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Purpose: This review systematically maps the scholarly articles on waste management practices in the textile sector in light of consumer-disposed textiles and the adoption of the circular economy. It emphasizes the significance of scholarly research to the existing knowledge on waste management practices in the context of India's textile sector. Materials and Methods: A thorough Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was employed, which included an analysis of the content of 58 papers published in academic journals in the last 6 years. Findings: The integration of textile waste management methods/practices in this review depicts the varied and challenging domain of waste management in the textile industry. Conversely, there are very limited studies conducted in developing economies, where most textile manufacturing occurs. Research Limitations: The study includes literature from selected databases published between 2015 and 2021. More comprehensive research coverage and continuous evaluation of the health and status of the textile industry are required for valuable insights to effectively adopt circular economy practices from the perspective of developing countries like India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate sustainability-led innovation, focusing on the interplay between product and process innovation for sustainability goals and the underlying supplier–customer relationships. Thus, the paper delves into sustainability-led innovation and how it affects supplier–customer relationships, and vice versa, thus providing a twofold perspective. Design/methodology/approach: The textile industry is the empirical context of this study, which is exploratory research based on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs, managers and experts in the textile industry. Findings: In the textile industry, sustainability-led product innovation concerns mainly product durability and performance, product recyclability and the use of waste for new product development. Process innovation deals with circular economy, traceability and water and chemical use minimization. The paper also shows how sustainability-led innovation is implemented in more technical terms and regarding supplier–customer relationships. Originality/value: The paper adopts an original perspective on how processes take place in the relationships between suppliers and customers, where there is no dominance of one actor, but innovation emerges from interdependence and interaction. Such perspective allows to provide an in-depth analysis of the supplier–customer relationships and underlying dynamics that affect sustainability-led innovation; moreover, the authors study how such innovation impacts supplier–customer relationships and the underlying relational dynamics. The value of the paper also stands in delivering a real representation of the innovation processes grounded in the textile industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roads are currently essential links of communication and economic development. However, these roads are progressively requiring higher quality materials, implying a greater impact on the environment, in order to withstand the high levels of heavy vehicle traffic. Therefore, this research proposes the use of industrial by-products to create bituminous mixtures which are more resistant and durable than traditional ones. The industrial by-products used, are electric arc furnace slag, ladle furnace slag, and cellulose fibers from the papermaking industry. These by-products were physically and chemically characterized to be used to conform with bituminous mixtures. At the same time, bituminous mixtures were conformed with conventional materials, thus being able to compare the physical and mechanical properties of the conformed mixtures through different tests. The results showed how the use of cellulose fibers made it possible to absorb a greater percentage of bitumen, as well as the use of electric arc furnace slag and ladle furnace slag created mixtures, with greater Marshall stability. Therefore, sustainable, durable, resistant, and high waste mixtures were developed in this investigation. [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]

This is the sixth special issue on Design and Manufacturing for Environmental Sustainability. As the first special issue on this topic was issued in 2009, the topic has thirteen years of history in this journal. Environmental sustainability was recognized as important for manufacturing even at that time. This is why the special issue was started in this journal. The seriousness of this topic has been increasing not only in Europe but also in Japan and other countries. One critical trend as of late has been the way that the attitude of companies regarding this issue, including their positions on carbon neutrality, circular economy, and biodiversity, has come to determine the value of the company in the eyes of, for example, environment, society, and governance (ESG) finance. Nowadays, we cannot say sustainability or business; we should pursue businesses that contribute to sustainability. This sixth special issue includes eighteen well-written papers, with one more paper to follow. This series of special issues has focused on topics related to ecodesign, recycling, remanufacturing, low-energy and low-emission manufacturing, and circular economy. The papers in this special issue are also deeply related to these topics. As a result of the thirteen-year history of the special issue, we have been able to learn some viewpoints specific to the series in this journal. This has led this special issue to consist of four subcategories, although they are not explicitly represented in the table of contents. The first subcategory consists of seven papers, from the first paper by K. Halada et al. to the seventh paper by A. Yoshimura et al. These papers are related to design, including evaluation, business, remanufacturing, and materials. Among others, the important viewpoint common to these papers is the "flow" of product lifecycles and materials. The second category starts with the eighth paper by C. Ye et al. and ends with the eleventh paper by Y. Yamashita et al. These papers deal with manufacturing issues in the context of the environmental sustainability. For example, the eighth paper deals with the crushing of a photovoltaic panel, and the nineth paper by T. Cheng et al. deals with detecting lithium-ion battery fires, which are a serious problem for recycling plants. The application of additive manufacturing to remanufacturing discussed in the tenth paper by N. Sato et al. is also an important topic in the field of sustainable manufacturing. The third subcategory consists of three papers, from the twelfth paper by J.-C. Tu et al. to the fourteenth by A. Y. T. Panuju et al. These are related to consumer behavior. The fourth subcategory, from the fifteenth paper by M. Kojima to the last paper by S. Tajima, deals with issues related to developing countries and locality. These two topics of consumer behavior and developing countries are indispensable to the discussion of environmental sustainability, yet they are rarely discussed in engineering journals. The editor believes that no other journal deals with these four subcategories in a special issue. Most of the papers, revised and extended in response to the editor's invitations, were originally presented at EcoDesign 2021: the 12th International Symposium on Environmentally Conscious Design and Inverse Manufacturing, which was held online. The editor sincerely thanks the authors and reviewers for their devoted work in making this special issue possible. We hope that these articles will encourage further research into design and manufacturing for environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practical implementation of a circular economy in the European Union poses significant challenges, notably for the EU-11 (Central and Eastern Europe) countries. The aim of this paper is to analyze the transition of the EU-11 countries toward a CE by examining existing circular strategies, national-level policies, as well as bottom-up initiatives, and on the other hand to explore the prevalent circularity discourses within the EU-11 countries. The study employs a discourse analysis method to comprehensively examine documents related to the CE aspects. This methodology integrates both quantitative categorization (codes and categories) and qualitative interpretation (reading and explanation) to support the understanding of circularity discourses. The results of this paper indicate that the countries within the EU-11 are actively advancing their efforts towards a CE. These countries are seen to be proactively developing a circular vision and setting ambitious objectives to facilitate a transition to a circular economic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic literature review (SLR) examines the integration of circular economy (CE) principles into the agri-food supply chain over the past 20 years. The review aims to consolidate existing knowledge, identify research gaps, and provide actionable insights for future research. A comprehensive search across major databases yielded 1200 articles, which were screened, filtered, and assessed, resulting in a final selection of 100 high-quality studies. This review highlights the significant potential of the CE to enhance sustainability, reduce waste, and improve resource efficiency in the agri-food sector. These studies were categorized based on thematic issues, geographical regions, and supply chain stages. The findings highlight the predominant focus on waste management, resource efficiency, sustainable practices, and economic impacts, reflecting regional priorities and regulatory frameworks. The review also underscores the multiplier effect of CE implementation, which enhances sustainability and efficiency within the agri-food sector and generates significant economic and environmental benefits on a regional and global scale. Key challenges and areas for further research are identified, providing a comprehensive foundation for advancing CE practices in the agri-food supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Urban Living Lab (ULL) is both a methodology and a place where different actors of a territory can collaborate with the aim of urban transformation and sustainable development. This paper briefly introduces a methodological framework, that combines stakeholder engagement and co-design process on Circular Economy (CE) ideas and projects. The structure of the methodological framework foresees four main phases: scouting and analysis of the territorial context, listening and exploration, participation and execution. The main objective of this paper focuses on the application and experimentation of the same ULL methodology framework in four different Italian urban territories (Anguillara Sabazia in the metropolitan area of Rome, Bologna, Taranto and Venosa, a small town in southern Italy), to highlight how the ULL is an effective approach for stakeholder engagement and co-design processes aiming to the transition toward CE. The discussion section of the four ULL cases highlights the main results of the co-design process: the ideation of project proposals of CE activities suitable for implementation in the reference urban territories. The four ULL cases have shown how the same methodological steps can be applied in urban areas with different geographical, territorial and socio-economic characteristics, with comparable results in terms of activating processes of engagement and co-design within the communities living there. In conclusion, experimenting the proposed methodological framework in each of the four urban areas, despite their differing characteristics, it has stimulated the growth of cultural capital and community ties. This was achieved through the exchange of different skills and the collaborative contributions of multidisciplinary teams, resulting in increased collective awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental impact of plastic waste has become a significant concern worldwide, prompting innovative approaches to address sustainability challenges, particularly within architectural design. This research paper delves into assessing the environmental impact and sustainability implications of using hard-to-recycle plastic packaging waste in architectural design practices. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, challenges, and potential benefits of repurposing hard-to-recycle plastic packaging waste as building materials in an architectural context. The paper presents a compelling case study showcasing innovative architectural projects that have successfully integrated hard-to-recycle plastic waste. It offers recommendations for future research directions and policy interventions to promote the adoption of hard-to-recycle plastics in environmentally conscious architecture, thereby advancing sustainability goals and fostering a circular economy paradigm within the construction industry. The research paper also highlights a specific experiment conducted using hard-to-recycle plastic waste, illustrating the potential for creative solutions in sustainable architectural design. This study provides valuable insights into the environmental impact and feasibility of repurposing hard-to-recycle plastics as building materials, contributing to ongoing efforts to address sustainability challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing concerns for ensuring a sustainable future generated an imperative need to shift toward a circular economy and sustainable innovations. In this framework, eco-innovation becomes essential for achieving sustainable development. The main purpose of this paper is to focus on a more in-depth, original revealing of the influence of eco-innovation on countries' sustainable development. Thus, five eco-innovation dimensions, components of the Eco-Innovation Index, are considered for a complete approach. This paper first explores the interaction of the five dimensions within the Eco-Innovation Index. Further, the paper analyses the cumulative effects of the five Eco-Innovation Index dimensions on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals components defined by the United Nations. Considering a panel data set of 189 values for the EU-27 Member States for seven years and applying the Structural Equation Model (SEM), this paper emphasizes that only three out of five dimensions perform significantly in the Eco-Innovation Index. Moreover, it proved that the Eco-Innovation Index dimensions contribute to achieving 11 of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). Also, the results highlight that significant relationships were revealed only between certain Eco-Innovation Index dimensions and some SDG components. This paper's conclusions contribute to a deeper understanding of gaining sustainable development through eco-innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food waste is a global challenge, with profound implications for food security, resource utilization, and sustainability. A circular economy represents a promising solution in addressing food waste effectively by keeping food materials and products in use and circulating them within the economy. To provide an overview of the research on food waste and the circular economy model in the past decade, this study examines 1022 documents on food waste and circular the economy to ascertain the state, themes, and knowledge structure of the field. The results showed that the number of publications has increased greatly in the past decade. "Circular economy of food", "bioenergy", "waste valorization", "waste management", "resource recovery", and "environmental assessment" were the major research themes. Earlier studies focused on resource recovery from organic waste and the bioeconomy of bio-products; recent research interests shifted to sustainability and the valorization of agri-food waste. On the other hand, some highly cited documents and productive authors were important in the development of research on food waste and the circular economy. Furthermore, three groups of journals—"food and environmental sciences", "open access", and "environmental sustainability and resource management"—and five clusters of international collaboration—"European Union Group", "advanced economy group", "agricultural economies", "global influencers", and "isolated countries"—were identified. This study provides readers with an overview of the research field of food waste and the circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the implementation of a digital product passport (DPP) using Hyperledger Fabric technology to enhance product lifecycle management within the European Union's circular economy action plan. This study addresses the need for detailed product information on materials, origin, usage, and end-of-life instructions to improve recycling practices and promote sustainable consumption. The approach integrates decentralized identifier (DID) technology for unique product identification using the cheqd.io platform with an enterprise tailored Hyperledger Fabric blockchain network for DPP data management, leveraging their strengths to enhance security and efficiency. This paper details the data model for the DPP, including entities like Product, Manufacturer, Supplier, and Material. Performance tests on the Hyperledger Fabric network demonstrate the system's efficacy, focusing on CRUD operations and scalability. Future work will extend to the development of client applications and more comprehensive performance evaluations considering scalability and network expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the new directions concerning resource reuse and energy efficiency, the use of meteoric waters represents a sustainable solution in urban development. This paper presents modular tanks designed for the retention and infiltration of meteoric waters. These modular elements not only fulfil the requirements of circular water economy, but also enhance efficiency during implementation. The paper highlights the applicability of modular tanks in both residential and commercial complexes, demonstrating their sustainability in diverse settings. Additionally, the authors stress how important it is to be skilled in manipulating 2D and 3D spatial structures for realizing the geometric design of these modular tanks. [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 system is one of the most influential production activities at a global level from an environmental point of view, both in relation to the processes that characterize the supply chain and in relation to pre- and post-consumer waste. It produces million tons of global greenhouse gas emissions per year and it consumes millions of liters of water; it uses million tons of chemical products. Furthermore, millions of tons of special textile wastes are yearly landfilled. Less of 1% of materials used to produce clothes becomes part of a closed-loop recycling and less of 2% are recycled in other industrial activities. Changing the textile industrial linear model in a circular one according to Systemic Design principles is advisable, starting from wastes and by-products. As proved in the working paper wastes can assumed as inputs of new production systems. Particularly the scientific contribution deals with some research activities carried out within a project titled EDILTEX - Innovation for reusing in textile companies. The achievements are described, showing that construction and fashion are fields only apparently far from each other. They can - on the contrary - developing powerful synergies and products with interesting technological and physical performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this paper, we compare the development and possibilities for improvement of waste management in three countries: Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Waste management is part of the circular economy. The circular economy is the basis for waste management today. This applies to municipal waste management, too. In this paper, we work with data available in the Eurostat database. We mainly deal with municipal waste in the three chosen countries. The output of this paper is an assessment of indicators such as recycling rates and waste production. The outputs are documented graphically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable waste management is a fundamental aspect in a circular economy. The focus of this work is to evaluate the performance of the current MSW management system in the city of Oslo, and to understand how to possibly close the gap between today's recycling rate and the EU sorting and recycling targets for 2025 and 2030. The adoption of innovative solutions such as central sorting and chemical recycling of plastic might help achieving a higher overall recycling rate. While the achievement of a higher source sorting can help achieving the EU recycling targets without undergoing large investments, it might be challenging to find measures and incentives that succeed in reaching the desired citizen involvement. The work focuses on the waste fractions for which specific targets are set by the EU, i.e., biowaste, plastic, paper and cardboard, glass and metal. This study can help waste management companies to understand how the introduction of different technologies within their waste management system might help achieving the EU recycling targets, and help policymakers understand the fundamental role of citizen involvement and source sorting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy and supply chain are two topics that have aroused the interest of researchers in recent years, which we can find in a relationship of interdependence in the literature. The aim of this paper is to make a review using the technique of bibliometric analysis, on the interconnections in the literature between the concepts of circular economy and supply chain. In this sense, papers published on those subjects indexed in Web of Science (WoS) - 473 publications and Scopus - 633 publications were analysed, while identifying the most influential journals and authors in this area of study. The results highlighted an upward trend of publications on this topic, a top of the journals with the most published papers, a top of the most influential journals based on the number of citations received, the most influential papers depending on the number of citations received and a keywords co-occurrence mapping using VOSviewer software. Those results are useful in terms of identifying the most prolific journals regarding the volume of articles published, but also the most influential in terms of the volume of citations received, while drawing a clearer path for future research that may include in an integrated manner the circular economy and supply chain to identify ways to achieve superior economic performance in a sustainable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 packaging, which is typically made of paper/cardboard, glass, metal, and plastic, is essential for protecting and preserving food. However, the impact of conventional food packaging and especially the predominant use of plastics, due to their versatility and low cost, bring serious environmental and health problems such as pollution by micro and nanoplastics. In response to these challenges, biotechnology emerges as a new way for improving packaging by providing biopolymers as sustainable alternatives. In this context, bacterial cellulose (BC), a biodegradable and biocompatible material produced by bacteria, stands out for its mechanical resistance, food preservation capacity, and rapid degradation and is a promising solution for replacing plastics. However, despite its advantages, large-scale application still encounters technical and economic challenges. These include high costs compared to when conventional materials are used, difficulties in standardizing membrane production through microbial methods, and challenges in optimizing cultivation and production processes, so further studies are necessary to ensure food safety and industrial viability. Thus, this review provides an overview of the impacts of conventional packaging. It discusses the development of biodegradable packaging, highlighting BC as a promising biopolymer. Additionally, it explores biotechnological techniques for the development of innovative packaging through structural modifications of BC, as well as ways to optimize its production process. The study also emphasizes the importance of these solutions in promoting a circular economy within the food industry and reducing its environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the transition of lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles (EVs) to energy storage systems (ESSs), with a focus on diagnosing their state of health (SOH) to ensure efficient and safe repurposing. It compares direct methods, model-based diagnostics, and data-driven techniques, evaluating their strengths and limitations for both EV and ESS applications. This study underscores the necessity of accurate SOH diagnostics to maximize battery reuse, promoting sustainability and circular economy objectives. By providing a comprehensive overview of the battery lifecycle—from manufacturing to recycling—this research offers strategies for effective lifecycle management and cost-effective, environmentally sustainable secondary battery applications. Key findings highlight the potential of second-life EV batteries in ESSs. The integration of the considered diagnostic methods was shown to extend battery lifespan by up to 30%, reduce waste, and optimize resource efficiency, which is crucial for achieving circular economy objectives. This paper's insights are crucial for advancing sustainable energy systems and informing future research on improving diagnostic methods for evolving battery technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from linear economy to circular economy (CE), which can reduce natural resource depletion and minimize waste generation, has become a worldwide trend. The current challenge for Vietnam is to identify the key areas for the transition, given that financial resources are limited and that a detailed and comprehensive accounting of waste generation and collection for decision-making is lacking. This study aims at filling the gap by analyzing the waste flows throughout the supply chains and identifying the key areas for the CE transition in Vietnam. The 2018 updated IO table is used as an econometric tool to identify direct and indirect waste collection intensity for all types of waste. The result shows that in terms of waste intensity, among primary sectors, Coke and the group of Mining and Extraction industries (S4-S7) have significant room for reducing waste. In terms of IO interaction, collection rate and recyclable potential of waste, among secondary sectors, Paper production and services (S11), Plastics (S16), and Building materials (S17) should be prioritized for the CE transition in Vietnam. Having a long supply chain and meeting all priority criteria, Plastics is identified as one of the key industries to be selected to exemplify managerial implications to show which solutions/innovations should be proposed in each circular economy period to improve sustainable efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BIM is being strongly implemented in design companies. General contractors are using it during investment projects, and boards are using it for the maintenance and operation of buildings or infrastructure. Without the so-called BIM mandate (mandatory in public procurement), this is hard to imagine, even though it has already been implemented in many countries. In Poland, work in this direction is still being carried out. Due to the high complexity of investment and construction processes, the multiplicity of stakeholder groups, and conflicting interests, work on BIM adoption at the national level is hampered. The paper conducts an in-depth literature review of BIM implementation in Poland and presents a critical analysis of the current state of work. As a result of the literature research, proposals for changes in the processes of implementing the BIM mandate in Poland were formulated. This paper presents an excerpt from a potential BIM strategy and the necessary steps on the road to making BIM use mandatory. The results of the study indicate strong grassroots activity conducted by NGOs, which, independent of government actions, lead to measurable results. The authors propose that these activities must be coordinated by a single leading entity at the government level. The study could influence decisions made in other countries in the region or with similar levels of BIM adoption. BIM is the basis of the idea of the digital twin, and its implementation is necessary to achieve the goals of the doctrine of sustainable development and circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global shift towards sustainability is driving the electrification of transportation and the adoption of clean energy storage solutions, moving away from internal combustion engines. This transition significantly impacts lithium-ion battery production in the electric vehicle (EV) market. This paper summarizes specialized topics to highlight regional differences and specific challenges related to electric batteries, focusing on how pollution from gas consumption, distribution, usage, and lithium production affects society. EV batteries offer promising opportunities for a sustainable future, considering their economic and environmental impacts and the importance of understanding their lifecycle. This analysis delves into the recovery of materials and various methods for extracting lithium and manufacturing EV batteries. Efficient lithium recovery is crucial and globally significant, with liquid extraction presenting a more environmentally friendly option. By addressing these challenges, this paper provides an overview of the rationale behind supporting the future of EVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the emissions tradeoffs of additive manufacturing (i.e., 3D printing) using plastic waste in fused granular fabrication (FGF) versus traditional fused filament fabrication (FFF) and injection molding (IM). A 'cradle-to-gate' life cycle assessment (LCA) was utilized to compare these methods, built in OpenLCA v1.11.0 with the Ecoinvent v3.9.1 database. Different scenarios were used to evaluate the impacts of varying transportation and material inputs, highlighting critical emission contributors in manufacturing plastic goods. FGF with waste plastic can significantly reduce climate impact by 82.1% relative to FFF and 70.6% relative to IM for a specified unit product. Even with varied transportation and materials, FGF is a lower CO2-equivalent emitting method. Utilizing FGF with waste plastic as a manufacturing method could reduce emissions and divert plastic from landfills and the environment, thereby contributing to a circular plastic economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study on the establishment and the capitalization of a remontant red raspberry crop, the Polka variety, on a privately agricultural land area of 0.2 ha in a crop with a support system in V using a geotextile membrane for soil mulching and the method of micro-irrigation by drip. It has been shown that the annual gross profit is advantageous for diversifying the population incomes of rural areas, and the red raspberry is economically profitable regarding cultivation because the recovery of the invested sum is achieved in a maximum of 5 years after the establishment of the culture. The aim of this paper is to explore the growth and commercialization of red raspberry cultivation on privately owned arable land in rural Romania, emphasizing its potential for productivity and sustainability in the context of the circular economy. This initiative not only delivers substantial profits for investors but also fosters rural development and boosts local income levels. The study demonstrates that this cultivation method of red raspberry, aligned with the principles of the circular economy, enhances sustainability by reducing waste, optimizing resource use, and involving local communities in production cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Iran, water scarcity is increasing due to the rapid growth in economy and population, but also due to waste and overuse. Marginal water resources (unutilized water of lower quality) can provide important options to augment water supply or replace freshwater use. In this way, they can reconcile the seemingly opposing views of water development and water management. Encouraging reuse and circulation of marginal water can enhance water availability and conserve freshwater. This paper analyses water reuse options and policies in Iran. It explains policy constraints based on the type of water for reuse and compares the water reuse policies in Iran to regional experiences. Such a contextualization of Iran's policies from a regional perspective provides opportunities for mutual learning and lessons for policy reforms. For Iran, there is a need for investments and comprehensive reuse policies. New water sources need to be appropriately identified, treated, delivered and accepted by endusers and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utility of brewery spent grain (BSG), a byproduct of the beer production process, for the synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), is a significant advancement towards sustainable and cost-effective biopolymer production. This paper reviews the upcycling potential of BSG as a substrate for PHA production, utilizing various biotechnological approaches to convert this abundant waste material into high-value biodegradable polymers. Through a comprehensive review of recent studies, we highlight the biochemical composition of BSG and its suitability for microbial fermentation processes. This research delves into different methodologies for PHA production from BSG, including the use of mixed microbial cultures (MMCs) for the synthesis of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), a critical precursor in PHA production, and solid-state fermentation (SSF) techniques. We also examine the optimization of process parameters such as pH, temperature, and microbial concentration through the application of the Doehlert design, revealing the intricate relationships between these factors and their impact on VFA profiles and PHA yields. Additionally, this paper discusses challenges and future perspectives for enhancing the efficiency and economic viability of PHA production from BSG. By harnessing the untapped potential of BSG, this research contributes to the development of a circular economy model, emphasizing waste valorization and the creation of sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Food supply chain resilience is a critical aspect in ensuring the continuous and reliable flow of food, particularly in the face of disruptions. This study aims to address specific gaps in the existing literature by conducting a bibliometric analysis. The primary objective is to identify key areas of concern and lacunae related to disruptions and resilience within the food supply chain. The study also strives to contribute to the field by developing a comprehensive framework that evaluates the factors influencing resilience. Furthermore, the research intends to propose effective strategies for mitigating and recovering from disruptions, emphasizing the urgency of these measures in light of identified gaps in the current body of literature. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve these objectives, the authors extracted the most relevant papers from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases. The analysis parameters included a comprehensive review of current food supply chain practices and an exploration of trending research topics, such as sustainability, adaptability, circular economy and agility. Notably, the study recognized the pervasive impact of COVID-19 on food supply chain disruptions, with a high occurrence in the literature. Using advanced analytics tools like VOSviewer and Biblioshiny, the research delved into the role of modern technologies, including Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and blockchain in addressing disruptions and enhancing resilience. Findings: The research reveals a significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food supply chain disruptions, underscoring the critical need for strategies to bolster resilience. Notably, the study identifies the pivotal role of modern technologies (Industry 4.0, IoT, AI, ML and blockchain) in mitigating disruptions and enhancing resilience in the food supply chain. The bibliometric analysis conducted through VOSviewer and Biblioshiny provides valuable insights into research trends and focal areas within the literature. Practical implications: The observed importance of Industry 4.0, IoT, AI, ML and blockchain implies a practical need for integrating these technologies into food supply chain operations. Moreover, the paper discusses strategies for reducing the impact caused by disruptions, providing practical guidance for resilience planning in food supply chains. Researchers can leverage the findings to direct future efforts toward areas with identified gaps and opportunities, fostering advancements in the field and offering practical insights for real-world applications. Originality/value: By amalgamating insights from bibliometric analysis and the developed framework, this study contributes to a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities in fortifying the resilience of the food supply chain. The identified factors and strategies offer valuable insights for researchers and practitioners seeking to address disruptions in food supply chains. The study's unique contribution lies in bridging theoretical perspectives with practical applications, enhancing the relevance of business-to-business/industrial supply chain theories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uptake of a circular economy (CE) in the building sector is challenging, primarily due to the complexity associated with the design process and the dynamic interaction among architects, engineers, and construction (AEC) stakeholders. The standard and typical design process and construction methods raise concerns about building life cycles. Buildings should not only fulfill current needs, but one also needs to consider how they will function in the future and throughout their lifetime. To address these complexities, early planning is required to guide designers in holistically applying systems thinking to deliver CE outcomes. This paper outlines a critical review of CE implementation in buildings, with a proposed trifecta of approaches that significantly contribute to the development of circular buildings (CBs). The findings outline a proposed visualized framework with a conceptual formula that integrates CE design strategies to simplify and enhance AEC stakeholders' perception of the circularity sequence in buildings. By strategically integrating loop-based strategies with the value retention process (VRP) and design for X (DFX) strategies, along with efficient assessment tools and technologies, it becomes feasible to embrace a CE during the design phase. The outcome of this review informs AEC stakeholders to systematically and strategically integrate the critical dimensions of a CE throughout the building life cycle, striking a balance between environmental concern, economic value, and future needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing concern over environmental sustainability has prompted various industries to reassess their practices and explore greener alternatives. Dentistry, as a significant contributor to waste generation, is actively seeking methods to minimize its environmental footprint. This paper examines the environmental implications of clear aligner therapy (CAT) in orthodontics and explores strategies to prioritize sustainability in aligner manufacturing and usage. CAT has gained popularity as a viable alternative to traditional fixed appliances due to advancements in biomaterials and computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) technologies. The global market for clear aligners is expanding rapidly, with significant growth projected in the coming years. To address these challenges, this paper proposes adopting the principles of reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink (4Rs) in orthodontic practices. Strategies such as minimizing resource consumption, incorporating recycled materials, and promoting proper aligner disposal and recycling can significantly reduce environmental harm. This paper explores emerging technologies and materials to mitigate the environmental impacts of CAT. Additionally, initiatives promoting aligner recycling and repurposing offer promising avenues for reducing plastic waste and fostering a circular economy. In conclusion, while CAT offers numerous benefits in orthodontic treatment, its environmental impact cannot be overlooked. By implementing sustainable practices and embracing innovative solutions, the orthodontic community can contribute to a more environmentally conscious future while continuing to provide quality care to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces an innovative model for the organization and management of municipal bio-waste collection networks in major cities, particularly relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Embracing circular economy principles and sustainable city practices, the proposed model addresses the urgent need for sustainable urban bio-waste management systems. Delving into the dynamic urban landscape, with a focus on the city of Athens, the study highlights the necessity of a robust decision-making methodology, the implementation of resilient processes, and the evaluation of their efficacy, especially during challenging times. The model centers on the effective collection, transportation, and monitoring of bio-waste, with a strategic aim to moderate environmental impacts, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and advance sustainable development goals. Utilizing the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method, this paper thoroughly examines critical components of an innovative bio-waste collection network, including infrastructure, technology, and human resources. By merging best practices from global urban centers and accounting for the unique characteristics of Athens, the model envisions a transition toward a circular economy. Notably, the proposed municipal bio-waste collection network at the source anticipates substantial contributions to achieving Sustainable Development Goals in major cities. The study concludes by showcasing the successful application of these methodologies in the Municipality of Athens, providing tangible evidence of their positive impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind turbine blades are primarily composed of fiberglass composite, posing a significant recycling challenge for the wind energy industry. This paper introduces a novel recycling approach by comprehensively analyzing the pozzolanic reactivity of recycled powder as a new supplementary cementitious material (SCM). A systematic characterization using laboratory techniques is first described, establishing both the chemical and morphological properties of the powder and suggesting that the material was likely to be capable of acting as a pozzolan. The effects of thermal and mechanical processing on the reactivity characteristics of the material were elucidated using a suite of analytical and standardized characterization approaches. It was found that through heat treatment to remove impinging resin and subsequent mechanical processing to synthesize a fine powder, the reactivity of the material could be improved to an extent at which the performance characteristics of a conventional class F fly ash were closely matched. For instance, mortar containing 10% of thermally-mechanically processed powder achieves 95% of the 28-day strength of cement mortar. This paper opens the door for both the use of these materials to bolster dwindling supplies of supplementary cementitious materials, and to provide a much-needed reprocessing route for waste fiberglass which are otherwise highly challenging to dispose of cost-effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to define the challenges and requirements necessary for the holistic management of wind turbine blades at the end of their service (EoS). Conducted within the Swedish research project Circublade, this study focuses on Sweden, although many challenges and findings are applicable to other countries. Various alternatives for managing EoS wind turbine blades exist at different levels of market maturity, but this paper specifically focuses on repurposing the blades into new products. The development of three concept designs—short-span pedestrian bridges, façade elements for building applications, and noise barriers for roads and railways—has been explored, along with aspects related to material sourcing, logistics, and implementation. For material sourcing, a digital platform containing blade data and tools to facilitate repurposing has been developed. An environmental evaluation of the different concepts highlights the significant impact of transportation on the overall environmental footprint, underscoring the necessity of a holistic approach to managing EoS blades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recycled paper and board industry needs to improve the quality of their products to meet customer demands. The refining process and strength additives are commonly used to increase mechanical properties. Interfiber bonding can also be improved using cellulose nanofibers (CNF). A circular economy approach in the industrial implementation of CNF can be addressed through the in situ production of CNF using side cellulose streams of the process as raw material, avoiding transportation costs and reducing industrial wastes. Furthermore, CNF fit for use can be produced for specific industrial applications.This study evaluates the feasibility of using two types of recycled fibers, simulating the broke streams of two paper machines producing newsprint and liner for cartonboard, to produce in situ CNF for direct application on the original pulps, old newsprint (ONP), and old corrugated container (OCC), and to reinforce the final products. The CNF were obtained by 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation and homogenization at 600 bar. Handsheets were prepared with disintegrated recycled pulp and different amounts of CNF using a conventional three-component retention system. Results show that 3 wt.% of CNF produced with 10 mmol of NaClO per gram of dry pulp improve tensile index of ONP ~30%. For OCC, the same treatment and CNF dose increase tensile index above 60%. In both cases, CNF cause a deterioration of drainage, but this effect is effectively counteracted by optimising the retention system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a great demand for human–machine interfaces (HMIs) in emerging electronics applications. However, commercially available plastic-based HMIs are primarily rigid, application-specific, and hard to recycle and dispose of due to their non-biodegradability. This results in electronic and plastic waste, potentially damaging the environment by ending up in landfills and water resources. This work presents a green, capacitive pressure-sensitive (CPS), touch sensor-based keypad as a disposable, wireless, and intelligent HMI to mitigate these problems. The CPS touch keypads were fabricated through a facile green fabrication process by direct writing of graphite-on-paper, using readily available materials such as paper and pencils, etc. The interdigitated capacitive (IDC) touch sensors were optimized by analyzing the number of electrode fingers, dimensions, and spacing between the electrode fingers. The CPS touch keypad was customized to wirelessly control a robotic arm's movements based on the touch input. A low-pressure touch allows slow-speed robotic arm movement for precision movements, and a high-pressure touch allows high-speed robotic arm movement to cover the large movements quickly. The green CPS touch keypad, as a disposable wireless HMI, has the potential to enforce a circular economy by mitigating electronic and plastic waste, which supports the vision of a sustainable and green world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]