Search

The study surveys circular economy (CE) theoretical building blocks, conceptualisation, and practical implementation within the supply chain. A narrative review synthesises the knowledge and maps research in the CE field. There are six major building blocks: waste management, industrial ecology, bioeconomy, cradle to cradle, green supply chain management, and product-service system. The paper examines their role and their overlapping activity within the supply chain. This study also generates a database containing 43 circular strategies, based on different stages in the supply chain. Each strategy is marked by its contribution towards CE, such as resource conservation, narrowing the loop, slowing the loop, or closing the loop. The database can assist actors to implement possible circular actions and policy makers to formulate supportive legislation. This study contributes to the contention of CE and its implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reflects possible "transition" strategies for the industrialised residential building stock considering its systemic nature and current technological availability, with particular reference to digital technologies. Screening of some research on housing in the context of ecological and digital transition is proposed, starting from a critical review of interventions over the past decades, which reveal a fragmented framework of punctual solutions that cannot be codified as organic and replicable strategies. This highlights the research world's focus on broader holistic approaches that look at energy transition as closely related to the transition of the entire building organism and the inhabiting community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy (CE) field has moved from purely conceptual research into empirical studies. However, the literature does not provide generalized conclusions regarding the overall state of CE transition in manufacturing companies. Existing studies lack a perspective in explaining differences among companies planning or already transitioning to the CE because most empirical research so far is based on single or few case studies, generally assuming that the transition to CE, once undertaken as a purpose, moves along a continuum from a linear model to a circular one. This paper identifies differences among manufacturing companies planning and transitioning to CE and conceptualizes readiness profiles along eight dimensions of change identified in the literature as essential to CE implementation in organizations. A cluster analysis of a sample of manufacturing companies from different sectors, sizes, and locations identified five readiness profiles: the laggards, the explorers, the frontrunners, the strategizers, and the information oriented. The results show that companies may follow different approaches when exploring the potential of CE in their businesses. While some companies decide to explore and experiment across all dimensions of change, others follow a more strategic or operational approach, suggesting different states in which companies find themselves. The findings offer evidence of the change happening across the manufacturing industry and how CE transition unfolds in practice, extending existing literature by providing more overall conclusions on how the transition might unfold in manufacturing companies and different states that companies might be regarding the multiple dimensions of change that should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to present the practice of mixed farming systems which is based on circularity and proposes stronger links between crops and livestock. It aims to emulate the nutrient circuits resulted from food production based on those in natural systems, shifting from linearity towards cyclicity to reduce anthropic impact. The paper analysed the selected articles in order to identify strategies implemented in mixed farming systems which improve circularity and have positive effects on the environment and presented the results and discussions section in the form of guidelines and based our logic structure on the principles of circularity in agricultural systems. It is recommendable that farmers and stakeholders try to preserve and, where possible, increase the biotic diversity of agricultural landscapes, both in terms of crops and livestock (for example, by using cover crops and intercropping), but also in terms of habitats that can provide beneficial ecosystem services (such as: shelter for natural enemies, nitrogen fixing plants, etc.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The need to build a long-term or even permanent base is now a significant concern with the development of the exploration of extraterrestrial celestial bodies. Sulfur concrete was first proposed as a new building material in the 20th century. Recently, sulfur concrete has attracted much interest, as sulfur is considered one of the most accessible resources on the Moon and Mars, thanks to the in-situ resource utilization methodology. In addition, sulfur concrete is one of the most promising building materials for improving terrestrial sustainability or extraterrestrial exploration. So far, reviews have only focused on developing sulfur concrete and extraterrestrial building materials. This review paper summarizes the history of sulfur concrete development and different modified sulfur concretes. Previous research on extraterrestrial building materials is also reviewed. The unique advantage of sulfur concrete as an extraterrestrial material is justified, as no water is used during mixing. Lunar and Martian soil simulants are also examined as possible aggregate types. Finally, further improvements are proposed to broaden the application of sulfur concrete and the corresponding treatments. The possibility of recyclability and circularity is discussed from a sustainable development point of view. This review article provides readers with a detailed overview of sulfur concrete and its history, why it is more promising and accessible as an (extra)terrestrial building material, the challenges of its future application, and corresponding treatments to overcome the obstacles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is clear that the societal role of meat is being challenged with ideological and simplified logic without substantiation from robust data-driven science. With this background, the international summit titled 'The societal role of meat – what the science says' was held in Dublin, Ireland, during October 2022, to provide evidence-based evaluations and the Dublin Declaration was signed by over 1000 scientists. In this paper, we provide a synopsis of the summit and then give context for evaluating the societal role of meat in Australia. The key themes of the summit were the essential roles of meat in (1) diet and health, (2) a sustainable environment and (3) society, economics and culture. Evidence clearly showed the role of meat as a nutrient-dense source of high-quality protein and micronutrients that can be safely consumed by humans. Further, the complementary role of livestock in agricultural systems was highlighted with both plant- and animal-based agriculture reliant on each other to maximise the efficient production of food. Thus, from both an Australian and world perspective, very little food considered to be human-edible is fed to livestock. The role of livestock in rural societies across the world was emphasised to underpin regional and national economies, with particular importance in those countries with developing economies to facilitate growing wealth to 'step out' of poverty and provide gender equality. Meat production, particularly from ruminants, is a critical part of Australian primary production and it is concluded that the Dublin Declaration is highly relevant to Australia. Finally, concern regarding future funding and organisation of research and extension is discussed. There is a need to continue funding highly collaborative programs that bring a broad range of disciplines together, in conjunction with undergraduate and postgraduate teaching to underpin the social license to operate for meat and livestock production. The societal role of meat is being challenged with ideological and simplified logic without substantiation from robust data driven science. The international summit titled 'The societal role of meat – what the science says' was held to provide evidence-based evaluations and the Dublin Declaration. A synopsis of the summit is described and the societal role of meat in Australia is evaluated under the themes of meat for (1) diet and health, (2) a sustainable environment and (3) society, economics and culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy (CE) has taken hold among urban development plans and programmes, yet research on the application of the concept in urban design and planning is still in its infancy. This paper provides a systematic review of the literature related to CE, urban planning, and design. It investigates how the literature is clustered by subject area as well as the epistemological positioning and methodological approach of different research clusters. Results suggest that objectivist and conceptual approaches are most widespread, although practical and constructivist approaches are emerging. Planners and designers are being called upon to lead more integrative research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast shape recognition method based on regular graphic is proposed in this paper. It is the Interior Distance Ratio to a regular Shape (minimum bounding rectangle (MBR) or minimum circumscribed circle (MCC)) (SIDR). Regular shapes themselves have either axisymmetric or origin symmetry, which gives them regularity. Shape, as a feature of an object, plays a significant role in computer vision and image analysis. The shape descriptor is widely used to compute remarkable features of the visual image, especially in image understanding and analysis. SIDR is a new remarkable feature of the shape, which is the distribution of the interior distance between the shape contour points and its minimum bounding rectangle or minimum circumscribed circle. It can provide more effective performance support for practical application fields of computer vision, such as object detection and recognition. The minimum bounding rectangle or minimum circumscribed circle can change according to the change in a shape's position, scale and direction, which is extremely suitable for describing a shape that has deformation. In addition, the rectangularity and circularity derived from them also have the potential peculiarity to describe the shape feature. Therefore, this paper uses the interior distance ratio of the shape to represent the shape feature. First, the minimum bounding rectangle or minimum circumscribed circle of the shape is selected according to the rectangularity and circularity of the shape. Then, the interior distance proportional distribution from the shape contour point to the minimum bounding rectangle or minimum circumscribed circle is obtained. Finally, a histogram is used to represent the distribution feature, and shape matching and recognition are carried out. A self-built dataset and three international generic datasets are used to verify the validity of the method. The performance exhibits the sophisticated property (accuracy and matching speed) of the proposed method. It is worth mentioning that this simple method has a recognition rate of close to 100% on the self-built dataset and has achieved excellent results for other datasets compared with some international state-of-the-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This conceptual study explores the alignment between servitization—a shift from selling products to offering services—and circularity principles. The study introduces institutional confluence—a configuration of institutional pressures that enhance business model legitimacy to stakeholders and facilitate operational success— which can serve as a driver aligning servitization with circular principles. Institutional confluence has the capacity to trigger novel business models, shape resources and processes, enhance value capture, and inhibit unsustainable business models. The study develops the concept and underscores the role of institutional confluence in promoting this alignment and subsequent environmental sustainability. The article utilizes illustrative case examples from servitization and circular business models to develop the concept of institutional confluence serving sustainable servitization. The study offers strategic insights for managers and policymakers, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that integrates servitization and circularity from the outset of business model design. It advocates for policies that leverage regulatory, normative, and mimetic pressures to foster sustainable business practices. The article contributes to the servitization literature by delineating the mechanisms through which institutional forces facilitate or hinder the integration of servitization and circularity, offering directions for future research to explore these dynamics across different contexts and industries. • Management scholars have tended to view the uptake of servitized circular business model frameworks through an internal business model lens, with firm-level innovation capabilities. We look beyond the focal company and consider how business model development interacts with wider societal development. • This paper utilizes institutional influences as explanatory drivers for this process. • The paper introduces the concept of institutional 'confluence', a mutually reinforcing process of interactivity between institutional pressures, for servitized circularity. • Policymakers are encouraged to enhance normative socio-cultural pressures for servitized circularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns the capital structure of companies that apply the principles of circular economy. Such companies inquire information about this more sustainable approach. The objective of the paper is to find out what is the capital structure in companies that operate in the field of agriculture and are also actively involved in the circular economy system. The paper examines statistical characteristics and basic items of financial statements related to companies that apply and those that do not apply the principles of circular economy. The difference between these types of companies is thus sought. There is an analysis that includes data taken from the Cribis database of the CRIF - Czech Credit Bureau a.s. An abbreviated financial analysis focusing on absolute indicators of financial statements is used as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy (CE) adoption is spreading worldwide, and it aims at decoupling the creation of value from resource consumption, leading to sustainable and responsible production and consumption as highlighted in the Sustainable Development Goal 12. The circular transition will ask for the transformation of the companies and the workforce, from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. The set of required skills will be influenced by the circular transition, while the degree of implementation of circular activities will depend on the availability of adequate skills. Nevertheless, the extant literature has not reached a consensus on which competences are required for a circular transition, and few studies have approached this topic at all. This paper presents a systematic literature review to identify and categorize the skills that can facilitate the adoption of circular practices in manufacturing companies. The identified skills were systematically organized within a structured framework extending Porter's Value Chain. Leveraging the literature review's findings, the paper proposes a series of ideal job profiles for circular manufacturing, and it outlines some preliminary education and training paths. This research contributes to the current body of literature and practical understanding on the "human dimension" of circular manufacturing. [Display omitted] • Systematic literature review on skills required for circular manufacturing. • Skill classification based on circular manufacturing value-added activities. • Ideal job profiles modelled on the most relevant skills mentioned in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies are expected to contribute significantly to climate abatement, but the technologies have not been widely adopted and remain relatively unfamiliar to the public. Public opinions and attitudes can contribute significantly to the deployment of technologies and can be studied through discourses. Discourses can reveal underlying attitudes from widespread narratives. This paper investigates the attitude atmosphere around CCUS technologies through Finnish media discourses, building on 51 articles from 13 different national newspapers or news media sites. The findings of this research confirm that CCUS technologies are fairly unfamiliar to the public but indicate positive attitudes particularly towards carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies. However, information provision to the public does not necessarily translate towards increasingly positive attitudes. Communication should be genuine and focused on interaction instead of persuading the public of the benefits of the technologies. Methodologically, this paper points out that media discourses can provide possibilities to assess attitude atmospheres around unfamiliar technologies, such as CCUS. • Public opinions can have significant impact on the deployment of technologies. • Exploring attitude atmosphere around CCUS technologies. • Media discourses can unveil the opinions of the public. • Information provision should be genuine and participatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction and transport sectors both have a substantial impact on the environment. The construction, maintaining and renovating of roads involves both these sectors and the environmental impact of this work can be reduced. The basic principle of a circular economy is to close material loops and so retain the highest utility, quality and value of products, components and materials as possible. An important question in this respect is how to qualify and quantify material flows. Material and project passports seem to be part of the solution to improve insights and sharing information on quantities and qualities of materials used in construction projects. This paper has used a literature study on material passports and has taken into account current project management software used by a municipality, in order to share a framework for organising and collecting road construction data. Furthermore, various scanning equipment and procedures were employed onsite in an experiment in collecting actual road data. This resulted in a large amount of different data files that have been interpreted and incorporated into the existing database structure of the municipality. The insights gained may help other researchers, principals and contractors in the road construction industry in collecting and storing reliable data necessary to renovate roads circularly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The paper investigates the degree of social acceptance of biogas. • The determinants of citizens' perception of new biomass plants. • Two waves of surveys has handed out in order to assess an empirical strategy. • The paper provides some insights on the social acceptability of biogas. • Results assessed the biogas acceptability. The degree of social acceptance of biogas as a renewable green energy source is still somewhat disregarded. Although many initiatives have focused on the construction of new biogas plants around the world, local protests on the construction of new plants often arise. This study aims to analyse the determinants of citizens' perceptions regarding the construction of new biomass plants in their neighbouring areas. In particular, the focus is on prior knowledge of the production process of biogas as well as on other individual characteristics. The investigation is based on two repeated surveys conducted among the population living in two Italian areas where the construction of new large biogas plants were planned (the provinces of Oristano and Andria). The first survey analyses the main variables correlated with the degree of biogas acceptability particularly the biogas knowledge. The second survey (differentiated in two waves) focuses on the role of participatory processes and information campaigns undertaken by policy makers and environmental associations to increase the social acceptance of communities regarding the construction of new biogas plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the connection between water supply and energy consumption in a circular economy is crucial for managing the demands of these resources. Sankey diagrams have the potential to enhance the visualisation of resource flows. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the effective use of Sankey diagrams to capture the water-energy nexus and circularity of water. This study focused on effectively utilizing Sankey diagrams to model the nexus of water and energy flows and to assess the circularity of water. A comprehensive literature review was conducted on major studies on water material flows and modelling. This was supported by a review of approaches for modelling circularity, which have evolved from the material circularity index. The newly developed framework in this paper models water resource flows at all stages of the water supply chain, embedding the nexus as an interaction and considering resource intensity and material circularity index at each node. A city-level case study in South Africa was then used to apply the recommendations, model circularity, and the water-energy nexus using Sankey diagrams. In terms of circularity, the results indicate that water loss in the study area was very high, accounting for up to 40% of the total water supply and the water recycle rate was still very low, ranging from 3% to 7%. In terms of the nexus, the residential sector was found to have the highest energy intensity for water supply, primarily due to energy demand for water heating. Exploring the use of renewable or solar energy for water heating will be of interest and value. The new approach presented in this study allows for the simultaneous consideration of objectives, enabling a more robust analysis of energy-effective water use and water circularity along the water supply chain. [Display omitted] • A new framework for modelling the water energy nexus enriched by circularity options, energy intensity factors and confidence modelling. • Options for embedded circularity through the water supply chain. • The urgent challenge to address massive water loses in water supply systems for water scarce regions. • New Sankey diagrams showcasing how to model nexus and circularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extension of exploratory use of real principal component analysis (RPCA) to complex data tables clears the deficiency existing in complex principal component analysis (CPCA), a method mainly developed in the statistical framework, but lacking effective interpretation tools. While often used in climatology, oceanography, and signal analysis among others, its use raises understanding difficulties, due to an intrinsic indeterminacy, which gets more tortuous its use. In this paper, a real framework in which CPCA may be embedded is proposed in order to solve its intricacies. This is obtained through the RPCA of a particular real table, derived from the complex at hand, whose double eigenvalues correspond to eigenplanes, that are proved to be both holomorphic and isoclinic. Relations existing between the two analyses lead to fix the intrinsic CPCA indetermination through a second RPCA, that optimizes the complex principal components inner structure. As a spin-off, appropriate interpretation aids derive, associated with statistics describing the structure of the clouds of units associated with the complex variables, which may get meaningful the issued graphical results. Eventually, CPCA is applied to a small wind speeds data table, to show both its use and the effectiveness of its interpretation aids, allowing an easier understanding of the CPCA's abilities in the exploratory framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The textile industry is a major contributor to global waste, with millions of tons of textiles being discarded annually. Material and energy recovery within circular economy offer sustainable solutions to this problem by extending the life cycle of textiles through repurposing, recycling, and upcycling. These initiatives not only reduce waste but also contribute to the reduction of the demand for virgin materials (i.e. cotton, wool), ultimately benefiting the environment and society. The circular economy approach, which aims to recreate environmental, economic, and societal value, is based on three key principles: waste reduction, material circulation, and ecological restoration. Given these difficulties, circularity incorporates the material recovery approach, which is focused on the conversion of waste into secondary raw resources. The goal of this notion is to extract more value from resources by prolonging final disposal as long as feasible. When a textile has outlived its functional life, material recovery is critical for returning the included materials or energy into the manufacturing cycle. The aim of this paper is to examine the material and energy recovery options of main raw materials used in the fashion industry while highlighting the need of close observation of the relation between circularity and material recovery, including the investigation of barriers to the transition towards a truly circular fashion industry. The final results refer to the main barriers of circular economy transition within the industry and a framework is proposed. These insights are useful for academia, engineers, policy makers and other key stakeholders for the clear understanding of the industry from within and highlight beyond circular economy targets, SDGs interactions with energy and material recovery of textile waste (SDG 7, SDG 11, SDG 12 etc.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discussions about the circular economy have taken place in parallel with, but largely independently of, discussions about degrowth. The present paper brings into dialogue the two fields by contemplating what circularity in business could entail in the context of transformations towards degrowth societies. To this end, the paper relates to a recent, holistic reconceptualisation which views degrowth transformations in terms of both less and more on four planes of social being: material transactions with nature, social interactions between people, social structures and people's inner being. These planes signify depth of social being. The paper looks at business through the lens of this reconceptualisation before zooming in on circularity as an important manifestation of a sustainability practice in business. We argue that, in the context of degrowth, implementation of circularity as a principle and a practice should be deep. Relating circularity to each plane of social being, we focus particularly on the plane of people's inner being, the reason being that our mode of relating with the world would need to be significantly different to what it currently is, if deep circularity practices are to become more widespread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a conceptual framework that reflects the current state of thinking on tokenizing circularity in agri-food systems. The framework is built upon classifications of tokens and the key principles of circular economy and shows how tokenization can support circularity in agri-food systems through the flows of information and flows of value. Based on an integrative review of literature on tokenization, blockchain and the circular economy and multiple case studies in the agri-food domain, we show the relevance of tokenization to the circular economy in three ways: 1) enhancing traceability of physical and digital objects in supply chains; 2) improving transparency and credibility of circularity claims; 3) facilitating collaborative business ecosystems with incentives for more circular production and distribution. Based on the framework, we derive important research questions for future research agenda on tokenizing circularity in agri-food systems. [Display omitted] • The paper contributes to a better understanding of tokenization in agri-food. • A conceptual framework is developed for tokenizing circularity in agri-food. • Different pathways to tokenization in agri-food systems have been shown. • The framework is applied to six use cases in agri-food systems on tokenization. • The framework can be used by stakeholders to design tokenization in agri-food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large-scale deployment of photovoltaics (PV) is a central pillar in decarbonizing energy systems and reaching climate goals. Although PV is inherently associated to environmental awareness, it is not immune to reputational risks nor exempt of a responsibility for transparency and sustainability leadership. So far, advances in the PV industry have mainly been shaped by cost-reduction targets. We identified in previous works 16 topics where the PV sector comes short in addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) "Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns". In this paper, practical approaches to address each of these sustainability gaps are proposed. The best-practices identified cover all aspects of sustainability as defined by SDG 12–from resource use and hazardous substances through corporate reporting and risk assessment to due diligence and waste management. Insights on methodological needs to improve sustainability assessment and accounting in PV are also provided. The compiled list of actions needed, although not intended to be exhaustive, constitutes a starting point for stakeholders to raise their ambitions and achieve more sustainability in PV value chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper I consider the objection that the Enhanced Indispensability Argument (EIA) is circular and hence fails to support mathematical platonism. The objection is that the explanandum in any mathematical explanation of a physical phenomenon is itself identified using mathematical concepts. Hence the explanandum is only genuine if the truth of some mathematical theory is already presupposed. I argue that this objection deserves to be taken seriously, that it does sometimes undermine support for EIA, but that there is no reason to think that circularity is an unavoidable feature of mathematical explanation in science. • The Enhanced Indispensability Argument for platonism depends on there being mathematical explanations of physical phenomena. • The circularity objection claims that the explananda in mathematical explanations can only be identified using mathematics. • Two types of circularity are distinguished, concerning the truth of the explanandum and concerning its explanatory urgency. • In each case I argue that circularity is not inevitable, hence there is room for EIA to escape the circularity objection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy applied to the urban context is linked to sustainability objectives focused on environmental performances overlooking socio-political implications, in order to achieve a circular balance within the neoliberal paradigm of business-nature-society in a continuous growth scenario. This paper discusses this criticality, articulating a counter perspective based on the debate of degrowth, circularity and technology through the analysis of three cases of socio-technical assemblages: Transition Towns; Repair Cafes; Community Gardens. The research individuates the effectiveness of urban practices in which the circularity is implemented beyond purely economic interactions or ecoefficiency parameters, defining the potentialities of a degrowing circular city based on inclusiveness, social justice and reciprocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turning is one of the most used metal removal operations in the industry. It can remove material faster, giving reasonably good surface quality apart from geometrical requirements. Conformity of geometry is one of the most significant requirements of turned components to perform their intended functions. Apart from dimensional requirements, the important geometrical necessities are Circularity, Straightness, Cylindricity, Perpendicularity, etc. Since they have a direct influence on the functioning of the components, the effect of the cutting parameters on them has greater significance. In this paper experiments are carried out to examine the effect of turning parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut on responses like; straightness, roundness, surface roughness, and material removal rate during turning of AISI 4340 steel. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is performed and the influence of parameters on each response is studied. The optimal values of parameters obtained from the study are further confirmed by conducting experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drilling precise micro-holes in glass material has brought a new challenge, primarily due to its application in microfluidic devices. It is required to reduce machining time and simultaneously achieve repeatability of the process. The machined hole should have minimum overcut to get desired hole diameter. Maximum hole circularity and minimum heat-affected zone are the essential hole characteristics to achieve controlled machining. The multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method is quite effective in selection of best possible combination of outputs from several alternative solutions. The experimental data from the previously published paper is used in the current study. As input parameters, the experiment data include voltage, tool feed rate, and machining time. The radial overcut (ROC), circularity of the machined hole and heat-affected zone (HAZ) were calculated as output responses. The experiments were conducted using copper and nickel-coated copper tools in previous study and response data were used in current work. The present study uses the methods which include hybrid grey relational analysis (GRA), technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), and VIšekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje (VIKOR) methods for the selection of the best combination of process parameters in drilling to obtain the optimal geometric characteristic of a hole, i.e. optimal values of ROC, circularity and HAZ, in glass using electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM). In this study, weight calculation for MCDM was proposed using entropy and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methods and combined to get final weights using the fuzzy logic tool, which determines the importance of AHP and entropy weights using the expert opinion. The final weights were used to calculate the ranks from each MCDM method and determine optimal process parameter selection in ECDM hole drilling with copper and nickel-coated copper tools. The fuzzy logic method determined that the weight contribution from AHP is 0.586 in the present study. Genetic algorithm-based multi-objective optimization was conducted, and a non-dominated Pareto front was generated. The Spearman correlation method was used to determine the relationship between different MCDM methods. The current study will be helpful in selecting the best combination of process parameters in drilling holes during ECDM machining using MCDM methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to better understand the impact of process conditions on the morphological properties of MBS (Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene) core-shell latex aggregates during an aggregation process. Laboratory scale experiments were performed in a stirred reactor following a standard industrial procedure including a first destabilization step by adding acid at a moderate temperature followed by a second heating step. The size and shape distribution of the aggregates as well as their fractal dimension were measured by laser diffraction and image analysis. The experimental data were analyzed in terms of number and volume distributions to obtain information on the entire population, from primary nanoparticles to aggregates several orders of magnitude larger. The main new finding of this work concerns the influence of the aggregation temperature on the size, shape and structure of latex aggregates. Indeed, the closer the temperature is to the glass transition of the MBS shell polymer, the better the agglomeration and the aggregates formed tend to be larger and more circular. [Display omitted] • Aggregation results from destabilization and consolidation occurring successively. • Analysis of aggregation temperature on the size, shape and structure of aggregates. • The closer the temperature is to glass transition, the better the agglomeration. • Increasing temperature tends to form larger, more circular and compact aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to better understand the impact of process conditions on the morphological properties of MBS (Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene) core-shell latex aggregates during an aggregation process. Laboratory scale experiments were performed in a stirred reactor following a standard industrial procedure including a first destabilization step by adding acid at a moderate temperature followed by a second heating step. The size and shape distribution of the aggregates as well as their fractal dimension were measured by laser diffraction and image analysis. The experimental data were analyzed in terms of number and volume distributions to obtain information on the entire population, from primary nanoparticles to aggregates several orders of magnitude larger. The main new finding of this work concerns the influence of the aggregation temperature on the size, shape and structure of latex aggregates. Indeed, the closer the temperature is to the glass transition of the MBS shell polymer, the better the agglomeration and the aggregates formed tend to be larger and more circular. [Display omitted] • Aggregation results from destabilization and consolidation occurring successively. • Analysis of aggregation temperature on the size, shape and structure of aggregates. • The closer the temperature is to glass transition, the better the agglomeration. • Increasing temperature tends to form larger, more circular and compact aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A transition to a circular economy (CE) affects different stakeholders – positively and negatively. Social aspects still receive little consideration in the context of CE, which is why the assessment and monitoring of the social impacts of CE still require further development and consideration in research. In this context, social circularity indicators and social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) are important tools that were examined in more detail in this study. This paper aimed to assess the current state of social circularity indicators in the literature, the implementation of S-LCA to assess CE concepts, and which additional indicators might be included in future S-LCA studies. Focus will be on the methodological approach of how to assess the social impacts of CE. A systematic literature review was conducted using Scopus Database, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The search terms were derived from the aim of the study to identify the social impacts of CE in existing literature, to compile relevant social indicators in the context of CE, and to analyze the current role of S-LCA in the assessment of CE concepts. 97 papers were found. After excluding contributions that did not match the search criteria and adding new relevant contributions found through the analysis of the identified studies with the snowball sampling approach, 40 papers were considered in the review. 40 social impacts of CE were found within the literature. About half of them were positive and the other half negative. The authors found that positive impacts for some stakeholders could imply negative consequences for others, e.g., job creation in one region might lead to a decline in job opportunities in other regions. To assess CE, 104 single social indicators and 9 composed indicators were identified. Most of them could be linked to stakeholder groups and subcategories proposed in the UNEP S-LCA guidelines (UNEP, 2020). Training and education, job creation, as well as health and safety were relevant identified indicators in the context of CE. S-LCA has rarely been used in the assessment of CE strategies so far and needs to be standardized for application in the industry. Not all social impacts of CE are addressed by existing indicators. This, and the fact that not all circularity indicators that address social consequences of CE (social circularity indicators) are covered with S-LCA, reveals the need to suggest and harmonize additional subcategories that are especially relevant for CE. The authors propose to apply and integrate the identified social circularity (inventory) indicators in future S-LCA studies to assess CE concepts. • About the same amount of positive and negative social impacts of CE were revealed. • 104 single social circularity indicators and 9 composed indicators were identified. • S-LCA is suitable for assessing the social impacts of CE. • Future S-LCA studies on CE might include specific indicators listed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) powered by renewable energy hold promise for significantly decarbonizing land-based transport. However, the environmental impacts of BEVs remain a critical concern. This paper investigates the circular business model (CBM) of leasing batteries for BEVs and compares its economic and environmental impacts with the linear model of selling and buying batteries. A comprehensive approach combining a battery fleet model, net present value (NPV) analysis, and cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) is employed. By considering diverse driving profiles instead of the single "average" profile used in previous studies, the battery fleet model provides a more accurate representation of reality. The findings reveal that while leasing batteries can be as profitable as selling them, companies that lease may require higher revenues and tax contributions to obtain a comparable NPV. To generate additional income, companies may need to charge fees that do not always benefit customers. Notably, battery purchasing remains the most cost-effective option for users driving over 10,000 km/year. The LCA results indicate that the environmental benefits of leasing batteries over selling them are marginal. Leasing offers advantages such as user flexibility, and it encourages battery repair, repurposing, and recycling; however, there is insufficient evidence to support the cost-effectiveness of leasing or significant environmental improvements over traditional buying and selling models. The findings may be relevant for other business models targeting a substantial user base in the BEV domain, such as battery-as-a-service (BaaS) programs and battery swapping. [Display omitted] • This study compares circular battery leasing to linear selling-buying models for BEVs. • Leasing batteries can be as profitable as selling them, but higher revenues may be needed. • Battery purchasing remains cost-effective for users driving over 10,000 km/year. • LCA shows marginal environmental benefits from leasing batteries compared to selling batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Overview of end-of-life FRP management: waste volume, technologies and legislation. • Literature survey on microwave-assisted FRP recycling: potentials and limitations. • Analysis on the intensification degree provided by microwave vs conventional heating. The growing use of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites and the increasing global generation of FRP waste implies an urgent need to develop a circular economy strategy to promote the recovery of fibres and the valorisation of resins. This review paper analyses the current scenario of FRP recycling technologies and evaluates the potentials of microwave-assisted heating as a technology to provide an intensification in terms of energy-efficiency, selective heating and processing speed, as well as an electrified thermal treatment for FRP recycling. The paper presents an overview of the estimated FRP production and waste generation per sector in the coming decennia and the current and envisioned international legislation related to the management of end-of-life FRP. The paper also discusses the strong and weak points of the existing FRP recycling technologies, their readiness level and overall environmental impact in terms of equivalent CO 2 emissions. Furthermore, the emerging microwave-assisted FRP recycling technology is evaluated, showcasing the potentials and obstacles for its implementation and the potential end-use and characteristics of the recycled components. A literature survey on the existing prototypes, MW-assisted waste-to-value processes and reported energy demand is conducted. Finally, the required resources and framework for the consolidation of the MW-assisted FRP recycling as an alternative and economically viable technology are assessed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replacing the current mainly fossil-based, disposable, and non-biodegradable sanitary products with sustainable, functional alternatives is an industry priority. Suggested biobased alternatives require evaluation of their actual impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We evaluated GHG emissions of biobased baby diapers as the most consumed sanitary product, using a biodegradable functionalized protein superabsorbent polymer (bioSAP) and compared them with currently used fossil-based counterparts. Assessment of the diapers also included estimated GHG emissions from the production of the biobased components, transport, and end-of-life combustion of these items. It was shown that only a few of the biobased diaper alternatives resulted in lower GHG emissions than commercial diapers containing fossil-based materials. At the same time, it was demonstrated that the production of the bioSAP via chemical modification of a protein raw material is the primary GHG contributor, with 78% of the total emissions. Reduction of the GHG contribution of the bioSAP production was achieved via a proposed recycling route of the functionalization agent, reducing the GHG emissions by 13% than if no recycling was carried out. Overall, we demonstrated that reduced and competitive GHG emissions could be achieved in sanitary articles using biobased materials, thereby contributing to a sanitary industry producing disposable products with less environmental pollution while allowing customers to keep their current consumption patterns. [Display omitted] • Superabsorbents contribute the highest CO 2 emission share in a biobased diaper. • Recycling of reagents for production of biobased superabsorbents reduces CO 2 emission by 50%. • Only a few biobased diapers resulted in lower CO 2 emissions than fossil-based ones. • Biodegradable diapers are superior from a circular perspective. • Biobased superabsorbents are currently on a low TRL and need to be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the need for a shift from a linear to a circular economy in the built environment, this paper develops a semi-automated assistive process for planning building material deconstruction for reuse using sensing and scanning, Scan-to-BIM, and computer vision techniques. These methods are applied and tested in a real-world case study in Geneva, Switzerland, with a focus on reconstruction and recovery analysis for floor beam systems. First, accessible sensing and scanning tools, such as mobile photography and smartphone-based consumer-grade Lidar devices, are used to capture imagery and other data from an active demolition site. Then, photogrammetry and point cloud data analysis are performed to construct a 3D BIM model of relevant areas. The structural relationships between reconstructed BIM elements are evaluated to score the feasibility for recovery of each element. This study illustrates what is feasible and where further development is necessary for automating building material reuse planning at scale to increase the uptake of circular economy practices in the construction sector. • Application of low cost site scanning methods for demolition and recovery site digitization. • Development of a Scan to BIM methodology for beam and column systems. • Applying established Scan to BIM techniques to a new geometric domain. • Graph-based analysis of reconstructed BIM to estimate the recoverability complexity of detected building components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy (CE) is emerging in the construction industry because it attempts to substitute the linear economy model and promote sustainable development. While the CE principles have been applied at different scales, the construction industry's research efforts and practicalities remain limited and fragile. This study aimed at understanding the levels of circularity in the construction industry with a view to formulate viable recommendations required for achieving higher degrees of circularity. This aim is achieved by learning essential lessons from the manufacturing sector, which is considered one of CE's pioneering industries. In this paper, a scientometric review of CE research within the construction and manufacturing sectors was performed. The science mapping method was applied to quantitatively analyse relevant publications retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science databases. The results suggested that the construction industry centres on recycling and reuse as the main "R" strategies, while the manufacturing industry tends to achieve higher levels of circularity due to broader implementation of remanufacturing and industrial symbiosis (IS). The content analysis of some mainstream articles further identified the potential of adopting remanufacturing and IS in the construction sector. The findings suggested that higher levels of circularity in construction could be attained through the use of remanufactured components and recycled non-construction & demolition waste (CDW). An action plan comprising regulatory pull/push, business-driven, and technological push measures was formulated to guide researchers and practitioners to pursue looking-forward CE strategies. This review draws useful lessons from other sectors and offers fresh insight into ways of actualising circular construction. The findings of this study could serve as valuable references for improving the knowledge of policymakers and practitioners for promoting circular construction. [Display omitted] • The construction industry centres on recycling and reuse as the main "R" strategies. • The manufacturing industry achieves higher levels of circularity by implementing remanufacturing and industrial symbiosis. • The construction sector achieves higher circularity through regulatory pull/push, business-driven, and technological push. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current socio-economic model based on a linear approach is being challenged by resource scarcity, negative environmental impacts and socio-economic constraints. Consequently, cycling approaches or circular economy (CE) paradigm is gaining attention. Business as usual is no longer possible and the model and criteria proposed by circular economy are a sustainable alternative that effectively couples natural with human-made systems. A model in which citizens in each of their social roles have a lot to say and do. However, implementation in Argentina is very slow and it is only applied at some level by companies or in urban residues recycling in a small number of cities. Additionally, social skepticism and lack of information about what circular economy embraces is still perceived. The objective of this exploratory paper is to identify the present level of awareness, the current situation and the expectations regarding the transition towards a circular economy approach within Argentina's agricultural sectors based on an opinion and perception survey. The aim of the study is to establish a baseline understanding and an interpretative framework to aid researchers and policymakers in promoting and increasingly implementing circular economy criteria in specific sectors. The study analyzes by a descriptive statistic a survey (n = 534) of selected actors related to the agricultural sector, i.e., farmers, agronomists (including agricultural engineers, veterinarians, and biologists), agrifood companies, and also directly related sectors, such as education and public administration. The anonymous questionnaire was divided into three parts: i) demographic characterization, ii) general awareness about transition towards circular economy (concept, current situation, features, advantages, drivers, obstacles and governance) within the region where the respondent operates, and iii) specific aspects within each selected sector. Results showed that the selected sectors perceived a common vision about the concept of CE "as a more sustainable production and consumption model", and with some differences, they have mainly sensed that the transformation process is still both not initiated and at its initial steps. Respondents selected to focus on recycling/reusing as well as on the integration between productive units. Political, economic and environmental awareness as well as technological skills have been chosen as barriers. Consequently, they chose to invest on education and research, noticing the citizens/society as the main agent of transformation. Since the challenge is to find organized and progressive steps to build interactions, programs, actions and legislation to favor the integral (between sectors) and internal (within a sector) transition, indicators for monitoring as well as policies, priorities and perspectives have been highlighted to contribute to boost the transformation towards a circularity approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing global population is putting stress on the food system. On-farm technologies to close resource loops will play a role in increasing food production without stressing natural resources. What are these applied on-farm circular technologies and what impact do they have on the food system? This paper develops a framework for defining the potential of on-farm circular technologies for benefits across multiple spatial scales. It then applies the framework to Uruguay to examine what economic and environmental benefits on-farm circular technologies, namely biomass for nutrient cycling (manure management) and on-farm water cycling, can have at multiple spatial scales – on-farm, regionally and nationally. Using data from a government program in Uruguay's most important watershed, the work shows that investments in on-farm manure management technologies yield economic and sustainability benefits that are unequally distributed across scales (Figure 1). It demonstrates that famers only receive a small percentage (16% on average) of the total benefits yielded by manure management and on-farm water cycling technologies, while most benefits (84% on average) occur at regional level. The analysis by technology demonstrates that the benefits of technologies also depend on how they are combined. For example, installing only a waste management pool on-farm increases the GHG emissions, while installing a waste management pool combined with a separator decreases the GHG emissions and magnifies the benefits of reduced water pollution. These findings raise questions regarding whether these technologies should be subsidized since most benefits occur beyond the farm level to the benefit of society. This has implications for how governments and private actors co-finance on-farm technologies to make farming practices more circular and sustainable. [Display omitted] • On-farm circular technologies help decrease the negative impacts of agriculture. • Investing in circular technologies has economic benefits at multiple spatial scales. • Effluent management technologies vary in distribution of economic benefits. • Combining public and private resources can maximize circular investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability reports may play an important role as a supporting tool in the transition of organisations towards more circular economy models, since their content can help to measure, monitor and communicate the organisations' transition and to establish goals in the short/medium term. The aim of this study is to determine whether it is possible to calculate indicators capable of measuring the transition of organisations towards circularity from the information that they are currently communicating in their Corporate Sustainability Reports (CSRs), and what information would need to be incorporated in these reports to successfully carry out this procedure. To this end, by applying a three-step methodology, 34 indicators grouped into 10 categories were proposed to measure the level of circularity of organisations. This was completed with a detailed proposal of units/metrics to measure the indicators, based on those that organisations commonly use in their CSRs. For this purpose, information from 8 international programmes/frameworks that measure circularity at the territorial level was combined with circularity information that organisations are currently communicating in their CSRs. Finally, the proposed set of indicators and metrics were applied to a Spanish organisation dedicated to the forestry and paper sector with a CSR based on GRI-Standards. The results demonstrated that 25 of the 34 proposed indicators (74%) can be measured directly using the information included in the CSRs. • Which indicators measure the advance of organisations towards circularity? • Which information organisations communicate in their Sustainability Reports (CSR)? • Can be circular indicators calculated using data from CSR? • Case study: 74% of the circular indicators can be calculated using data from CSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the potential benefits and impacts of circular bio-based buildings, life cycle assessment (LCA) is a valuable method to identify systems or elements that have negative effects on the environment during the whole building life. To achieve low carbon buildings, LCA should be performed during the early design stage of buildings, to influence the choice more environmentally led solutions. In this paper, LCA was used during the early design stage of a circular bio-based wall panel prototype to guide the decision-making process for the improvement of the panel's design. A cradle-to-cradle life cycle assessment was performed to compare the circular wall panel against other prefabricated wall panels, assembled using common construction materials and techniques. Results indicated that a circular design and some bio-based materials are not always synonymous with low environmental impacts. The first iteration of the circular panel had a GWP 100 of 231.1 kgCO 2 e/m 2 in the base case with one life cycle. This compared to 116 kgCO 2 e/m 2 and 181 kgCO 2 e/m 2 for the timber and steel frame panels respectively. The LCA was able to identify materials and components which contribute most significantly to the panels environmental impact. The identification of highly impacting materials in the initial panel design, LCA was used to guide the re-design of the circular bio-based panel. From investigating alternative materials for the insulation, cladding and internal substrate the environmental impact of the new design of the circular panel was lowered to 122 kgCO 2 e/m 2. This research demonstrates how LCA can be used in the design process to reduce carbon emissions in circular buildings by using bio-based materials. [Display omitted] • LCA was used to improve sustainability of a prototype of circular bio-based wall. • Scenario's development and comparison with common walls help identify hot spots. • Circular wall GWP is up to 95% higher than conventional walls (116 and 181 kgCO 2 /m2). • LCA identified lower impacting materials to reduce GWP of circular bio-based wall. • The circular panel GWP was reduced to 122 from 231 kgCO 2 /m2 of the initial design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]