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In the past decades, the German paper industry has been increasing the sustainability of paper production by continuously using more recovered paper. Today, recovered paper is an essential secondary raw material to produce new paper. Nevertheless, around 20 % of the paper produced in Germany is still not returned to the recovered paper stream and instead is mostly thermally used. To further increase the use of fibers from recovered paper as secondary raw material and thus, to reduce primary energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, new approaches to recycle recovered paper from mixed waste streams are needed. In the research project "Energy savings in paper production by opening up the value chains of recovered paper from lightweight packaging, residual waste and commercial waste" (EnEWA), a treatment process is developed to recover and recycle recovered paper from the mentioned waste streams. The advanced mechanical process to be newly developed consists of dry-mechanical sorting, the manufacturing of economically usable secondary raw materials (defibration), their wet-mechanical dissolution, separation and hygienization and finally their reuse in paper production. This enables the exploitation of new waste streams in material recycling and thus contributes to reduced energy consumption as well as CO2 emissions within the circular economy. Initial material characterization analyses show that on the one hand the quality of the paper discarded in mixed waste streams is sufficient to be used as secondary raw material and that on the other hand up to 50 % of the paper discarded could have been disposed of within the separate paper collection. The results are incorporated in the development of a sorting process for pre-concentrates, which serves as input material for the treatment process to recover paper fibers. In further steps, the results generated will be integrated, for instance, into the future development of the minimum standard for packaging recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duckweed, a floating freshwater plant, is an excellent phytoremediator used in wastewater treatment and ecosystem restoration. However, the large amount of plant biomass generated presents a bigger problem. This work highlights our efforts towards sustainable waste management of aquatic plant biomass by way of waste recycling and valorization. Novel paper pulp from duckweed biomass yielded various pulp-based products including handmade paper, packing materials and packing board. Paper produced was found to have 139 g/m2 and 6–14 N/1.5 cm gram per square meter and tensile strength respectively. Biochar obtained from the biomass after pyrolysis exhibited 23.9 nm to 49.49 nm pore size and was used to formulate novel soil conditioners that increased the seed vigour of fenugreek, green gram, wheat and pearl millet by 53.41, 87.98, 148.25 and 122.41 % respectively. Thus, two novel applications of a waste biomass were successfully established, concomitantly establishing sustainability and circularity in waste aquatic biomass management. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A closed-loop material flow analysis model is established for China's pulp and paper industry (CPPI), followed by a comprehensive quantitative analysis from both retrospective and prospective perspectives. • By implementing sound plans and stricter regulations and standards, China has improved recycling and material use efficiency, reduced the organic material with wastewater, and shifted towards recovered paper as a raw material over non-wood fiber. • Lowering the waste paper recycling rate to increase carbon storage is not suitable for China, due to the limited virgin fiber and growing demand. • The growing paper demand requires efforts from both ends of virgin fiber supply and waste paper management towards the sustainable development of CPPI. As the largest global producer and consumer of pulp and paper, China faces significant sustainability challenges in fiber supply and waste paper management. A comprehensive material flow analysis of China's pulp and paper industry (CPPI) is needed to understand the interaction between raw material supply and waste paper management. Here, we construct a closed-loop material flow analysis model for CPPI, examine the evolution patterns of material metabolism from 1990 to 2019, and explore the demand for paper production, waste paper recycling, and virgin fiber supply in 2030 and 2050 under multiple scenarios considering critical factors. Results show that the industry has undergone rapid expansion, increased material use efficiency, and a shift towards recycled pulp from 1990 to 2019. China's paper demand will grow to 186 Mt in the next 30 years, resulting in a significant increase in both demand for fibers (173 Mt) and the generation of waste paper (138 Mt). To ensure a sustainable fiber supply for CPPI, domestic waste paper recycling needs to be prioritized. However, attention should also be paid to the availability of virgin pulp supply and proper disposal of organic solid waste. Proper management of these factors is crucial for achieving a circular economy in the industry and reducing its environmental impact. The findings highlight the importance of addressing both raw material supply and waste paper management for CPPI's sustainable development. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several lignocellulosic wastes are generated in the pulp and paper industry (PPI), such as small wood chips (pinchips) and paper sludge, presenting a high cellulose content suitable to be converted into biofuels or bio-products in a forest biorefinery scheme. In this work, two schemes of biorefinery were proposed for their valorization, processing small eucalyptus wood pinchips in two different strategies: (i) autohydrolysis at 230ºC, and (ii) autohydrolysis at 195ºC followed by organosolv process (47.7% ethanol-water, 198ºC for 60 min). More than 95% of cellulose was recovered in both schemes. In the combined process, 76% of delignification was achieved and 78% of xylan was solubilized as xylooligosaccharides. To reduce operational cost of lignocellulosic biomass-to-ethanol fermentation, the mixture of the treated eucalyptus pinchips from two processes with sludge was also proposed to increase the initial glucan content and to supply a rich source of nitrogen (present in the sludge). For that, two experimental designs were carried out for ethanol production by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process. Ethanol from SSF assays using sludge as co-substrate at 0.6 g of sludge/g of treated wood pinchips and 16 FPU/g of pretreated solids allowed to obtain 59 g/L (90% of conversion) and 46 g/L (96% of conversion) when blended with the wood from autohydrolysis and with the wood from autohydrolysis followed by organosolv, respectively. Overall, this study shows an alternative process valorization of biomasses derived from PPI for production of advanced biofuels and bio-products (such as xylooligosaccharides and lignin) contributing to achieving a circular economy. • Multi-waste valorization approach was proposed to produce biofuel and bioproducts. • Autohydrolysis and organosolv processes allowed > 90% glucan recoveries. • Higher than 40 g/L of ethanol and 90% of yield were obtained in both schemes developed. • Blending with sludge improve ethanol production from pretreated eucalyptus wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mining seawater C a 2 + and M g 2 + for recovering F - was proposed. • This was achieved through the high affinity between carboxyl and C a 2 + / M g 2 + . • The C a F 2 / M g F 2 colloids were recovered and retained by the filter papers. • Additional flocculation was avoided. Resource reclamation with low carbon emissions is highly desirable from the perspective of the circular economy. We propose a green solution in this study, which involves mining calcium and magnesium from seawater as an effective reagent for the recovery of valuable fluoride. This was achieved by esterifying the cellulose filter papers with citric acid to associate carboxyl groups onto their surfaces. Consequently, the high affinity between the carboxyl group and alkaline earth elements enabled efficient and selective loading of C a 2 + (0.193 ± 0.001 mmol- C a 2 + /g) and M g 2 + (0.127 ± 0.001 mmol- M g 2 + /g) onto the filter papers, reaching up to 96% and 60% of the available active sites, respectively. When applied in natural seawater, the esterified filter papers successfully captured both C a 2 + (0.110 ± 0.007 mmol- C a 2 + /g) and M g 2 + (0.078 ± 0.005 mmol- M g 2 + /g) simultaneously. The presence of IR singlet symmetric (ν s COO, ≈ 1450 cm−1) stretching vibrations indicated that both C a 2 + and M g 2 + ions were complexed with carboxyl groups in a bridging unidentate mode. The adsorption capacity of C a 2 + and M g 2 + was likely influenced by the varying thickness of their hydration shells within the highly overlapped electric double layers presented in the micropores of the esterified filter papers. The papers loaded with C a 2 + and M g 2 + were subsequently utilized for fluoride recovery in simulated HF wastewater. The formation of C a F 2 / M g F 2 colloids effectively recovered the stoichiometric amount of fluoride (C a F 2.46 and M g F 1.72), which were retained on the surface of the filter papers. Additional flocculation for colloid separation is thus avoided, resulting in a significant increase in the content of reclaimed fluoride. Increasing the density of associated carboxyl groups is crucial for effectively complexing a greater amount of seawater C a 2 + / M g 2 + and, consequently, enhancing the capacity of fluoride reclamation by esterified filter papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

The increasing pressure on natural resources and the climate has been noted by businesses and governments worldwide, who now face the difficult task of integrating paths of environmental sustainability and economic growth. One promising approach to sustainable development, reducing the pressure on natural resources and solving waste problems is circular economy. From different ways of implementing circular economy, this study focuses on the productization of industrial side streams, which carry a great deal of underutilized potential. In this article, the productization of pulp and paper industry side stream, fiber sludge, for commercial use as a dust-binding agent is studied via a descriptive, in-depth case study. Apart from inconsistent quality, fluctuating supply, cost of storage and logistics, what makes industrial side stream utilization challenging is the lack of knowledge that stakeholders have about side streams and their utilization and the lack of new value chain development for their commercial use. Therefore, it is essential for all parties involved to have a clearer vision of what is being sold for what purposes, through productization. This study found that the productization of side streams follows the same steps as the productization of any other traditional product, and the productized side streams can be added to the company's product portfolio as by-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used as an additive in conventional point-of-sale thermal paper receipts. Due to BPA being an endocrine disruptor and a substance of very high concern, the European Union (EU) has proposed to ban its use in thermal paper from 2020. Potential similarities in toxicological profiles have raised concerns that the use of bisphenol S (BPS) as a substitute for BPA may result in yet another situation of a problematic chemical being distributed in consumer products. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the current knowledge of BPA and BPS use in thermal paper and, based on dynamic material and substance flow modeling, quantifies potential effects of the BPA ban on future BPA and BPS flows within the European paper cycle. Based on available data and the modeling of BPA and BPS flows, approximately 200 t of BPS are estimated to be present in the current European paper cycle. The modeling further demonstrated that by substituting 50% of BPA, BPS amounts in the European paper cycle would increase more than fivefold over a modeling period of 60 years. In the same time, more than 90 t of BPA would still be circulated in European paper products. BPA alternatives other than BPS should receive additional attention, as very limited quantitative data currently exist. The results of this study quantitatively demonstrate that chemical bans alone are not sufficient to ensure clean material cycles, and so the effective regulation of potential substitutes needs to be implemented in parallel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sequential combination of torrefaction and alkaline treatment is one possible design strategy for a circular economy in which torrefied cellulosic paper with enhanced wet strength is repeatedly used as a packaging material, then hydrolyzed downstream for bioethanol production after alkaline treatment. The wet-tensile strength of cellulose filter paper increased by 1533%, 2233%, 1567%, and 557% after torrefaction for 40 mins at 200 °C, 220 °C, 240 °C and 260 °C, respectively. Glucose yield decreased with increase in torrefaction severity but after treating torrefied filter samples with alkaline (NaOH) solution, glucose yield increased. For instance, the glucose yield of raw filter paper was 955 mg/g of substrate whereas it was 690 mg/g of substrate for the same filter paper sample torrefied at 200 °C. The glucose yield increased to 808 and 933 mg/g of substrate with 1% and 10% alkaline treatment, respectively. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Papermaking enterprises are currently under both environmental pressure and economic pressure for sustainable development in China. Thus, the efficiency, effectiveness, and benefits of resource utilization need to be improved. High-consumption and high-pollution companies should manufacture paper using sustainable methods. This study highlights a resource value flow analysis from the circular economy perspective, developing an extension of material flow cost accounting and modifying it by accounting for environmental damage as well as economic benefits. With reference to the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, this specific case study was conducted to verify the comprehensive utility of resource value flow analysis by establishing decision-making prioritization according to the dualistic diagnosis of "internal resource loss–external environmental damage costs." In general, applying a resource value flow analysis can both reduce resource consumption and minimize environmental damage, enhancing the sustainable development of a process industry with limited resources. Highlights • Material flows and value flows form an interactive unit in the resource value flow analysis model. • The resource value flow analysis model extends the environmental dimension of material flow cost accounting. • A dualistic diagnosis of "internal resource loss and external environmental damage costs" can achieve both economic profits and environmental benefits. • The Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle was introduced to strengthen the practical application of the resource value flow analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work describes the combination of granulated biomass fly ash (G BFA) with Fenton process to enhance the removal of adsorbable organic halides (AOX) from pulp bleaching wastewater. At optimal operating conditions, wastewater's chemical and biochemical oxygen demand (COD and BOD 5 , respectively) and colour were also quantified, and operating cost of treatment assessed. For the first time, raw pulp bleaching wastewater was used to granulate BFA, instead of water, reducing the water footprint of the treatment. Five wastewater treatment setups were studied: (i) conventional Fenton process; (ii) G BFA application; (iii) simultaneous application of G BFA and Fenton process; (iv) sequential treatment by G BFA followed by Fenton process; (v) sequential treatment by Fenton process followed by G BFA. The latter yielded the highest AOX removal (60–70%), whilst COD was also reduced (≈15%) and wastewater biodegradability (BOD 5 /COD) was enhanced from 0.075 to a maximum of 0.134. Another positive feature of the proposed solution was that G BFA were successfully recovered and reused without regeneration, yielding similar AOX removal compared with fresh G BFA. The operating cost of removing 1 g of AOX from the pulp bleaching wastewater by the optimal treatment setup (60–70% removal of AOX) was 14–26% lower than the operating cost of conducting Fenton process alone (50% removal of AOX). [Display omitted] • Biomass fly ash was unprecedently granulated with raw pulp bleaching wastewater. • Granulated biomass fly ash (G BFA) was coupled with Fenton process to degrade AOX. • Sequential treatment of Fenton followed by G BFA yielded AOX removals of 60–70%. • COD was reduced (≈15%) and wastewater biodegradability (BOD 5 /COD) was enhanced. • Sequential coupling process was 14–26% cheaper than conventional Fenton process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Paper wastes possess distinct characteristics yet viable for platform chemical production. • Cellulose content and crystallinity highly influence the levulinic acid yield. • Thermally stable cellulosic fibres in papers require higher energy for hydrolysis. • Alkaline mineral fillers in papers adversely affect the acid-catalysed conversion. • FeCl 3 is a safe and efficient catalyst for valorising lignocellulosic paper wastes. Lignocellulosic paper waste constitutes a major waste stream globally, which should be valorised for chemical production. However, paper properties (e.g. , feedstock composition, cellulosic crystallinity, and thermal stability/degradability) vary with raw materials and pulping processes. This study investigated levulinic acid (LA), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and furfural production by H 2 SO 4 and FeCl 3 catalysed conversion of nine types of paper wastes in a green solvent system (1:1 γ‐valerolactone/water). At 160–180 °C for 1–20 min, ∼23–27 wt% LA yield was achieved from sanitary papers, tracing/parchment paper, and paper food box mainly containing crystalline cellulose, while a lower LA yield (∼10–20 wt%) was obtained from other paper wastes with high contents of ash and lignin. A higher selectivity towards HMF (∼12 mol%) was achieved in the presence of FeCl 3. A furfural yield of ∼ 4–7.5 wt% was also obtained from the hemicellulose content. This study elucidates crucial factors and desirable characteristics of paper waste for catalytic valorisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

• European Waste Statistics Regulation focuses on waste as a post-factum problem. • At least 76,7% of waste disposing entities do not comply to the existing guidance. • Waste producer responsibility falls on the entities that pay waste management costs. • Circular economy transition requires changes in European Waste Statistics. The announcement of a new Circular Economy Action Plan as part of the European Green Deal policy has created an urgent need for the reliable information on resource flows to monitor and support the transition. An updated Monitoring Framework is set to rely as much as possible on European Statistics, however at this point there are no changes introduced in supranational statistics regulations. This raises a question whether regulations that have been created before the paradigm shift are still able to supply us with statistics necessary to inform policy makers about current successful practices, remaining barriers, positive and negative impacts of the transition and overall progress towards the set goals. This paper focuses on the Waste Statistics Regulation, specifically the relationship between the types of waste and economic activities which are considered to be the waste producers. Dutch National Waste Registry is used as a case study to compare the guidelines on pan-European waste data collection to the actual waste reports. The task of this publication is to explore to which extent the guidelines available in the Waste Statistics Regulation correspond to the operational reality. To do so it presents a computational method to link waste producers to their economic activities using a national Trade Registry. An extensive discussion of the results provides insights and recommendations for the future guidelines of waste statistics to support circular economy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many jurisdictions across the globe consider circular economy as their principal strategy in their climate action plan, which aims to reduce emissions in the short-term and eventually reach to net-zero emissions. The creation of a sustainable and resilient future requires the adoption of clean technologies and resource efficient technology development that underpin a circular economy as opposed to the current linear economy. The food packaging market is saturated with inexpensive, single-use, and petroleum-based polymers. Only a small fraction of such packaging materials are recycled, which leads to spillover in the environment and accumulation in landfills, causing a substantial ecological challenge. Thus, increased environmental concerns in combination with consumer demands for greater quality and longer shelf-life of food products spurs the need for the development of biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable packaging materials. In this space, paper packaging is the front runner. Unfortunately, the replacement of plastic packaging with regular paper designs typically reduces the shelf stability due to its inadequate barrier performance. Hence, surface coating with bio-based polymers is an emerging approach to confer the desired barrier properties to papers. This review aims to provide a critical and comprehensive overview of the most impactful and important advancements in improving the barrier properties of sustainable polymer-coated paper packaging systems. Also, developing active paper packaging materials by incorporating antimicrobial agents in coatings as an attractive option for protecting food from spoilage and extending shelf-life is outlined. Biodegradability aspects, as well as future trends and opportunities of sustainable paper packaging platforms are also emphasized. • Coated paper is an appealing alternative to replace single-use plastics in packaging applications. • To maintain the sustainability of paper packaging materials, the coating needs to be sustainable. • Rational design of sustainable coating could involve multiphase systems for enhanced performance. • Oxygen, moisture, and grease barrier properties are key attributes coating can bring to paper packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collection, as the first stage of the recycling process, and pre-processing to increase waste stream purity constitute key operations for achieving high recycling rates and a closed loop in the circular economy. For wastepaper recycling in Hong Kong, it is the semi-formal-informal recycling (SFIR) sector that plays a central role in both stages. This study analyses the so far little explored SFIR stakeholder network in Hong Kong and sheds light on value chains, recovered waste paper quantities and the impact of policies on the sector. The findings show that SFIR stakeholders reclaim 55.6 t/recycling station/month of wastepaper and thereby achieve about a 5.7 times higher reclaim rate than the formal-private recycling system. Critical to this achievement is the SFIR transaction network, which enables its stakeholders to develop a value chain and thereby generate an added value of around 1900 HKD (243.9 USD/t) for wastepaper. Given limited circular structures in Hong Kong, financial subsidies are critical to sustain the SFIR's operations over the short-term. However, over the long-term legalization and integration of its stakeholders are necessary to ensure an economically and socially sustainable wastepaper recovery system in Hong Kong. [Display omitted] • Qualitative & quantitative analysis of the semi-formal-informal recycling (SFIR) sector. • The SFIR's wastepaper value chain achieves a cumulative added value of 1900 HKD/t. • The SFIR recovered 5.7 times higher capacities than the formal system in 2021. • Financial support can enhance the SFIR sector's recovery capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates for the first time the possibility of using carbon rich paper recovery sludge, and nitrogen rich meat processing industry waste as cultivation medium for the production of high value enzymes needed in the respective industries. The complex cellulose rich deinking sludge was able to support the growth of many industrially relevant enzyme producing microorganisms (Bacillus licheniformis, Candida cylindracea, Aspergillus oryzae, Trichoderma reesei) and of recombinant enzyme producers (Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris). Further detailed studies with Trichoderma reesei as model organism demonstrated that the organism was able to grow optimally in the presence of 40gL-1 paper sludge as carbon source and 67.5 gL-1 pasteurised blood as nitrogen source substituted in Mandels medium. Under these conditions cellulase activities up to 28.1 nkat FPU were achieved. Anyhow, to achieve these results pretreatment of both waste streams is inevitable. In summary, this study provides the practical basis for a valorisation systems of paper industry waste to produce valuable enzymes to be used on-site in paper processing or for other purposes. Image 1 • Blood and paper waste used for microorganism growth. • Growth and cellulase production achieved utilising blood waste streams. • Pretreatment of paper waste and blood waste is necessary. • Waste to Value with in house use of cellulase in paper industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper mill sludge (PMS) can be efficiently utilized to produce fuels and chemicals. However, wastewater is usually generated during the de-ashing step of the PMS for fibrous materials recovery. Per process requirements, the wastewater stream must be treated which results in an increase in the overall process production cost. Therefore, this research aims at reusing the wastewater produced during the de-ashing step as a substitute for freshwater addition during the conversion of PMS into ethanol. The advantages of this approach include reducing the amount of wastewater produced and enhancing the overall efficiency of the process. It will contribute to the circular economy of zero waste discharges. The results showed that 30% of the process wastewater can be recycled without affecting the enzymatic hydrolysis and ethanol fermentation. Hence, the amount of wastewater that needs to be treated is reduced by 30% resulting in a cost reduction of 22.5%. The results also showed that wastewater recycling minimized the energy demands in the distillation and evaporation units by 1206 kJ/kg. The energy reduction is due to the increase of metals and total soluble solids in the broth stream after fermentation. This process configuration enhanced the process economy, saved energy and managed waste streams. • Reuse of wastewater in the paper mill sludge conversion. • A certain degree of recycling has no impact on the glucose yield. • Wastewater recycling reduced the energy demand of the process by 1251 kJ/kg metric tons wastewater. • Cost-saving of wastewater treatment by 22.5% when a 30% recycling degree achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • More than 220 papers are reviewed to provide insights about waste management in smart cities. • The current status of IoT-enabled waste management practices is reviewed. • A conceptual framework is offered for monitoring of product lifecycle data. • The need to connect waste management to the whole product lifecycle is discussed. • The importance of new business models on improving waste recovery is highlighted. Abstract The potential of smart cities in remediating environmental problems in general and waste management, in particular, is an important question that needs to be investigated in academic research. Built on an integrative review of the literature, this study offers insights into the potential of smart cities and connected communities in facilitating waste management efforts. Shortcomings of existing waste management practices are highlighted and a conceptual framework for a centralized waste management system is proposed, where three interconnected elements are discussed: (1) an infrastructure for proper collection of product lifecycle data to facilitate full visibility throughout the entire lifespan of a product, (2) a set of new business models relied on product lifecycle data to prevent waste generation, and (3) an intelligent sensor-based infrastructure for proper upstream waste separation and on-time collection. The proposed framework highlights the value of product lifecycle data in reducing waste and enhancing waste recovery and the need for connecting waste management practices to the whole product life-cycle. An example of the use of tracking and data sharing technologies for investigating the waste management issues has been discussed. Finally, the success factors for implementing the proposed framework and some thoughts on future research directions have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Agro-wastes valorization focusses on production of high value-added products, such as cellulose nanofibers (CNF), and contributes to reduce the environmental impact of these residues. CNF have been used successfully as papermaking additives and some previsions maintain that this sector will become the most important, demanding CNF at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, the optimization of the production process of CNF from agricultural residues would contribute to the goals of a circular economy, the development of rural areas and the costs reduction by producing CNF of the minimum quality fit-for-use in recycled paper. In this study, CNF was produced from two agricultural residues; corn (C-CNF) and rape (R-CNF) stalk pulps, pretreated with bleaching, refining and TEMPO-mediated oxidation. Coagulant and cationic polyacrylamide (dual system) and chitosan were the retention systems. Results show the difficulty of predicting the effect of CNF based on their properties, as fibrillation degree or anionic charge, on the improvement of mechanical properties of recycled paper. That is proved by the low differences in tensile index (TI) improvement (∼15% by adding 0.5% C-CNF combined with dual system), obtained with CNF with very different properties. The expensive TEMPO pretreatment could be avoid by applying bleaching pretreatment to the corn pulp, increasing the TI up to 15% without affecting drainage and decoupling the simultaneous deterioration of drainage with TI improvement (drainage time decreased nearly 50% and 20% adding bleached R-CNF and C-CNF, respectively, combined with chitosan). Similar improvements on TI can be achieved by replacing the dual retention system by chitosan without addition of CNF, but the combination of CNF and chitosan allows achieving the highest TI values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we investigate the market size of all materials and products presently produced from (organic) carbon and we present a method to estimate the intrinsic recycling potential of these materials/chemicals as a function of their respective applications. The method is based on the expert assessment of a number of variables that are important within the different application categories and markets of the carbon-based materials/chemicals. Applying the method, the paper presents the recycling potential of all carbon-based products. Following, an estimation of the amount of new products that can be produced each year through recycling of discarded products is presented and the amount of carbon that needs to come from other sustainable sources to fulfil our demand for new products is calculated. We distinguish nine different categories of (organic) carbon-based materials/chemicals: plastics, textile fibres, thermoset resins, rubbers, surfactants, solvents, fine chemicals, paper/board and wood products. Within these nine categories the most important materials/chemicals types were taken into account. Fossil-based and bio-based materials/chemicals were assessed separately. For each of the materials/chemicals types, the market size in terms of mass (Mt) was calculated for the main applications in which they are applied. Next, for all materials/chemicals types in these applications, the maximum recycling potential, in case mechanical or physical recycling methods are applied, was assessed, using an expert panel. Also, inevitable leakage of materials/chemicals in the different applications was assessed. Finally, the amount of feedstock coming from recycling streams that may be made available for chemical recycling or carbon capture and utilisation technologies was derived. From this, the magnitude of carbon-based materials/chemicals that need to be replaced each year by other renewable feedstock than recycled content in terms of Mton carbon was calculated. The analysis is relevant in view of implementation of a circular economy and reuse and recycling of materials, to combat depletion of raw materials. Next, it is relevant in view of phasing out fossil-feedstock to combat climate change. Our analysis indicates that the recycling potential of carbon-based materials and products through mechanical or physical methods lies around 50%, even in a system that is fully optimised for recycling. Chemical recycling and carbon capture and utilisation may provide another 25% of the renewable-carbon feedstock needed, but they generally require far more energy and other inputs to produce new materials and chemicals than the mechanical and physical recycling methods. The remaining demand for renewable-carbon feedstock thus needs to come from either biomass or CO 2 through carbon capture and utilisation technologies. Based on our findings, we argue that the composition of our present carbon-based products pool needs to be redesigned on a fundamental molecular level, towards material types that contain more oxygen. Carbon-based materials that contain more oxygen generally can be recycled more efficiently, and are also easier to produce from the alternative feedstocks biomass and CO 2 through CCU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The pricing strategy for wastes and by-products need to be effective. • The logistics costs could hamper the industrial symbiosis network creation. • Stakeholders interests and benefits need to be compromised in an symbiosis network. • Regulations constrain the wastes and by-products exchange among symbiosis partners. • A "facilitating entity" supports the creation of industrial symbiosis linkages. The stakeholders engaged in industrial symbiosis network context expect to optimize resources to obtain a more significant mutual benefit. This paper intends to analyse the value network composed by the stakeholders and the respective flows involved in the symbiosis process. A real case study is developed in the Portuguese pulp and paper sector describing the value network inherent to the fluidized bed sands commercialization; this type of sands is a by-product produced in the fluidized bed biomass boilers used for energy generation located at the pulp and paper plants. The stakeholders, resources, and flows involved in the industrial symbiosis process are identified and the relative importance of value flows exchanged between them is quantified. The results show that the focal organization, sand producers, and end users of material mixtures containing fluidized bed sands are the entities most powerful in the symbiosis network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to quantify and compare the environmental impact of a number of different deinking sludge utilization approaches. A comparative life cycle assessment of deinking sludge material and energy recovery was performed for the baseline scenario—landfill disposal, and four alternative scenarios: two cement plants, a lightweight aggregate plant, and a stone wool plant. Sludge pretreatment and transportation processes were included in the scenario analyses. The results of the life cycle assessment showed that the use of dry deinking sludge in a cement plant in Finland, 45 km from the point of supply of the deinking sludge, to substitute 46% of the petcoke and 2.7% of the limestone showed the best performance. Therein, a global warming potential reduction of 13% and an eutrophication potential reduction of 12% – the highest reduction out of all impact categories studied – were achieved. A similar reduction in global warming potential of 12% was achieved when deinking sludge was incinerated and the ash utilized in cement production in a Russian plant located 350 km from the paper mill. However, abiotic depletion potential and acidification potential slightly increased by 2.6 and 1.5%, respectively. A maximum reduction of 2.1% out of al impact categories was achieved when dry sludge was used in a lightweight aggregate plant. That is considerably less compared to the reduction achieved at the cement plants. The use of deinking sludge ash in a stone wool plant to substitute 25% of cement resulted in a maximum reduction of 25% in the ozone layer depletion potential. Thus, the utilization of deinking sludge in construction materials production while preventing its landfilling has beneficial effects on the environment, in particular decreased greenhouse gas emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The textile industry is facing increasing criticism because of its intensive use of resources –both natural and fossil derived– and the negative environmental and societal impacts associated with the manufacturing, use and disposal of clothes. This has led to a desire to move towards a circular economy for textiles that will implement recycling concepts and technologies to protect resources, the environment and people. So far, recycling processes have been focused on the chemical and mechanical reuse of textile fibres. In contrast, bio-based processes for textile production and recycling have received little attention, beyond end-of-life composting. However, the selectivity and benign processing conditions associated with bio-based technologies hold great promise for circularising the textile life cycle and reducing the environmental impacts of textile production and processing. Developing circular and sustainable systems for textile production requires a revolutionary system approach that encompasses the choice of material and finishes being designed for recycling at the end of life, and in this context bio-based processes can help provide the means to maintain materials in a closed loop. This paper reviews established methods in mechanical and chemical recycling processes in closed-loop textile recycling of all fibre types, as well as bio-based processes that demonstrate open-loop textile recycling. Fermentation and enzymatic processes have been demonstrated for the production of all types of textiles, which in combination with enzymatic deconstruction of end of life cellulosic textiles could allow them to be recycled indefinitely. Within the context of the circular economy, bio-based processes could extend mechanical and chemical textile recycling mechanisms in the technical cycle, enabling greater circularity of textiles in the biological cycle before composting takes place. [Display omitted] • Closed-loop mechanical and technical recycling of textiles has been established. • Enzymatic processes can deconstruct all fibre types in open-loop textile recycling. • Biochemical processes can establish textiles circularity in the biological cycle. • Biotechnology can modify the concept of separate biological and technical cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A rapid and cost-effective approach for accurate modeling of HHV is proposed. • 252 experimental MSW data from a diverse geographical origins are utilized. • Our proposed HHV models outperform the accuracy of the previous studies. Maximizing resource recovery from waste streams (e.g., energy) is a critical challenge for municipalities. Utilizing the ultimate analysis and high heat value (HHV), we investigated the energy recovery and emission characteristics for 252 solid wastes of a diverse range of geographical origins classifications (e.g., 30 paper, 12 textile, 12 rubber and leather, 29 MSW mixture, 34 plastic, 61 wood, 20 sewage sludge and 53 other wastes) under the thermal waste-to-energy operation. Given the significance of wastes' HHV data, we proposed a rapid and cost-effective methodology for filling the gaps in the experimental data by prediction of the missing or uncertain wastes' HHV. We further employed wastes' nitrogen and sulphur contents to assess their atmospheric emissions. The results from this analysis show the highest energy content belonged to plastic waste, but higher levels of air pollution (mainly due to nitrogen and sulfur) could be emitted during thermal energy recovery of sewage sludge, rubber, and textile wastes. Also, we demonstrated more significant potential for recovering energy from plastic, wood, and paper wastes, while emitting less nitrogen and sulphur compounds to the atmosphere. Finally, our presented HHV models outperform concerning generalizability, validity, and accuracy when comparing the obtained results to those of previously published models. The results from this present study are particularly advantageous in designing sustainable thermal waste-to-energy systems to facilitate cities' transition into a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Scientific analysis and media coverage of rampant plastic pollution has taken a toll on the material's reputation in recent years, fueling talk of a "plastic crisis". Brand owners have made ambitious pledges to overcome this crisis—but can voluntary commitments turn the tide? In this paper, we analyze the current flow of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from production to recycling in the European Union (EU). We show that the pledged volume for recycled PET (rPET) to be used in the EU in 2025 amounts to 2.066 m tons, requiring the annual recycling growth rate to double in the next years compared to 2014–2018. Our results indicate that even widespread adoption of deposit return systems for bottles will not suffice, especially when increasing demand from other industries drives the price above the packaging producers' willingness to pay. To realize the pledges, substantial investments and a regulatory framework for the targeted and sensible use of PET recyclate are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upcycling agroindustry residues into new valuable products is a strategy for mitigating environmental impacts while increasing material circularity. In this study, two sizes of eggshell particles (D 90 = 7.1 μm (ESAJ) and D 90 = 16.3 μm (ESBU)) were obtained and their incorporation as fillers into biodegradable pectin/starch film was evaluated. The effect of the presence of eggshell particles (2–8 w/w%) on the structural and morphological aspects, water barrier, and mechanical, optical, and thermal properties of the biocomposites was evaluated and then the reinforced film was applied on the surface of kraft paper. The release of calcium in an acidic solution was inverse to the size and concentration of particles and the released íon may contribute to the crosslinking of pectin. The incorporation of only 2 % eggshell resulted in 42% lower solubility of the film. The eggshell-reinforced films proved to be more opaque and rigid. The addition of 6% ESAJ significantly improved the tensile strength (an increase of 32%), modulus of elasticity (an increase of 29.7%), and water vapor barrier (59% of improvement). DSC analysis suggests that the calcium from the eggshell interacts with the pectin polymeric structure, reducing the sites available for water molecules, which may have caused more mobility of the chains through the matrix. The reinforced pectin/starch film was very well adhered to the kraft paper in the application test by continuous casting, but the coated paper showed no improvement in oil and water resistance, which means that other coating processes need to be explored. • Eggshell was used as a reinforcing filler material in pectin/starch film. • Eggshell particles were well adhered to the matrix. • The eggshell powder had improved the water resistance of the pectin/starch film. • The addition of 6% eggshell had increased the film's tensile strength in 32%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hospitals in the Netherlands generate approximately 1.3 million kg of waste from the polypropylene (PP) wrapping paper (WP) used to wrap surgical instruments each year. The aim of this study was to develop a method to recycle WP waste into new medical devices. WP was recovered from Maasstad Hospital, Netherlands. The WP was melted into bars, granulated, and mixed with virgin material at different ratios and temperatures. Dog bones were injection-molded from volume (v.%) virgin, mixed (%R), and recycled (100%R) granulate, and a tensile testing machine was used to compare the material properties before and after ten disinfection cycles at the sterilization department. Then, 25 instrument openers were made from the 50%R material and circulated for four weeks. The data indicated no significant differences in the mechanical properties at different melting temperatures. For dog bones made from the 100%R, 50%R, and virgin granulate, the Young's moduli were 1021 (SD13), 879 (SD13), and 795 (SD14) MPa, and the strains were 8%, 12%, and 14%. Ten disinfection cycles did not significantly change the material properties. After one month, the openers did not show any deterioration or damage other than surface scratches. The results indicated that the initial WP melting temperature did not influence the mechanical properties. Although devices could be produced directly from the recycled WP granulate, increasing the recycled granulate in the mix ratio increased the strength and brittleness. It is feasible to recycle WP waste into a high-quality raw material for the injection molding of medical devices without using additives. This would allow hospitals to become more compliant with the circular economy enabling economically viable and circular processes that positively contribute to cleaner technical processes, sustainable products, and the reduction of medical waste. ⁃ Circular reprocessing of surgical waste into high quality raw material. ⁃ Enables cleaner processes for reduction of medical waste. ⁃ Increases sustainable development. ⁃ A new method to decrease the production of medical waste. ⁃ Decreases the shortage of base materials and costs. ⁃ Environmental and sustainability assessment: designs for products based on the "green" wishes of customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial technologies have evolved towards circular-oriented manufacturing. New approaches in the management of production systems are needed to guarantee the success of such a circular approach. This paper identifies three research questions related to the complexities of decision-making within CEs and defines the concept of Green Gateways in the circular economy. A Green Gateway is a type of decision that supports to realizing the full potential of products and materials. Indeed, the potential value of products and materials must be assessed and leveraged and the concept of Green Gateway will be useful to identify common decisions and to define a common framework in the future. The integration of digital information and digital twins of products, processes, and circular value and supply chains emerges as a key factor in guiding decision-makers effectively, especially for Green Gateways where adequate information, tools and methods must be used to manage value retention options, product flows, production and pricing decisions jointly with the multiple objectives of profitability and sustainability. Additionally, this paper explores specific examples of circular economy use cases, drawing attention to their similarities and highlighting key insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing market share of electric vehicles leads to a growing demand for raw materials such as lithium and cobalt, where the supply situation is fraught with risk. Product-specific challenges regarding high voltage, product state/variance, and labor shortage require flexible automated non-/ semi-/ destructive disassembly. However, there is a need to implement industrial, scalable automation approaches to deal with this problem. This paper addresses the development of a flexible robotic cell for the fully automated disassembly of battery modules from battery systems. The paper presents all required tools and processes for battery diagnoses, machine learning-based object recognition, loosening and removing fasteners, opening sealings, gripping components, separating cables and plugs, and removing the battery modules. Based on this, a sorted disposal/recycling of the material can be realized. Finally, the holistic robot cell, including a safety concept, is described using the example of an actual disassembly process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pursuit of energy transition objectives, Algeria is increasingly focusing on the production and utilization of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen. While hydrogen has predominantly been used in the chemical and refining industries, it holds promise for decarbonizing specific industrial sectors, enabling electricity storage, and powering the transport sector. However, several barriers must be overcome before hydrogen technologies can be widely deployed. Numerous countries, with Japan at the forefront, are heavily investing in this burgeoning market, anticipating the creation of thousands of new jobs. Hydrogen offers Algeria significant potential for greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and substantial economic benefits. In response, the Algerian government has prioritized energy transition to new and renewable sources as part of its economic recovery plan, aiming for "green" growth through innovative and digital energy technologies. This paper's primary objective is to provide a techno-economic foundation for guiding public policy development, identifying promising opportunities for green hydrogen within Algeria's energy transition context, and outlining sustainable pathways for pilot projects that promote hydrogen adoption within the Algerian society. Additionally, this paper will explore the latest advancements in hydrogen research, technology, and applications relevant to the Algeria's energy transition. The Algerian energy minister, has reaffirmed his desire to "invest in hydrogen", an energy source presented as one of the solutions to the climate crisis. In October 2021, Algeria launched a hydrogen plan worth several billion dinars, including 100 million for research, to enable the country to develop "green" hydrogen, i.e. produced without fossil fuels. • Algeria's energy transition mission focuses on promoting energy transition, innovation, and efficiency. • The Algerian Strategy on Green Hydrogen 2050 intends to establish a supportive framework for hydrogen sector development. • Algeria has set ambitious targets: reducing its GHG emissions by 2030 and lowering its consumption of petroleum products. • Algeria export between 30 and 40 TWh by 2040 of gaseous green hydrogen, liquefied, and derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the quest for a sustainable future, the bio-economy and biorefineries have emerged as pivotal agents of transformation. This review paper offers an accessible and comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted bio-economy landscape. Environmental concerns, resource scarcity, and the demand for renewable and bio-based products are the key drivers shaping this sustainable paradigm. Agriculture and agro-industry play an indispensable role, acting as the primary suppliers of the essential feedstock for biorefineries. They not only fuel the bio-economy but also foster sustainable farming practices and rural development, forming a mutually beneficial relationship. Biorefineries, the workhorses of the bio-economy, optimize resource usage, minimize waste, and produce a diverse range of bio-based products. Innovative biorefinery techniques are at the forefront, revolutionizing efficiency and expanding the array of feedstock's, thereby creating higher value-added derivatives. These value-added products, spanning biofuels, bio-plastics, and more, drive the market towards a greener and circular economy. The bio-economy's commitment to sustainability is evident through waste reduction and the promotion of circular economy principles. Policy, regulation, and market developments shape the bio-economy by promoting bio-based industries while favouring eco-friendly alternatives, creating a competitive and healthy ecosystem. While the bio-economy shows promise, it faces challenges. Optimizing conversion efficiency, discovering new feedstocks, and solving biorefinery environmental issues need technological breakthroughs and research. In summary, the bio-economy and biorefineries orchestrate a sustainable symphony, driven by environmental consciousness, rooted in agriculture, refined by innovative techniques, and harmonized by the production of bio-based products. The stage is set for a greener, more sustainable future. Bio-economy and biorefineries have become crucial drivers of transformation in the pursuit of a sustainable future. The review paper provides a thorough and easily understandable examination of the diverse bio-economy landscape. Environmental concerns, limited resources, and the need for biodegradable and renewable products are some of the main things that are shaping the sustainable paradigm. Agriculture and the agro-industry play a big role in this because they provide biorefineries with the feedstock they need. The bio-economy is not only fuelled by them, but they also contribute to sustainable farming practices and rural development, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. Biorefineries are the backbone of the bio-economy as they effectively utilize resources, minimize waste, and generate a wide array of bio-based products. At the forefront of innovation, biorefinery techniques are revolutionizing efficiency and expanding the range of feedstock's available. This, in turn, leads to the creation of higher-value derivatives and value-added products, such as biofuels and bioplastics, promoting a greener and more circular economy. The commitment of the bio-economy to sustainability is demonstrated through its efforts to reduce waste and promote the principles of a circular economy. Policy, regulation, and market developments impact the bio-economy by working together to support bio-based industries and encourage the use of eco-friendly alternatives. As a result, a competitive and healthy ecosystem is created. Although the bio-economy holds promise, it also encounters various challenges. Technological breakthroughs and research are necessary for optimizing conversion efficiency, discovering new feedstock's, and solving biorefinery environmental issues. In essence, a commitment to the environment guides how the bio-economy and biorefineries collaborate in a sustainable manner by utilizing innovative methods to refine and produce bio-based products. This harmonious process creates a symphony of sustainability, paving the way for the dream of a greener, more sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Exhausted coffee capsules are mechanically recycled in new bio-compounds (EP) • EP compound has mechanical and rheological properties better than neat polypropylene. • Recycled bio-compounds can be injected moulded in new capsules shells. • An industrial plant able to recycle up to 190 million of capsules is designed. • The Net Present Value (NPV) of the plant ranges between 800 k€ and 2000 k€. The objective of this paper is to present the technical and feasibility analysis of an innovative mechanical recycling system for exhausted coffee capsules. This recycling process involved the sorting of spent coffee grounds (SGC) and the subsequent drying and melt-mixing of a portion of these grounds with the remaining capsule components, mainly composed of polypropylene (PP), along with optional virgin PP. These newly developed composite materials exhibited mechanical and rheological properties comparable or even surpassing those of virgin PP. They were also successfully utilized for the injection of new capsule shells, thus alignin with the principles of the circular economy. In addition to the technical aspects, this paper present a comprehensive Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) of the proposed recycling processes, considering the inclusion of virgin PP (0–20 %) and the initial moisture content (M SGC) of SGC(5–55 %) as varying factors. An industrial plant, designed to handle up to 190 million exhausted coffee capsules and produce up to 1500 tons of recycled compund was appropriately sized. The analysis revealed that processes are profitable across all examined scenarios and that the Net Present Value ranged between 800 k€ (for vPP = 20 % and M SGC = 55 %) and 2000 k€ (for vPP = 0 % and M SGC = 5 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urgent need to act against climate change is emphasized in many initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the European Green Deal, and the Circular Economy Action Plan. The role of the industrial sector is crucial. Companies, however, have to operate in a very complex environment driven by digitization and are supposed to be more sustainable. This paper explores how companies can implement the ecological transformation, with a focus on the role of digital technologies and data in enabling the twin transition. This paper proposes an approach to support SMEs in the twin transition through a combination of digital and sustainable business model development. The concept includes an interdisciplinary methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches, focusing on the latter. The suggested method collection includes adaptations of the business model canvas, value proposition analysis, data-driven decision-making, and the integration of environmental and economic considerations using the system of environmental-economic accounting. In particular, approaches to define the quantification of economic as well as ecological value will be key levers for sustainable implementation. By leveraging these approaches, SMEs can navigate the challenges of digital transformation and sustainability and contribute to a more sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, multiple crises have shown the fragility of global supply chains. In particular, climate change sheds light on the never-ending waste of resources caused by the linear economic model. In response, circular economy emerges as a promising alternative. Companies must rethink and innovate their business models, product life cycles, and underlying mindsets for a systemic transition. Cross-sectoral collaboration in networks is necessary to redesign, reuse, recycle, and remanufacture products and close the loop of material flows. First, projects and research on the concepts of open source hardware, open innovation, and open design show that openness can be a game-changer for the circular economy and circular business models. Although there has been growing interest, there is still a lack of comprehensive research examining possible synergies of openness and circularity, as well as identifying patterns for integrating these concepts into business models. This paper explores possible ways, prerequisites, and obstacles of open source concepts enabling circular value creation in industry. We combine explorative data from a literature review and more than 10 interviews with open source and circular economy experts. Furthermore, a total of 38 case studies of circular or open or open & circular business models were identified and selected for analysis. The empirical results were triangulated with existing business model patterns from the literature. The study presents a framework to describe open and circular business models and four prototypical patterns. In an exploratory approach, we identify necessary lines of future research in order to facilitate open source movements toward a circular economy. The paper provides insights for academics and practitioners from production and supply chain management. It combines interdisciplinary perspectives to unlock the potential of open source concepts and collaboration for enabling a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass gasification technology has gained significant attention as a potential solution for circular economies by converting organic waste into valuable energy and products (Waste-to-Power-to-X). This paper comprehensively evaluates biomass gasification technology from a techno-economic-policy perspective, providing valuable insights for circular economies. It examines technical aspects such as processes, feedstocks, and syngas production, assessing advancements that would improve efficiency and environmental performance by addressing key challenges like tar removal and gas cleaning. Economic feasibility is analysed through a techno-economic assessment, considering capital costs, operational expenses, revenue streams, and potential markets. Real-world examples and case studies offer insights into economic viability of these processes. The paper emphasizes the significance of supportive policy frameworks, discussing stimulus measures like feed-in tariffs, tax incentives, and regulatory reforms to promote biomass gasification adoption. By combining technological, economic, and policy perspectives, this paper provides a holistic reality check of biomass gasification technology, identifying opportunities, challenges, and pathways for leveraging as a sustainable and economically viable solution for waste management and energy production. The findings and insights presented in this paper can assist policymakers, investors, and stakeholders in making informed decisions regarding the implementation of biomass gasification projects in the future. [Display omitted] • These findings serve as valuable insights for exploring the market potential. • Waste materials are transformed into valuable resources. • Effectively managing by-products is crucial in unlocking their economic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Consumers' product redistribution behavior contributes to waste prevention. • Waste minimization attitude determines product redistribution behavior. • Multiple dimensions of perceived value induce waste minimization attitude. • Functional value and emotional value increase the odds of product redistribution. • Product-self consistency interacts with social value to reduce solid waste. Waste prevention is the most effective way to reduce waste as it often occurs before products or materials are identified or recognized as waste. However, the topic of waste prevention has been overlooked by academics, policy makers and managers. Addressing this gap, this paper studies waste prevention with a focus on product redistribution behavior, whereby consumers move unwanted but still functioning products to others either by reselling, passing along or donating, all of which extend the product lifetime and prevent waste effectively. Based on a self-reported survey of 245 mobile phone users and 277 sunglasses wearers, this study finds that: (1) Functional value of mobile phone, but emotional value of sunglasses, derived from the current product is positively related to redistribution behavior; (2) Although the total impact of social value on product redistribution behavior is insignificant, social value has a positive direct impact on product redistribution behavior; as well as a negative indirect impact on it via waste minimization attitude; (3) Product-self consistency moderates the indirect negative impact of social value on product redistribution behavior. This study complements and advances extant research on waste prevention from the perspective of product attributes and value perception, and offers implications for businesses to design high value perceived products and prevent premature waste of useful products by facilitating redistribution channels; and for policy makers to cultivate waste minimization attitude of the public and shape consumer behavior to reduce waste at source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-soil layering (MSL) is an efficient and eco-friendly soil-based system ingeniously engineered to circumvent common limitations imposed by soils when used as filtering materials for wastewater treatment. However, relatively few comprehensive and critical reviews emphasize the significant assets of successful application and durable operation and discuss the cutting-edge orientations to promote the acceptance and widespread use of this emerging Ecotechnology. To bridge the existing research gap, after giving the essential knowledge on the principle, typology, and treatment mechanisms of MSL reactors, the present paper reviews and criticizes current applications and discusses the most influencing factors to highlight their crucial role in maintaining sustainable design and effective operation. Furthermore, this paper provides guidance and discusses future scopes and novel perspectives to promote MSL systems' effectiveness, large-scale development, and sustainability by optimizing operational conditions and transitioning toward renewable energies and circular economy approaches. Further, the present paper gives an estimative evaluation of the capital cost of an MSL system based only on locally available materials. Lastly, this review summarizes the most relevant recommendations relative to sustainable design and operation in the form of holistic guidelines from emergence to recent state of art as a start-up and consultative base for stakeholders and researchers interested in MSL technology. • We provide essential knowledge on the history, fundament, and removal mechanisms of MSL eco-technology. • We review and criticized varied applications of MSL systems. • We discuss the operating parameters essential for the durable design and operation of MSL systems. • We review the potential role of MSL technology in the circular economy, and establish a capital-cost analysis for vertical flow MSL. • We gathered relevant practices in the form of holistic guidelines to implement and exploit MSL systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Biorenewable hydrogen is requisite to replace non-renewable hydrogen. Decarbonization is assured. Hydrogen demand is severely rising due to mitigating climate change and reducing fossil fuel dependency. Green Hydrogen from agro waste proposition makes bio-circular economy upcycling. The main objective of this study is to reinforce the hope of renewable, sustainable H 2 production from agro-waste. Initially, this paper shows the demand for green hydrogen, the sustainable availability of agro waste, and their capability to produce H 2. Insights into the gasification of agro waste about cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin with conventional gasification. The effect of catalyst and supercritical gasification and their challenges is discussed. Most uniquely, other reviews highlight various aspirations behind agro-waste gasification to attain a strong business model, such as co-production, co-gasification, and CO 2 reforming with H2 yield. This review exhibits some main insight into various aspects of agro-waste gasification. H 2 from agrowaste gasification has high energy content (122 kJ/g) and high energy conversion efficiency in the range of 55–58 %, in addition to gaining the economic penalties of 2.2–2.5 net points for decarbonization. Agro waste is composed of lignocellulosic material that is relatively richer in hydrogen than fossil fuel resources. In SCWG, water is one of the natural solvents, which means feedstock effectively dissolves with water solvents. Intermittent density, low viscosity, and surface tension are nearly zero values due to SCW having no specific phase boundary, which enhances the gasification and substantially reduces tar formation during SCWG. Catalyst utilization enhances H 2 production. The present study comprehensively exhibits the role of catalyst and their supporter and promoter. Ni-based catalysts are mostly suggested for H2 production but fall into reusability issues. The main reason behind this is that Ni is inefficient in removing HCl, H 2 S, and total trace elements during gasification. Recently, low-cost and waste-to-wealth transformation aspects of biochar-based catalysts have gained attention. Renewable-assisted gasification significantly improves the energy and exergy of the system and suppresses the important concern of energy consumption during gasification. Renewable assisted and various aspiration incorporation into gasification is solidly recommended for future implementation based on energy, economic, and environmental benefits from them. Plastic and biomass are richer in hydrocarbon and oxygen, respectively; this synergistic effect has the potential to enhance the H 2 yield. From this study, PP plastic is mostly preferred for co-gasification with biomass. Compared to 100 wt% of biomass, the introduction of plastic slightly increased the coke formation, but the H 2 yield was improved. When the plastic mixture of 10 wt% increases coke deposition, however, significant coke deposition is not reported when 20 wt% of plastic concentration is not reported. Carbon capture via CO 2 inert gas supply enhances the H 2 yield, provides a route to carbon trade, and substantially contributes to GHG pollution mitigation. Agro-waste gasification is produced by a product that has the potential to be used in a wide range of applications due to its unique properties, such as large specific surface area, porosity, functional groups, high reliability, and minimum cost. Hopefully, this review will be an optic to the most appropriate green hydrogen production path for sustainable clean energy production and effective agro-waste management. • This review acts as an optic to the most appropriate green hydrogen production path. • Hydrogen separation, purification, and storage need more care. • Carbon dioxide reformation aids a carbon trading system and reduces environmental effect. • These research provide direction for energy nexuses that may be derived from agricultural waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The space community is moving forward with the development of in-orbit servicing and removal technologies to enable the circular economy in space and improve future space missions' scientific and commercial return and space environment exploitation. The application of nanosatellites to carry out proximity operations presents an additional opportunity to support various novel and cost-effective distributed mission architectures. The SpEye CubeSat mission, funded by the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana in the framework of the Alcor Program, aims at demonstrating inspection and rendezvous guidance navigation and control capabilities of a nanosatellite in close-proximity of the satellite carrier in a low Earth orbit environment. This paper focuses on the design of the SpEye mission and on the guidance and control strategies to enable its technological demonstrations. Particular attention is placed on the safety aspects of trajectory design, considered of paramount importance for the robust autonomous operations of a low-cost CubeSat in proximity to another satellite. • CubeSat mission for proximity operations demonstration. • In-orbit experiments applicable to the In-Orbit Servicing (IOS) and Active Debris Removal (ADR) domains. • Mission design and ConOps of a nanosatellite mission released by a carrier for proximity operations purposes. • Safe inspection design considering the optimisation of information cost metric. • Close range rendezvous solved with sequential convex programming and with enhanced safety applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Review of life cycle assessment papers on textile waste management and practices. • In integrated textile waste management systems, reuse should be prioritised. • Longer service life and good use phase practices give lower environmental impacts. • Many variables influence the impact assessment of textiles reuse and recycling. • Data about people attitude towards textiles circularity could support LCA studies. To understand which are the best strategies for textile waste management and to analyse the effects on the environment of applying circular economy practices to textile products, a review of 45 publications where life cycle assessment (LCA) is applied to these topics has been carried out. The separate collection of textiles, followed by reuse and recycling brings relevant environmental benefits, with impacts related to reuse resulting lower than those of recycling. At the opposite, when mixed municipal solid waste is addressed to energy recovery, the textile fraction is the second most impacting on climate change, right after plastics, while for landfill disposal impacts textiles directly follow the more biodegradable fractions. Textiles manufacturing using recycled fibres generally gives lower impacts than using virgin ones, with a few exceptions in some impact categories for cotton and polyester. The circular practices with the lowest impacts are those that ensure the extension of the textiles service life. Another aim of this review is to identify the main variables affecting the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). These resulted to be the yield and material demand of recycling processes, the use phase variables, the assumptions on virgin production replaced by reuse or recycling, the substitution factor in reuse, and transportation data in business models based on sharing. Thus, in LCA modelling, great attention should be paid to these variables. Future research should address these aspects, to acquire more relevant data, based on industrial-scale processes and on people habits towards the circular economy strategies applied to textiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Biomethanol production from biomass gasification represents a circular economy approach for chemicals production. • Advanced configurations based on membranes for obtaining cleaning syngas from biomass are discussed. • The implementation of microchannels reaction technology is proposed to enhance the chemical engineering aspects of biomethanol production. • The production of biomethanol has an important socio-ecomnomic impact. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recognises the pivotal role of renewable energies in the future energy system and the achievement of the zero-emission target. The implementation of renewables should provide major opportunities and enable a more secure and decentralised energy supply system. Renewable fuels provide long-term solutions for the transport sector, particularly for applications where fuels with high energy density are required. In addition, it helps reducing the carbon footprint of these sectors in the long-term. Information on biomass characteristics feedstock is essential for scaling-up gasification from the laboratory to industrial-scale. This review deals with the transformation biogenic residues into a valuable bioenergy carrier like biomethanol as the liquid sunshine based on the combination of modified mature technologies such as gasification with other innovative solutions such as membranes and microchannel reactors. Tar abatement is a critical process in product gas upgrading since tars compromise downstream processes and equipment, for this, membrane technology for upgrading syngas quality is discussed in this paper. Microchannel reactor technology with the design of state-of-the-art multifunctional catalysts provides a path to develop decentralised biomethanol synthesis from biogenic residues. Finally, the development of a process chain for the production of (i) methanol as an intermediate energy carrier, (ii) electricity and (iii) heat for decentralised applications based on biomass feedstock flexible gasification, gas upgrading and methanol synthesis is analysed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Significant reduction (18.44%) in overall Spanish GHG emissions from 2008 to 2018, highlighting some differences depending on the considered phase of the crisis. • The total intensity effect has been noticeable negative, especially in Agriculture, Transport, and Other Services. • The total carbonization effect has contributed to increase GHG emissions by 5.86%, being particularly negative in the case of Industry. • Per capita production effect was strongly negative in Industry and slightly positive in the rest of the economic sectors. • R&D, more eco-friendly technologies, green energies, circular economy and consumer green attitudes: the best strategies to reduce GHG emissions. The reduction of GHG emissions to reverse the greenhouse effect is one of the main challenges in this century. In this paper we pursue two objectives. First, we analyze the evolution of GHG emissions in Spain in 2008–2018, at both the global and sectoral levels, with the variation in emissions decomposed into a set of determining factors. Second, we propose several actions specifically oriented to more tightly controlling the level of emissions. Our results showed a remarkable reduction (18.44%) in GHG emissions, mainly due to the intensity effect, but also to the production-per-capita effect. We detected somewhat different patterns among the various sectors analyzed. While the intensity effect was the most influential one in the agricultural, transport, and others sectors, the production-per-capita effect was predominant in the case of industry. The carbonization effect was revealed as crucial in the commerce sector. The above findings highlight the importance of the energy efficiency measures taken in recent years in the Spanish economy, also pointing to the need to deepen those strategies and to propose new measures that entail greater efficiency in emissions. Additional efforts in areas like innovation, R&D, diffusion of more eco-friendly technologies, and a greater use of greener energies all prove to be essential reduction actions to fight the greenhouse effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 25 tonnes of small combustible waste were sampled in Denmark. • More than half of the small combustible waste was recyclable material fractions. • Recycling these recyclable fractions would increase national recycling rate by 12%. • These recyclable fractions would contribute to saving 27 kg CO 2 -eq/capita/year. Europe is currently adapting its waste management strategies towards the increased recycling of waste materials, motivated by ambitious recycling targets. This requires correctly sorting and recovering of all relevant waste flows. In Denmark, a considerable share of residential household waste is collected at recycling centres, 16% of which is sent to energy recovery in the form of "small combustible waste". Although essential in order to enhance the management of household waste, very little information exists on its composition. In this study, 25 tonnes of small combustible waste were sampled from eight Danish recycling centres and classified according to material fraction, application and physical properties. On this basis, the potential contribution to the overall recycling rate was evaluated together with estimation of the potential environmental savings associated with recycling of these fractions. Less than half of the sampled waste comprised combustible materials, whereas recyclable fractions accounted for 47–64%, mainly including textiles, plastics and paper waste. Assuming this composition applicable to the national level, recycling these waste materials collected as small combustibles increased national recycling rates for households by 12%, calculated as waste received at recycling processes. Moreover, the potential climate change savings associated with recycling of Danish household waste increased by 30% compared to the current level. Plastics, textiles and paper were the main contributors to this increase, suggesting that improved sorting practices for these materials should be prioritised. The study demonstrates that detailed compositional data for waste materials has paramount importance when estimating recycling potentials and quantifying the associated environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rising interest in developing polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics as an auspicious substitute for conventional plastics, the exploitation of low-cost oil substrates for PHA biosynthesis has become popular recently. In view of the paucity of feasibility studies on lipid-based PHA production, this paper aims to provide an overview of the PHA production from diverse lipid-rich sources, covering the PHA production efficiencies using different plausible fermentation strategies and the key influencing factors for oil-based PHA production. Considering the high conversion efficiency (97.5% of the theoretical PHA yield), direct fermentation of oil has shown great promise for PHA industrialization. Plant oils which could achieve a high PHA yield (0.25–0.77 g/g) are better carbon sources than waste cooking oil (0.15–0.28 g/g). In addition to providing information on the potential enhancement tools (i.e., mixed cultures, metabolic engineering, and kinetic studies) for lipid-based PHA production, this paper also reviews the techno-economic and life cycle assessment of PHA production in comparison to the conventional plastics. Besides, technical challenges and future perspectives for the commercialization of oil-based PHA production have been discussed (specifically targeting on the concerns of inconsistent production efficiency, complex recovery process, and high production cost), offering further insights towards developing a sustainable circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along with the popularity of the environment, social and governance (ESG) concerns, the circular economy concept has gained tremendous attraction from the industries, policy makers and academicians. On a firm level, this is implemented through the so-called Circular Business Model (CBM), which is seen through various initiatives. This includes firms in the energy industry, who are transitioning from conventional to renewable energy sources. Nevertheless, despite of the importance and the omnipresence of the practice, there is still lack of empirical research within the CBM topic. In particular, empirical research combining the CBM and technological innovation topic within energy industry (as technology-intensive and high risk industry) in developing country such as Indonesia, is still lacking. To answer this gap, using literature review as research method, this paper has arrived into the following propositions as main result; (1) there is a positive relationship between firm's level of CBM and technology innovation adoption to firm's performance, where (2) the two antecedents that are positively impacting firm's level of CBM and technology innovation adoption are leader's innovativeness and perceived level of technology. For academicians, this research is expected to provide contribution to the energy transition literatures within CBM and technology innovation adoption topic. Propositions provided in this paper is expected to serve as valuable basis in conducting further empirical research. For practitioners, this research is expected to provide valuable insights to make improvements and/or innovations in terms of business model, technology adoption, and strategy. At last, this research is expected to support energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]