-27), under the condition of supply deficit. The objective of this analysis is to determine the conditions for the use of primary or secondary source. We examined situations of the so called low or high deficit. According to the principles of circular economy, the use of secondary sources is always preferred, and everyday practice shows that it is also rational, under conditions of low deficit. The rationality is justified by the sufficient time an enterprise has got to react. However, in the situation of high deficit, the lack of time makes the use of primary sources a rational decision. In short, rational decision means to opt for using secondary sources when deficit is low and primary sources when the deficit is high. The analysis of phosphorus supply over 15 years, 2002–2017, shows that only the Netherlands made a rational decision with the probability higher than 0.8. The analysis indicates that even if in the next 12 years recycling increases to 50 % of phosphorus supply, it will not improve the rationality of decisions on the use of secondary sources of phosphorus in Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Poland, Romania, Greece, Malta, and Cyprus. The main finding of this paper is the conclusion that the improvement of recycling technology will not improve the rationality of decisions on the use of secondary sources of phosphorus in several countries. It means that the problem is not the recycling technology itself but the policy pursued vis-à-vis using the primary or secondary sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling spent lithium-ion batteries is a significant way to achieve life-cycle management and a green circular economy, helping to achieve carbon neutrality. The form of battery pack disassembly has gradually moved away from manual manipulation to a human–robot collaborative process. However, there is no established methodology for assessing spent lithium-ion battery disassembly between the environmental benefits, technical feasibility, and economic viability of human–robot collaborative disassembly (HRCD). To ensure the efficiency and security of HRCD processes, this paper develops a resilience assessment model for HRCD using stability, redundancy, efficiency and adaptation metrics. The resilience assessment theory is used to obtain the internal relations among the resilience indicators of the system. In this work, we evaluate the resilience of HRCD for lithium-ion battery disassembly by integrating fuzzy Bayesian fusion with an analytical network process unfolding cloud. The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt driver demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach, which allows greater flexibility in complex tasks performed by humans and robots. In case study, the weights values of stability, redundancy, efficiency and adaptability are 0.340533, 0.161384, 0.203835 and 0.294248, respectively. IR2&HO1 and IR3&HO2 have an assessment value of 93 and 95, respectively, with eigenvalues of 1.28 and 1.23, which are level I. RI3&HO1 and RI4&HO3 belong to level IV, with an evaluation value of 38 and 45, respectively, and a characteristic value of 2.27 and 2.55, respectively. The integrated methodology proposed in this paper could be effectively used by disassembly management, to evaluate the HRCD disassembly scheme resilient strategies for better managing production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial symbiosis is realised when companies work collectively and collaboratively to establish ‘waste-to-resource’ exchanges with one another. In previous work, we presented the architecture of a collaboration platform that allows companies to simulate and analyse the economic viability of establishing such waste-to-resource exchanges in the By-product Exchange Network (BEN) model. In this paper, we describe how we enhance the platform with a database engine for waste-to-resource matching. The database engine aims to fill the gap in information and knowledge of what valuable resources can be recovered from wastes or by-products, and what wastes or by-products can be used as substitute raw materials, and what technology or processes are required to make the waste-to-resource conversion happen. The database engine is built on a graph database that models and stores data for waste-to-resource matching, and comprises a query processor for determining the matches from the stored data. The database engine is implemented as a web application and demonstrated through use cases based on paper and food wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper concerns a case study about optimizing recycling management in terms of emptying containers holding, for instance, glass, paper, plastics or metal waste collected, thus supporting sustainability of natural resources and the circular economy. The case has been followed from the very start all the way to the current transformation into an IPS 2 sold on a subscription basis. The main results of the case study suggest that the provider side must change considerably in terms of the business and organizational set-up, which has been challenging compared to the necessary, though more easily implemented, technological changes. Further, the IPS 2 customers foresee improved efficiency and a decrease in unnecessary work if containers are emptied on time. In addition, the core of the IPS 2 seems generalizable and transferable to other applications where collection and analysis of data are needed to support decision-making. [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]

• Cutting-edge analysis: machine learning's role in optimizing lithium battery recycling. • Real-world implications: implementing machine learning for improved recycling processes. • Predictive precision: machine learning models revolutionize battery recycling potential. • Advancing circular economy: integrating machine learning for greener energy systems. • Data-driven efficiency: machine learning maximizes recycling potential of lithium batteries. This paper explores the application of machine learning in battery recycling, aiming to enhance sustainability and process efficiency. The research focuses on three key areas: (i) Investigating machine learning's potential in predicting battery recycling viability, optimizing processes, and improving resource recovery. (ii) Assessing machine learning's impact on addressing engineering challenges within recycling. (iii) Introducing a streamlined framework for the application of machine learning in this domain. The study comprehensively analyzes scientific principles, methodologies, and algorithms relevant to battery recycling. Furthermore, it examines practical implications and challenges associated with implementing machine learning techniques in real-world scenarios. Our comparative analysis reveals that the proposed framework offers numerous advantages and effectively addresses common limitations seen in previous models. Notably, this framework provides detailed insights into pre-processing, feature engineering, and evaluation phases, catering to researchers with varying technical skills for effective model application in analysis and product development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E-waste, encompassing discarded materials from outdated electronic equipment, often ends up intermixed with municipal solid waste, leading to improper disposal through burial and incineration. This improper handling releases hazardous substances into water, soil, and air, posing significant risks to ecosystems and human health, ultimately entering the food chain and water supply. Formal e-waste recycling, guided by circular economy models and zero-discharge principles, offers potential solutions to this critical challenge. However, implementing a circular economy for e-waste management due to chemical and energy consumption may cause environmental impacts. Consequently, advanced sustainability assessment tools, such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), have been applied to investigate e-waste management strategies. While LCA is a standardized methodology, researchers have employed various routes for environmental assessment of different e-waste management methods. However, to the authors' knowledge, there lacks a comprehensive study focusing on LCA studies to discern the opportunities and limitations of this method in formal e-waste management strategies. Hence, this review aims to survey the existing literature on the LCA of e-waste management under a circular economy, shedding light on the current state of research, identifying research gaps, and proposing future research directions. It first explains various methods of managing e-waste in the circular economy. This review then evaluates and scrutinizes the LCA approach in implementing the circular bioeconomy for e-waste management. Finally, it proposes frameworks and procedures to enhance the applicability of the LCA method to future e-waste management research. The literature on the LCA of e-waste management reveals a wide variation in implementing LCA in formal e-waste management, resulting in diverse results and findings in this field. This paper underscores that LCA can pinpoint the environmental hotspots for various pathways of formal e-waste recycling, particularly focusing on metals. It can help address these concerns and achieve greater sustainability in e-waste recycling, especially in pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical pathways. The recovery of high-value metals is more environmentally justified compared to other metals. However, biometallurgical pathways remain limited in terms of environmental studies. Despite the potential for recycling e-waste into plastic or glass, there is a dearth of robust background in LCA studies within this sector. This review concludes that LCA can offer valuable insights for decision-making and policy processes on e-waste management, promoting environmentally sound e-waste recycling practices. However, the accuracy of LCA results in e-waste recycling, owing to data requirements, subjectivity, impact category weighting, and other factors, remains debatable, emphasizing the need for more uncertainty analysis in this field. [Display omitted] • The adverse consequences of informal e-waste disposal on human health are discussed. • The review thoroughly explores different formal e-waste recycling processes. • The use of life cycle assessment to achieve sustainable recycling was analyzed. • The accuracy of life cycle assessment results in e-waste recycling is still dubious. • Implementing life cycle assessment can improve the prospects of e-waste management. [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]

There is still a big difference, between a circular economy as described in the literature and reality. All this can be attributed to one reason: An information gap within the circular economy. The information is available, but not exchanged between the stakeholders. In this paper, we discuss the role of the information gap, present solutions for bridging this gap and introduce some key components to promote an advanced circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition towards a more sustainable society is a complex task. The depletion of natural resources and waste generation cannot be sustained indefinitely, i.e. as waste increases, local landfills keep growing and land availability reduces. The introduction of circular economy in effective household solid waste management practices should be considered especially for third world countries, such as Ecuador. In this context, plastic recycling is an important step, particularly the case of expanded polystyrene containers that currently are single-use only and later end up in local landfills. This paper presents a methodology for recycling Expanded Polystyrene by means of a case study from an Ecuadorian Plastic Manufacturer. First, the manufacture of resin from post-consume EPS containers was demonstrated possible by the manufacturer. Second, results show that using 30% of post-consume resin in the mix produce satisfactory laboratory results and operational recycled containers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous work, we presented a web-based graph database engine to enable companies to find pathways to convert their wastes to resource to enable industrial symbiosis (IS). In this paper, we extend the database to include water streams, and cost and carbon footprint (CFP) of pathways for waste-to-resource conversion. To support companies' decision making for waste-to-resource conversion pathways, we enhanced the database query processor based on a graph algorithm to identify eco-efficient pathways to convert waste to resource based on user's preference. We demonstrate the application of this methodology using a case study of wastewater to water resource. [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]

Plastic pollution is a ubiquitous and universally recognized environmental threat, and bioplastics have emerged as a potential solution to this issue in the last years. Being biobased and biodegradable, bioplastics have a reduced carbon footprint with respect to plastics, and they are not expected to accumulate and fragmentate in the environments as plastics do. Nevertheless, some bioplastics drawbacks such as their slow biodegradation in engineered (i.e., anaerobic digestion and composting) and natural (i.e., soil and water) environments have been used by sceptics to discredit bioplastics, and this have induced policy makers to use a precautionary approach to the topic (i.e., including bioplastics in the ban of single use products and in the count of inert materials in organic fertilizers). Using a simplified ecologic risk assessment analysis, this Opinion paper aimed to show that bioplastics that are proven to be intrinsically biodegradable are always a better choice than plastics. Having a residence time in natural environments of about 1–10 years, the likelihood of bioplastics causing harmful effects on living organisms is about 100–1000 times lower than plastics that resides thousands of years in the environments. Taking this into consideration, policy makers are asked to revise recent regulations and directives to enhance bioplastics diffusion and fight plastic pollution. In this sense, Single Use Plastic Directive 2019/904 may exclude biodegradable bioplastic items from the ban, and European Regulation on Fertilizers 2019/1009 may exclude biodegradable bioplastics residues from the count of inert materials in organic fertilizers. Bioplastics collection within biowastes and subsequent anaerobic digestion should be also favoured, in order to force controlled bioplastics biodegradation into biogas and reduce their leakage into the environment, resulting in the enhanced circularity of bioplastics products. [Display omitted] • Bioplastics are less hazardous than plastics due to their intrinsic biodegradability. • Policymakers should not be guided solely by the disadvantages of bioplastics. • Single-use plastic Directive needs to exclude biodegradable items from the ban. • Fertilizers regulation should not consider bioplastics' residues as inert materials. • Sorted collection of bioplastics with biowastes and their AD should be enhanced. [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]

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]

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]

At present, the enormous environmental pressure caused by the manufacturing industry has promoted the development of the recycling industry. The recycling industry is pivotal for sustainable utilization of regional resources, pollution reduction and environmental protection. LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), as a comprehensive analytical tool, plays an important role in the analysis of the cyclical industry from different levels, including regional level, industry level, enterprise level and product/service levels. The product service system, a new production system with high integration and overall optimization of products and services, is conducive to obtaining complete product/service information and management. The LCA based product service systems in the field of circular economy is not only crucial in the life cycle management of the product/service for the enterprise, but also contributes to the comprehensive assessment of the environmental benefits of the recycling enterprise. This paper summarizes and systematic reviews the applications of the LCA and PSS (Product Service System) integration in circular economy from a micro perspective. Based on that, the study identifies the challenges for current researches and propose future research directions to promote the development of LCA in circular economy from the perspective of enterprises. [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]

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]

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]

Lignosulfonate is one of the main by-products of the pulping process, with enormous potential for application as an alternative source of aromatic and bioactive compounds, especially in a closed-loop Circular Economy Concept. The lignin-derived bioactive compounds have attracted enormous interest in the scientific community due to their positive effects on human health. In the present paper, hydrothermal treatment technologies of the 10 wt% and 20 wt% lignosulfonate solutions i.e. , slow HTL in batch reactor and fast HTL in continuous-flow (CF) reactor, are compared, and discussed, to assess their potential for obtaining bioactive and aromatic compounds. The hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) in the two reactors was carried out at 275 °C at a pressure of 21.4 MPa, a 1:3 feed-to-water ratio. GC-MS and LC-MS-QTOF analyses were used to determine the chemical composition of the liquid products. According to the chromatogram integrated peak areas (PA), the fast HTL of the lignosulfonate produced the most isoeugenol (35.8–49.2%), eugenol (10.4–16.9%), and homovanillyl alcohol (13.8–18.4%). Slow HTL product, on the other hand, was rich in guiacol (62%) and apocynin (19.7%). LC-MS analysis of the product showed a similar composition to the liquid product in terms of heaviest compounds. Observed m/z values in the chromatograms indicated a presence of the compounds with masses between 121.159 and 934.021 u, possible configurations of the polycyclic phenolic compounds are presented. • Fast HTL of the LS produced isoeugenol, eugenol, and homovanillyl alcohol. • Batch slow HTL product, on the other hand, was rich in guiacol and apocynin. • Slow LS processing favor reactions of isoeugenol and vanillin to guaiacol. • Observed m/z values indicated compounds with masses between 121.159 and 934.021 u. [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]

Making progress towards a circular economy requires the reuse of material/components to realize their maximum utility. Integrating end-of-life (EOL) considerations into the design of products will greatly facilitate the recovery of material/components at EOL, and enable their reintroduction into new product life cycles. Past research has largely employed qualitative or single objective oriented approaches for environmental product design. This paper presents a quantitative method for value recovery, in which disassembly bottlenecks are identified and removed by improving upon an existing design. The approach determines the value that can be recovered from EOL products through different EOL options. For a given EOL scenario, major bottlenecks are generally associated with joints, material incompatibility, and product architecture. Once the bottlenecks to rapid, cost effective dismantling of EOL products are identified, different design changes are considered to reduce the time/cost required to recover components/materials. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the method, a hard disk drive is used as a case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2019, 368 mln tonnes of plastics were produced worldwide. Likewise, the textiles and apparel industry, with an annual revenue of 1.3 trillion USD in 2016, is one of the largest fast-growing industries. Sustainable use of resources forces the development of new plastic and textile recycling methods and implementation of the circular economy (reduce, reuse and recycle) concept. However, circular use of plastics and textiles could lead to the accumulation of a variety of contaminants in the recycled product. This paper first reviewed the origin and nature of potential hazards that arise from recycling processes of plastics and textiles. Next, we reviewed current analytical methods and safety assessment frameworks that could be adapted to detect and identify these contaminants. Various contaminants can end up in recycled plastic. Phthalates are formed during waste collection while flame retardants and heavy metals are introduced during the recycling process. Contaminants linked to textile recycling include; detergents, resistant coatings, flame retardants, plastics coatings, antibacterial and anti-mould agents, pesticides, dyes, volatile organic compounds and nanomaterials. However, information is limited and further research is required. Various techniques are available that have detected various compounds, However, standards have to be developed in order to identify these compounds. Furthermore, the techniques mentioned in this review cover a wide range of organic chemicals, but studies covering potential inorganic contamination in recycled materials are still missing. Finally, approaches like TTC and CoMSAS for risk assessment should be used for recycled plastic and textile materials. [Display omitted] • The database on contaminants in recycled plastic FCM is limited. • Nearly no information on the safety of recycled textiles is available. • Studies covering potential inorganic contamination in recycled materials are still missing. • Approaches like TTC and CoMSAS for risk assessment should be used for recycled plastic and textile materials. [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]

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]

China's Green Building (GB) evaluation standard has always emphasized the use of Recycled Building Materials (RBM). However, the quality of RBM is a major obstacle to its promotion. Unlike previous studies, this study innovatively developed a four-way evolutionary game model including Local Government (LG), RBM suppliers, developers and homebuyers, and examined their strategy changes from the production of building materials to the purchase and use of homes. This paper uses MATLAB 2021b software to simulate and verify the model and uses the real market data of Wuhan city and Sanya city to analyze the influence of some key factors among 23 factors such as the price of purchasing natural building materials P 2 and the basic utility obtained by purchasing a house B. The results showed the following: (1) Among the four evolutionary stable strategies in this system, the optimal strategy combination lies when LG does not plan, manufacturers perform upcycling and when developers and homebuyers choose RBM. (2) High fines can force suppliers to perform upcycling, and developers will build houses according to homebuyers' preferences. If homebuyers are in immediate demand for homes, they will more willing to purchase homes built with RBM. (3) Considering the financial pressure of LG, it should promote the system in parallel with rewards and penalties in the early stage of development, while after a period of time, LG can stop making any subsidies and only retain the regulation of suppliers. This study helps to better understand the behaviors of various stakeholders in the full life cycle of RBM, and provides some reference for the development of RBM and GB in China. [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]

[Display omitted] • Review of bio PCMs considering recycling, resources conservation and green building. • Discussion on characteristics and drawbaks of bPCMs and pertinent solutions. • Insight into conventional and non-conventional sources of bPCMs. • Evaluation of data on life cycle analysis and incorporation technologies of bPCMs. • Future perspectives to promote the application of bPCMs in the construction sector. Implementation of thermal energy storage (TES) systems in buildings heavily relies on orthodox phase change materials (PCMs) which are derived from precious and non-renewable resources. Meanwhile, to promote recycling, pure green buildings campaign and natural resources conservation, biobased PCMs (bPCMs) are preferable over orthodox PCMs. The major characteristics of bPCMs that make them a preferred choice for TES applications include but are not limited to renewability, non-toxicity, minimal supercooling, high latent heat, thermal stability over a wider temperature range, reasonable melting/freezing temperatures, self-nucleating response, and limited flammability. Despite these advantages, there are different challenges attached to bPCMs that hinder their application on large scale i.e., biodegradability, odor generation, leakage, and demand-supply issues. However, most of these limitations are analogous to that of conventional PCMs, and promising research data is available on their solution. Further, the conventional source of bPCMs includes biobased oils and fats, most of which are of edible nature; thus, their widespread use could conflict with food security and undermine the major advantages of bPCMs. This issue can be resolved by minimizing the reliance of bPCM on conventional sources and looking for viable alternatives i.e., waste edible oils, animal fats, and genetically modified oils. Albeit strong evidence can be found in the literature about the viability of these alternatives, they are open to research. Further, life cycle assessment of different bPCMs also advocates their environment-friendliness and cost-effectiveness over conventional PCMs. Moreover, substantial technological advancements have been made referring to the incorporation of bPCMs in building envelops and TES applications; however, more studies are required on recyclable encapsulation and support materials. This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of research status and useful perspective in the paradigms of recycling, green building applications, and natural resources conservation corresponding to the bPCMs. [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]

• Existing circular economy (CE) conceptualizations are based on formally organized developed markets. • A large part of world's employed population make their living from informal sector circular economy. • Informal low-income contexts are rich in necessity-driven value retaining practices for materials and goods. • Academic and policy discourses currently tend to omit these necessity-driven CE practices. • Reaching the full potential of CE globally calls for knowledge of necessity-driven CE. Low-income informal sector contexts are rife in practices that retain value of materials and goods, but in the academic literature and policy debates these practices are seldom considered as part of the circular economy (CE). This is a major omission in CE discourse, as over 60 percent of the world's employed population is in the informal sector and many of them make their living from circularity practices. Hence, our paper advances a globally covering understanding of CE by focusing on local practices constituting CE in the overlooked contexts of low-income informal markets of emerging economies, and on the motives behind the practices. To that end we introduce the notion of Necessity-Driven Circular Economy, defined as a set of locally embedded and interlinked formal and informal practices aimed at restoring and retaining the value of goods and materials for as long as possible, based on economic necessity and opportunities for income generation. We substantiate this conceptual work with our empirical findings from low-income urban communities in Brazil, India, and Tanzania. This allows us to capture the essential characteristics of necessity-driven circular economy. These characteristics draw attention to the social and cultural embeddedness and the interweaving of consumption and production in necessity-driven circular economy, as opposed to the dominant techno-economic and industry-focused circular economy conceptualizations that are typical in academic discourse and portray developed country contexts. Finally, we discuss conceptual and practical relevance of necessity-driven circular economy and point out its system-level implications for policymakers and businesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the European Directive on end-of-life vehicle (ELV) treatment has heavily influenced policies in many countries, car manufacturers need to reconsider the early phases of the product design to enable better ELV treatment. This paper proposes policy, technical and business recommendations to improve the reuse, recycling and recovery (RRR) rate of ELVs. A comparative analysis between the United Kingdom and Japan is undertaken, in which the two countries’ contextual background is described along with their RRR performance from a lifecycle perspective. Barriers and countermeasures to improve the RRR rates are discussed based upon mutual learning between the two countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strongly growing uptake of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in transportation requires environmentally sustainable ways to treat spent batteries. Novel material circulation processes establish material flows which create significant business opportunities and new jobs and welfare. This paper develops a mathematical model for considering the circular economy in the life cycle costs in the maritime sector. Current articles and models do not quantify economic gains from the LIB circular economy, especially in the marine sector. An additional challenge is that the typical planned lifetime is 30 years which means that the battery energy storage of a ship needs to be retrofitted 1–3 times over the ship's lifetime. The analysis herein considers the cost evolution of ESS during the coming decades to estimate retrofit battery costs and re-use economics. The main finding of the study is that battery material circulation can be conducted in all phases over the lifetime of the marine application and clear revenue streams are identified. These are not only deceasing the costs for battery investment, but are also able to bring revenues, leading to commercially viable reuse of batteries. However, it is also concluded that material circulation requires more technological, procedural, and industrial innovations during the coming years. • LIB industry volumes are skyrocketing, thus efficient material circulation is essential. • LIB material circulation enables significant new revenue streams and opportunities. • For marine application owners retired LIB residual value can decrease retrofit cost. • Life cycle cost of marine batteries may decrease ca. 20% of second life reuse. [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]

Recently, growing interest in the Circular Economy (CE) concept can be observed among scholars and practitioners globally. One CE goal is to increase resource efficiency by converting more waste into resources. The introduction of such changes in the long-term perspective will have an impact on regionals economies. But the exact consequences of these changes are largely unknown and require a specific modelling approach. In this paper, a Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) model designed to simulate the expected impact of increased resource efficiency on a regional economy is applied to a regional case study. The model is built on the assumption that a portion of current consumption is returned to producers in the form of supplies later re-used in the production process. The structural parameters of the proposed model were calibrated for Malopolska, a region in southern Poland, and the study used the Bayesian estimation method in this process. Computer simulation confirms the positive impact on the economy by the increase in resource efficiency, which will eventually improve the quality of life of the region's population. According to this study, in the long run, one additional unit of material resulting from recycling is a substitute for four units of raw material. The article proposes to measure the recycling rates as a portion of recovered materials' value rather than their mass. With this methodology, recycling estimates for the Malopolska region of Poland in 2017 amounts to 48.1%. [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]