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Considering the importance that circular economy models have in today's society and the concerns that both decision-makers and other interested parties have regarding this concept, in this paper we have proposed to analyze the relationship between the economy circular and tourism, starting from the fact that this is one of the sectors of activity that is characterized both by a high consumption of water, energy and natural resources, as well as by a large food waste, being also a producer of important CO2 emissions, as a result of the link it has with road, air, maritime transport, and not only that. The research methodology assumed the review of the specialized literature, being inventoried scientific papers indexed Web of Science, and starting from 2 keywords: "circular economy" and "tourism". From the 340 identified scientific works, following the application of several filters regarding language, title, keywords, 33 publications resulted. By applying a restriction regarding the relevance of these works, assessed on the basis of a minimum number of 3 citations, it was possible to establish a sample of 15 publications that were analyzed, identifying both the results presented by the author/authors, as well as the conclusions and the way in which that they could influences the application of circular economy principles in tourism. The analysis carried out showed us that the number of specialized papers in this field is relatively small, which is why, in order to obtain the most conclusive results regarding the proposed theme, we believe that, considering the importance of the theme, it will be necessary to continue the research on tourism and the circular economy. In this way, it will be possible to identify the solutions that will accelerate the sustainable development of tourism., which could thus meet both the leisure needs of tourists who, in turn, are increasingly concerned with the issue of sustainability, as well as the need to protect the environment, so that we allow future generations to enjoy what the new Planet offers us. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food waste and the circular economy are two major topics that the Earth’s population should be concerned about. The circular economy has been discussed on a regular basis as a mechanism of better waste management through recycling, reuse, and recovery. As a result, this paper’s aim is to reveal a comprehensive look at alternate solution implementations over the whole life cycle of any process, as well as the relationship between processes, environment, and economy. The research question is whether the circular economy is related to food waste, starting from the assumption that food waste can be prevented by applying the principles of circular economy. The findings show that the EU 28 contributes significantly to the global 1.3 billion tonnes of wasted food each year, while the cost of covering the 180 kg/capita of food wasted each year in the EU 28 raises up to 25% of the food products acquired, evidencing a massive monetization and a possible material overturn if this issue of reducing food waste is not properly managed. The relevance of the results consists in the fact that circular economy inspires new patterns and behaviors to consumers, assisting them in achieving greater sustainability. As a result, disposed food is no longer considered as a waste or energy recovery problem, but rather as an opportunity to enhance the overall system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agri-food sector is critical for humanity because it has mutual links to all pillars of sustainable development. Circular economy is an emerging paradigm that aims to change human and organizational behaviour and practice patterns by taking a different approach to production and consumption. A shift to a circular model tries to put a stop to the imprudent use of natural resources and replace it with a philosophy of reusing, repurposing and regenerating. The supply chains of the agri-food system constitute a significant area of intervention in the transition of the sector towards sustainability. In this vein, one may find a growing literature on existing tools, techniques and methods (such as material flow analysis, water footprint, social life cycle analysis, etc.) which can be used for the sustainability assessment of (existing and planned) agri-food networks. This paper adopts a circular economy perspective and discusses the afore-mentioned methods with respect to their potential to depict the transformation of the current inefficient, wasteful, and linear production and consumption model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional farming systems have been an alternative given that global population growth has been accompanied by an increase in food needs, and areas for production have not been able to keep pace with growth. But the practice of conventional agriculture is the one that, along with other ways of aggressive exploitation of natural resources, economic development, has contributed to environmental degradation and resource depletion. Under these conditions, alternative solutions were sought both to reduce the pressure on the environment, but also to obtain healthier foods that would thus contribute to improving human health. Organic farming, sustainable agriculture, uses principles that have been applied for a long time, but with the advent of the concept of circular economy, as a way to reduce pollution and improve the health of the planet, have been sought solutions for its application in agriculture conventional. In this paper we aim to analyze the current situation of the use of pesticides in agriculture, as an important source of pollution, as well as the possibilities of implementing the principles of circularity in their use, given their high degree of toxicity. The working methodology involved the collection of existing data in national databases, as well as in international ones on the quantities of pesticides sold, the quantities of packaging resulting from their use, but also the possibilities of collection and recycling, as a way of applying recircularity. Based on the processed, analyzed and interpreted data, conclusions were formulated that could be the basis for establishing measures regarding the implementation of efficient circularity systems in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food production systems have been in the spotlight for a sustainable conversion due to their environmental, economic, and social impacts. On the other hand, the concept of circular economy has been promoted as a promising alternative for various production systems. By decomposing the agri-food supply chain to its core components, i.e. primary production, food processing and distribution, certain interventions may be assessed through the lens of circular economy. In this paper we focus on the stages of food processing and manufacturing in order to analyze how the application of circular economy perspectives in closing material loops contributes towards minimizing the economic and environmental impacts of food production systems, in opposition to the widely applied linear economy model. Moreover, we explore from a managerial perspective the new technological advancements for waste minimization and valorization and critically discuss the new business models that emerge, along with the redefined value chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the efforts to develop a sustainable, low carbon, resource efficient and competitive economy and ultimately the green economy in the European Union, circular economy is an important conceptual and practical approach with essential contribution. Latest developments in eco-innovation in Romania are those dedicated to implementing the circular economy, as a way to increase the waste recycling and the resource productivity (one of the lowest in the European Union). In this respect, the main objective of the paper is a theoretical and methodological grounding and analysis of some concepts, trends and issues required for the implementation of the green economy in the EU and Romania, as well as for the sustainable regional economic development. The role of creating and developing ecoindustrial parks, namely eco-innovation parks EInvP is not limited on their potential of increasing the resource efficiency but also to implementing and making work the new modern synergic and circular business models. In the paper we shall refer to some successful and pioneering circular economy enterprises or industrial eco-systems working in Romania, as good practices and pilot projects. The conclusions and recommendations refer to the importance of spatial eco-innovation represented by the industrial symbiosis as a high form of circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste management in the fruit and vegetable industry is becoming an increasingly important issue, as a significant part of the raw material ends up in the waste. Improper waste management can lead to environmental pollution and therefore must be disposed of in an acceptable way, but also to exploit the commercial potential of processing residues. In Požega-Slavonia County and Pannonian Croatia, very little attention has been paid to this issue, both by the scientific and professional public, and by those who have remnants of processing. This is a potential that has not been recognized, and consequently not used, and there is a lot to do in this area. The paper presents a research that defines products that can be produced from the remnants of fruit and vegetable processing and analyzes which raw materials can be processed and in which products given the level and capacity of production in Požega Slavonia County and surrounding counties. A market analysis was performed for the identified products and the need to establish a plant was defined. The work is also a good basis for further research and development and production of products with higher added value, as a part of shift from the existing linear economy to a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper resumes research on the current dimensions and implications of a sustainable development. Taking in consideration some of the latest theoretical insights and strategic approaches of the European Union for progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), a few trends and issues are analysed, also in the particular case of Romania. The close inter-correlation between most of the SDGs is highlighted, since they cannot be all reviewed here. For a more practical purpose, there will be analyses on the required and actual evolution in reducing the Romanian gap of some SDG progress indicators. Monitoring SDG 12 in an EU context focuses on progress made in decoupling environmental impacts from economic growth, in decreasing energy consumption and in tackling waste generation and management. The conclusions refer to conceptual or applied sustainable development insights and policy recommendation for promoting a more sustainable production and consumption pattern in a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As sustainable development includes environmental protection and that is conditional on sustainable development, an institution's concerns in this regard must be considered as one of the priorities that will set development strategies and programs and will implement them in practice so that environmental protection be permanently taken into account. This paper aimed to highlight the concept of circular economy which refers to the harmonization of sustainable development needs of long-term humanity. It is necessary to optimize resource consumption so as to reduce the consumption of raw materials and energy and reuse them 100% if is possible, and how it is applied in Romania. In conclusion, performing the main principles of sustainable development is a necessity of time, which would result in effective results corresponding to the contemporary ecological provisions, the interests of the human society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting the circular economy (CE) is a fundamental prerequisite of the proposed 'European Green Deal' and the transition to the CE is a strategic objective of the European Union. Cohesion policy and other established public policies are taking a new approach, being adapted to the requirements of sustainable development. This research aims to highlight that green public procurement in combination with circular procurement is an effective tool through which public authorities can stimulate the circular economy transition. The methodology is based on the literature review, outcomes from the own previous research, the processing for analysis of data with tables and graphs, and the analysis and synthesis of recent strategic documents from the EU and Romania. The conclusions and recommendations refer to the premises and prospects of green public procurement for the promotion of the circular economy, also with reference to the agro-industrial field as a priority sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a feature of the green economy, circular economy proposes the re-use of resources used in products whose shelf life has come to an end or which have lost their usefulness to construct new objects, the same quality or even better. The circular economy model may be the ideal solution for relaunching sustainably the European economy which has suffered in recent years (2008-2012). In the circular economy, the value of products, materials and resources is maintained in the economy for as long as possible and the generation of waste minimised. In this paper we shall stress on issues of eco-innovation promoting the circular economy in Romania. One of the most important concepts for the new paradigm of circular economy and resource efficiency improvements is the industrial symbiosis, implemented in eco-innovation parks (EInvP) developed to optimize economic and environmental efficiency of the involved companies and communities. In practice using industrial synergy as an approach to commercial operations - using, recovering and redirecting resources for reuse - means resources remain in productive use in the economy for longer. We analyse here a successful good practice of industrial synergy in the agri-food sector implemented within the ECOREG EInvP of Suceava County. The conclusions point to the important economic, social and environmental benefits to raise awareness for regional eco-innovation and circular economy prospects in Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the great challenges of humanity today is to manage the consumption of resources and increase their recycling. Current overconsumption constantly aggravates resource insufficiency, by producing an aggressive impact on the environment. The circular economy model is the way to provide the necessary resources and from politicians to companies and consumers the transition to this modern economic system requires responsibility. Worldwide there are concerns in this direction, looking for new ways of financing such sustainable models, both in production and consumption. The functioning of the circular economy model is not easy, it involves transition funds and consistent investments This study aims to analyse the degree to which specific circular economy strategies are known, understood and implemented in Romania. Also, the quantitative research undertaken on the Romanian market analyses the connection between various factors, such as the structure of the social capital, the field of activity, the number of employees, the investments in research-development-innovation, the organizational culture and the stage of the transition to the circular economy in which those companies are. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analyzed the possibility of capitalizing compost resulting from fermentable organic waste, for the purpose of growing plants. To prepare the growth substrates, compost (Comp) was used in a single variant (V2), as well as in a mixture with peat (Pea) and vermiculite (Ver). Depending on the weight in the mixture (% in volume), the experimental variants resulted: variant V3 - Comp:Pea:Ver, 20:70:10; variant V4 - Comp:Pea:Ver, 30:60:10; variant V5 - Comp:Pea:Ver, 40:50:10. For comparison, a control variant (V1) based on garden soil (GS) was used. The biological material was represented by the species Tagetes patula Durango® Tangerine. The experiment was done on pots. Vegetative parameters, tagetes shoots diameter (TsD), tagetes shoots number (TsN), tagetes plant height (TpH), tagetes plants diameter (TpD) were determined and the ratio TpH/TpD was calculated; floral quality indices, tagetes inflorescence number (TiN), tagetes inflorescence diameter (TiD). The determinations were made during the vegetation period, at six different times, T1 to T6, between March and October. Correlations were identified between the considered parameters and indices. Based on the PCA, the common orientation of the vegetative parameter TpD with the index of floral quality TiD, respectively of the parameter TpH with TiN was found. PC1 explained 45.648% of variance, and PC2 explained 22.774% of variance. Scaling dendrogram resulted for variant classification. Mathematical models resulted through regression analysis, which described the variation of floral quality indices (TiN and TiD) in relation to vegetative parameters, with 3D graphic representation and in the form of isoquants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Circular Economy (CE) concept is an emerging topic. In 2015 European Commission has adopted a circular economy package on waste management. The targets include achieving a recycling rate of 50% by 31 December 2020. The aim of this study is to create a better understanding of public awareness in the promotion of a circular economy in Bucharest, Romania. Under the frame of ERASMUS+ program, in the project entitled "Waste Education Initiative", we developed with EU partners a Circular Economy Guide, for Residents and Students. To assess if the Bucharest citizens support and adopt a "Circular Economy behavior", workshops were carried out amongst Bucharest population, yielding more than 300 voluntarily participants (67% of the total responses were provided by students). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, it is estimated that a third of all food produced is lost. This is driven by many different factors, but the lack of consumer awareness of the nutritional value and antioxidant potential of certain parts of the food, namely peels, seeds, stems is certainly among them. The objective of this work was to capitalize on the nutritional and bioactive potential of cauliflower waste (leaves), in order to obtain a functional ingredient with high nutritional value and antioxidant potential. This functional ingredient is presented in the form of a homogeneous, microbiologically stable powder and stands out for its content in protein (28.72-29.95%), ash (10.39-11.23%), glucosinolates (240.23-259.65 mmol/g s.u.) total fiber (25.11-30.45%), vitamin C (76.50-89.44 mg/100g), β-carotene (39.45 -47.21 mg/100g), total phenolic compounds (5.75-6.12 mg GAE/g s.u.), mineral elements (Fe: 40.75-51.15 mg/100g; K: 3865.52-4178.21 mg/100g; Ca: 772.23-812.21 mg/100g: Mg: 120.23-145.85 mg/100g; Zn: 5.45-7.78 mg/100g). Due to the high antioxidant content, the functional ingredient obtained from cauliflower leaves has an antioxidant capacity: 13.36 - 14.2 μmol TE/g. Due to its complex biochemical composition and antioxidant capacity, this functional ingredient from cauliflower leaves can be used in the food fortification process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh water is the most used natural resource among the products we consume daily. Everything we eat or buy contains. But do we know how much water is needed to produce these goods? The concept of water footprint can help us find the answer to this question. Researcher at the University of Twente (Netherlands), Arjen Hoekstra, developed this concept in 2002. His goal was to show the impact on the amount of water that products in our lives contains. For a single product, the water footprint means the amount of water consumed and/or polluted at all stages of its production. It is measured in units of volume giving us an idea of the impact that a particular item has on the use of fresh water. Therefore, it takes into account the water used directly in production and the indirect part used in raw materials. The water footprint assessment method represents the volume of drinking water used either by a consumer or by a producer throughout the supply chain. By using this method, the volume of water is calculated by type of source, as well as the amount of water polluted, depending on the type of pollution, all these elements being specified spatially and temporally. The total water footprint of a product consists of three components: blue, green and gray water footprint. Assessing the water footprint of products and services is a good step towards evaluation of water circularity. The water footprint assessment must be integrated into the concepts of the circular economy by insisting on what happens to water after use and how circular and sustainable it is. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy is the sole viable alternative of the linear economy, namely the classic model of output and input, where the raw materials are taken from nature, being used to manufacture the products, which afterwards are used and possibly eliminated as wastes - manufacture - use - throw pattern. On the basis of this concept has been projected a logical scheme of the circular economy for the output activity developed at the farm made with European funds, fields crops farm and manufacturing industries of zootechnical byproducts. The impacts on the economic circularity are highlighted through specific indicators. For the present study it has been identified the possibility to evaluate the circular utilization rate and the material indent, considering the value of the primary materials used to get the final product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]