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Detergents and disinfectants for dairy industry must meet a variety of characteristics, including low toxicity, high antibacterial activity, and excellent rinsing of pollutants from working surfaces. This work presents an innovative detergent-disinfectant agent based on whey mineralizate and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), which allows reducing production costs and ensuring high cleanliness of treated surfaces compared to analogues. For this purpose, a method for obtaining sols of Ag NPs stabilized with didecyldimethylammonium bromide (Ag NPs-DDAB) was developed and optimized using neural network algorithms. Characterization of Ag NPs-DDAB showed particles with a radius of 4.5 nm and 20 nm, stable in the pH range from 2 to 11. An acute toxicity study of Ag NPs in mice showed LD50 = 4230 μg/kg. Based on the degree of accumulation and inhalation toxicity, Ag NPs-DDAB are classified as low-hazard chemicals. The developed detergent-disinfectant had a washability of about 90%, high antimicrobial activity (0.005 mg/mL) against Penicillium roqueforti and a sanitary and hygienic effect on coliforms, general contamination and pathogenic microorganisms, a low-corrosive effect and low toxicity (315 mg/mL) to Danio rerio. It was concluded that the use of detergent-disinfectant agent will completely eliminate the consumption of water for the equipment cleaning process and can be used to clean an electrodialysis unit's circuits, enabling the utilization of secondary waste from membrane milk processing and promoting resource efficiency and cleaner production in the dairy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to adhere to sustainable standards and gain a sustained competitive edge, green marketing and cleaner production are increasingly imperative. Green marketing has grown a lot in popularity in the present market, which makes it possible to rebrand and repackage existing products. This study looks at how green marketing in Algerian industrial SMEs might help achieve sustainability through cleaner production. Data analysis was performed using Smart PLS 4 softwareV.4.1.0.8 and structural equation modeling. With a mediation effect of 47.4%—higher than the direct impact of cleaner production on sustainability—the study's conclusion is that green marketing strongly mediates the relationship between cleaner production and sustainability. This suggests that by combining green marketing with cleaner production methods, SMEs can reap significant profits. In accordance with their financial and environmental goals, SMEs can effectively incorporate cleaner production methods and green marketing with the help of the research's practical recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleaner Production has emerged as a preventive environmental strategy integrated into production systems as part of the necessary changes. Much research on Cleaner Production has been carried out worldwide. However, research that addresses the use of Industry 4.0 technologies in Cleaner Production practices is still insufficient and unclear. Based on this scenario, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to explore research trends regarding Cleaner Production using Industry 4.0 technologies. Publication data were collected from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, and the time frame was 2011 to 2023. The results presented the journals, countries, themes, and studies with the most significant impact. In this study, 112 papers on the context of Cleaner Production in Industry 4.0 and its technologies were identified. The results obtained can help scholars better understand the research development trends in Cleaner Production using tools from Industry 4.0, detect unexplored areas, and provide direction for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, some fracking fluids can enable resourceful extraction of coalbed methane and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, their toxicity or corrosiveness will cause harm to downhole workers and pollute groundwater resources. Thus, five kinds of clean composite fracturing fluids were developed in this paper by using starch solution as the matrix and adding various preparations. The change rule of methane adsorption capacity by microstructure changes of coal samples was investigated systematically, and the optimal composite fracturing fluid was determined. The results showed that the new fracturing fluid increased the degree of aromatic ring condensation by 43.3% and the average pore size by 52.1%. Also, the adsorption constants of a value decreased by 11.6% and b value decreased by 23.9%, which can remarkably reduce the methane adsorption. The experimental results provide theoretical support for the clean production of coalbed methane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Detergents and disinfectants for dairy industry must meet a variety of characteristics, including low toxicity, high antibacterial activity, and excellent rinsing of pollutants from working surfaces. This work presents an innovative detergent-disinfectant agent based on whey mineralizate and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), which allows reducing production costs and ensuring high cleanliness of treated surfaces compared to analogues. For this purpose, a method for obtaining sols of Ag NPs stabilized with didecyldimethylammonium bromide (Ag NPs-DDAB) was developed and optimized using neural network algorithms. Characterization of Ag NPs-DDAB showed particles with a radius of 4.5 nm and 20 nm, stable in the pH range from 2 to 11. An acute toxicity study of Ag NPs in mice showed LD50 = 4230 μg/kg. Based on the degree of accumulation and inhalation toxicity, Ag NPs-DDAB are classified as low-hazard chemicals. The developed detergent-disinfectant had a washability of about 90%, high antimicrobial activity (0.005 mg/mL) against Penicillium roqueforti and a sanitary and hygienic effect on coliforms, general contamination and pathogenic microorganisms, a low-corrosive effect and low toxicity (315 mg/mL) to Danio rerio. It was concluded that the use of detergent-disinfectant agent will completely eliminate the consumption of water for the equipment cleaning process and can be used to clean an electrodialysis unit’s circuits, enabling the utilization of secondary waste from membrane milk processing and promoting resource efficiency and cleaner production in the dairy industry.

Abstract Nowadays, some fracking fluids can enable resourceful extraction of coalbed methane and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, their toxicity or corrosiveness will cause harm to downhole workers and pollute groundwater resources. Thus, five kinds of clean composite fracturing fluids were developed in this paper by using starch solution as the matrix and adding various preparations. The change rule of methane adsorption capacity by microstructure changes of coal samples was investigated systematically, and the optimal composite fracturing fluid was determined. The results showed that the new fracturing fluid increased the degree of aromatic ring condensation by 43.3% and the average pore size by 52.1%. Also, the adsorption constants of a value decreased by 11.6% and b value decreased by 23.9%, which can remarkably reduce the methane adsorption. The experimental results provide theoretical support for the clean production of coalbed methane.

In the dynamic landscape of Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS), leading firms are challenged to uphold efficiency and quality in the assembly of printed circuit boards (PCB). With PCB technology rapidly advancing and becoming increasingly integral to various industries, there is a pressing demand for improved assembly techniques that can match the pace of innovation. This study tackles the essential requirement for enhanced precision and speed in the PCB assembly operations of the world's preeminent EMS provider. It addresses the challenges posed by time delays and the intricate coordination needed among component feeding, pick-and-place systems, and PCB positioning. Through the innovative combination of TRIZ methodology and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), the research presents a simulation-based strategy for streamlining assembly paths. This approach empowers engineers to determine and apply the most effective parameters, achieving a notable 29.86% reduction in assembly time. Beyond boosting operational efficiency and supporting strategic planning in PCB assembly, this optimization also makes a significant environmental contribution by reducing energy consumption. The integration of simulation, ACO, and TRIZ techniques not only establishes new efficiency benchmarks for the EMS industry but also demonstrates a commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices, aligning productivity enhancements with environmental stewardship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The draft Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) regulation mandates compliance with best available techniques (BATs) for textile manufacturers. A study in Turkish textile facilities, covering 56 units across four sub-sectors, assessed the status of 488 BATs through on-site visits and surveys. The aim was to gauge the sector's adherence to BATs. The findings revealed that 37% of surveyed BATs were fully implemented, rising to 88% when considering potential future implementations. This suggests a strong industry inclination toward adopting BATs for cleaner production and competitiveness. The study highlighted significant BAT-related investments in the textile sector, driven by environmental concerns, regulations, customer demands, resource efficiency, competition, and cost-benefit considerations. However, the study results also indicated that there is still much work to do for the implementation of some BATs. It was found that 60 BATs had lower implementation ratios (IR: 0%–3%). Lower IR values for these BATs are mainly due to factors like specificity, high costs, long payback periods, operational difficulties, limited expertise, space constraints, customer requirements, quality concerns, operational issues, and sector-specific challenges. The study recommends similar assessments in other European industrial sectors to evaluate compliance with mandatory BATs outlined in the Industrial Emissions Directive. The insights from this study on the Turkish textile sector can serve as a valuable guide for future evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, titanium dioxide production is still based on sulfuric acid process which suffers from high energy consumption, serious pollution and long process. For solves the traditional problems, cleaner production is an effective way for the high-quality development and comprehensive green transformation of sulfate titanium dioxide industry. Taking a titanium dioxide company in Panzhihua as an example, this paper expounds the exploration and practice of utilizing advanced process equipment to transform the original specific process and improve the clean production process and equipment. The company has upgraded the continuous acidolysis process, VCE (Vapor-Condense-Evaporate) crystallization process and MVR (Mechanical Vapor Recompression) concentration process for the three core sections with serious waste and energy consumption, and effectively coupled with the other original sections. Through the analysis of production operation, the new process significantly improves the comprehensive resources utilization efficiency of titanium, sulfur and iron, improves the working environment of labors, and reduces the energy consumption, the amount of three wastes and the production cost. Company in the gradual realization of cleaner production, made beneficial exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the properties of biodegradable plantable pots made from biomaterials. Specifically, rapeseed straw and cow manure biomaterials were studied here because these biomaterials add nutrients to the soil during their biodegradation and are readily available agricultural by-products. Furthermore, the use of biomaterials helps in replacing the plastic materials which are currently used to make pots and decreases the environmental impact by producing a cleaner product. The physical and mechanical properties of biocomposites pots were investigated and optimized in the present work. The effect of mixing ratio (straw: cow manure) in the composite, straw particle size, and chemical pre-treatments of straw by 1% HCl or 2% NaOH on the physical and mechanical properties of biodegradable pots was investigated. Additionally, the Taguchi method and ANOVA statistical analyses were employed for parameters optimization. The results indicated the straw to cow manure ratio exhibited a significant effect on the compression strength (CS), penetration strength (PS), and water absorption (WA) of pots. While the CS and PS of pots decreased with increasing the ratio of straw from 2 to 10% and increasing the particle size of straw from 1.5 to 3.0 mm, these changes increased the water absorption of pots (126.52–141.21% for 1.5-mm untreated straw). Chemical pre-treatments of straw investigated here resulted in decreased CS and PS of pots. The straw ratio in the straw/manure mixture is the most significant factor affecting the characteristics of biodegradable pots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important issues about textile industry is its negative environmental impacts because of the pollution produced. Herein, decolorization processes of different-colored reactive dyeing baths using eco-friendly ways; nanobubbles and enzymes, was discussed. Decolorizations were evaluated by examining the transmittance and chemical oxygen demands of the treated wastewater baths were measured. The results showed that nanobubbles could be used in decolorization while laccase and peroxidase enzymes increased the decolorization effect of nanobubbles. In addition to the decolorizing effect of nanobubbles, it was an important environmental advantage that the corresponding process provided lower chemical oxygen demand than that in the untreated wastewater. The results of the study reveal that it is possible to use nanobubble in decolorization and this technology is an important wastewater treatment technology in protecting the environment by reducing the chemical oxygen demand of wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To control the diffusion of high concentrations of coal dust during tunnel boring and minimize the threat to the life and health of coal miners, theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and field measurements were combined in this study. First, computational fluid dynamic simulation software was used to simulate the generation of dust particles and their transport pattern in the tunnel. Subsequently, an innovative orthogonal test was performed to study the effect of four ventilation parameters [the pressure airflow rate (Q), distance between the air duct center and heading face (LA), distance between the air duct center and tunnel floor (LB), and distance between the air duct center and nearest coal wall (LC)] on dust diffusion. According to the orthogonal test results, the optimal ventilation parameters for effective dust control are as follows: Q = 1400 m3/min, LA = 7 m, LB = 2.8 m, and LC = 1 m. The optimized set of ventilation parameters was applied to the Wangpo 3206 working face. The results show that dust diffusion in the tunnel was effectively controlled and that the air quality was sufficiently improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors of the article decided to verify the requirements for companies looking for sources of financing for projects that will enable them to transform the circular economy. Clarifying the requirements will allow companies to initially verify their ideas. For this purpose, an analysis was carried out of the requirements set for enterprises by committees assessing circular economy projects and allocating funds for their implementation. The analysis allowed us to identify several features that indicate whether a given project fits into the circular economy model. The article proposes a system model that can be used to prepare the company for changes towards the Green Deal (GD) by implementing the Cleaner Production (CP) strategy in the company. The implementation of a Cleaner Production strategy initiates further changes, gradually developing the company's potential towards implementing the circular economy assumptions. This solution is much cheaper than the expensive services of consulting companies and much simpler than trying to prepare a competition application on your own, the authors asked themselves a research question: can the implementation of a Cleaner Production project be an initial action supporting SMEs in obtaining external funds (domestic and foreign) intended for the implementation of circular economy solutions? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clothing industry is considered one of the most polluting industries on the planet due to the high consumption of water, energy, chemicals/dyes, and high generation of solid waste and effluents. Faced with environmental concerns, the textile ennoblement sector is the most critical of the textile production chain, especially the traditional dyeing processes. As an alternative to current problems, dyeing with supercritical CO 2 (scCO 2) has been presented as a clean and efficient process for a sustainable textile future. Supercritical fluid dyeing (SFD) has shown a growing interest due to its significant impact on environmental preservation and social, economic, and financial gains. The main SFD benefits include economy and reuse of non-adsorbed dyes; reduction of process time and energy expenditure; capture of atmospheric CO 2 (greenhouse gas); use and recycling of CO 2 in SFD; generation of carbon credits; water-free process; effluent-free process; reduction of CO 2 emission and auxiliary chemicals. Despite being still a non-scalable and evolving technology, SFD is the future of dyeing. This review presented a comprehensive overview of the environmental impacts caused by traditional processes and confronted the advantages of SFD. The SFD technique was introduced, along with its latest advances and future perspectives. Financial and environmental gains were also discussed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the evolution of soda ash production methods, highlighting the shift towards more sustainable practices. It analyzes the environmental and economic challenges of traditional methods, including high energy consumption, pollution, and waste generation. The discussion progresses chronologically, examining obsolete natural methods and their gradual replacement by more efficient techniques like the Solvay Process. However, the production of calcium chloride (CaCl2) as a byproduct in the Solvay Process necessitates further advancements. The article explores promising alternatives such as modified Solvay methods utilizing external CO2 sources and exciting new frontiers like microbial-assisted production. Additionally, it delves into methods utilizing wastes like CaO (calcium oxide) and the potential of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and cyclic CO2, even though these may generate hydrochloric acid (HCl) as a byproduct. The primary focus remains on the potential of innovative methods based on physical and biological processes to achieve enhanced efficiency, decreased environmental impact, and reduced energy and resource demands.

In the contemporary landscape of advanced manufacturing, there is an increasing demand for machining processes that excel in both quality and energy efficiency. One of the prime objectives is to excel in an era of machining practices that are environmentally conscious and economically sustainable. This research addresses this challenge by undertaking a comprehensive exploration of multi-objective optimization, specifically tailored to address the machining challenges presented by Titanium Grade 3 alloy. A robust Taguchi-Grey integrated approach was adopted with research aim to strike an optimum balance among specific cutting energy, tool wear, surface finish, and material removal rate. The impact of machining inputs i.e., feed rate, cutting speed, and depth of cut were analyzed. Best machining setting was identified using grey relational analysis. Feed rate was identified as the most influential member affecting grey relational grade having contribution ratio of 73.95%. Furthermore, surface plots and contour plots were developed for aid of machinists on job floor in selection of best cutting conditions. Harnessing the usefulness of response surface optimization, the machinability was further enhanced by 9% reduction in specific cutting energy and 7% improvement in tool wear. However, it is imperative to acknowledge the trade-offs as a result of MOO; surface roughness increases by 12%, potentially necessitating additional post-processing steps.

Environmental issues are a priority in the development of the kenaf fiber industry globally, because kenaf fiber is considered an environmentally friendly vegetable fiber when used as a raw material. This is revealed from the retting process which is the main process in processing the kenaf plant into kenaf dry fiber. The purpose of this study was to determine the green productivity index on the upstream side of the kenaf fiber agro-industry network by mapping green value stream mapping. Based on the research that has been done, it can be concluded that there are 6 alternatives to clean production, 4 of which can add value to the waste and 2 of them are routine activities of the kenaf fiber agroindustry. Then the results of the GVSM Current State mapping on energy of 12,753.6 Joules, water as much as 32,810.1l, material as much as 14,340 kg, waste as much as 14,860 kg, emissions of 1,584 kg, and biodiversity as much as 4,000 kg. After the alternative production is carried out, the results of the GVSM Future State mapping are 11,159.4 Joules of energy, 32,810.1l of water, 14,340 kg of materials, 1,584 kg of emissions, and 4,000 kg of biodiversity. There was a reduction in energy in the form of human power of 1,594.2 Joules which was replaced by the use of machines. The GPI Current State value in the kenaf fiber agroindustry is 0.000759 and the GPI Future State value obtained is 0.001234. This means that the production alternatives given affect the increase in IE value and decrease in EI value from the kenaf fiber agroindustry so that the GPI Future State value produced is getting better so that the impact on the environment in the kenaf fiber agroindustry is decreasing.

The traditional linear economic model, characterized by extraction, production, consumption, and waste disposal, has increasingly exposed its limitations, particularly in the depletion of natural resources and the acceleration of global warming, which are critical global issues. These challenges inherent in the linear economy have prompted a shift towards a circular economy. This study analyzes the opportunities and challenges for transitioning to a circular economy through green entrepreneurship among 29 environmentally friendly entrepreneurs in Togo, West Africa. The descriptive analysis of the results revealed that green entrepreneurs are mainly motivated by economic factors, such as job creation and business opportunities, which take precedence over environmental motivations. However, they face significant challenges, including a lack of access to appropriate financing and complex administrative procedures that affect their growth. It is essential to develop themselves, provide specific support by alleviating bureaucratic obstacles to access to finance, and meet economic and environmental goals from green entrepreneurship. In addition, it's important to advocate for pro-environmental behavior among the general public and to support research and development to increase understanding of the advantages of promoting environmentally friendly entrepreneurship for sustainable development while combating climate change. Mainstreaming gender into circular economy policies design and implementation for sustainable development is crucial due to the low representativeness of women in green entrepreneurship. These measures will strengthen Togo's economic resilience while enabling the transition to a circular economy, thus aligning financial objectives with environmental preservation in pursuing green entrepreneurship.

• It describes a process of vacuum carbothermal reduction-directional condensation. • The obtained yields of Sn and Pb are superior to other treatment techniques. • Vacuum technology has once again proved to be a very useful method. Sn ash recycling is an industry with positive development prospects, as it provides better-protected resources, promotes sustainable development, and lays a solid foundation for future development. In this study, an innovative vacuum carbothermal reduction-directional condensation process was developed. The thermodynamic analysis results indicated that the initial reaction pressure and temperature for the carbothermal reduction of the system was 1–10 Pa and 998–1063 K, respectively. The saturation vapor pressure, separation coefficient, and condensation temperature of Sn, Pb, and Zn in the reduced products differed significantly, and their separation could be achieved by controlling the volatilization and condensation temperatures. A single-factor experiment investigated the effects of carbon ratio, temperature, and time on the reduction efficiency, direct yield, and recovery rate. The optimal experimental conditions were the ratio of MeO to C of 4:1, temperature of 1373 K, and time of 120 min. Sn, Pb, and Zn products were obtained at different positions. This process shortens the traditional process, reduces the reduction cost of Sn, and enables the implementation of the process, making it environmentally friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The building sector is responsible for disposing vast amounts of bags contaminated with Portland cement, which is not a noble solid waste for recycling and has a significant cost and environmental impact. There are still relatively few studies establishing destinations that meet the various feasibility criteria, but the number has increased gradually in recent years. This study aimed to analyze the final destination of residual cement bags and their possible reuse, separating documents with and without indexing in the Scopus database, highlighting the identification of the type of cement bag that emits the most carbon dioxide (CO2) in its life cycle, as well as the improvement of technical and environmental performance in more than 10 new materials where cement bags were reused replacing natural resources by up to 50% and a recent diagnosis on the problem of bags contaminated with Portland cement, including systematic bibliometric information. If Portland cement continues to be transported in bags, this work presents some of the alternatives that have been proposed for a cleaner production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was aimed to determine the specific resource use and reduction potential profiles in various textile sub-sectors (cotton woven fabric dyeing-finishing, wool woven fabric dyeing-finishing, synthetic woven fabric dyeing-finishing, cotton knitted fabric, synthetic knit fabric dyeing-finishing, non-woven fabric, dyeing-finishing of knitted fabric). The main focus was to elucidate opportunities for sustainability in terms of decreasing resource utilization in the textile sector. On-site surveys and detailed data collection studies were carried out at 150 textile facilities. Average specific values for water, auxiliary chemicals, dyestuff, electricity, and steam consumptions, and related reduction potentials were calculated and compared within facilities and sub-sectors. The minimum specific resource consumption values reported in the Best Available Techniques Reference Document (BREF) for the textile industry and data of similar facilities from the literature were evaluated and used. A detailed environmental performance profile of the Turkish textile sector in terms of resource usage and reduction potential was generated. The highest specific water consumption was found in the wool-woven fabric sub-sector (345 ± 262 L/kg product). Although the specific auxiliary chemical consumption shows similarities within sub-sectors, the highest specific auxiliary chemical consumption (397 ± 237 g/kg product) was found in the synthetic woven fabric sub-sector. The sub-sector with the highest specific dyestuff consumption (30 ± 13 g/kg product) was the cotton knitted fabric sub-sector. The wool woven fabric industry had the highest specific electricity (7 ± 5.3 kWh/kg product) and steam (20 ± 11 kg steam/kg product) consumption. In addition, for all the studied sub-sectors country-wide, the lowest and highest reduction potentials in resource uses were 18 ± 15% and 73 ± 13%, respectively, suggesting a need for major full-scale implementations of cleaner production for enhancing sustainability in the textile industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy efficiency is a critical component in cleaner production, and evaluating the opportunities for saving energy could improve energy efficiency by reducing electricity consumption and increasing competitiveness. In this context, the aim of this study is to examine different scenarios that can lead to better energy efficiency in a short-cycle time flowshop, which is performed with the aid of digital manufacturing software. It has been widely acknowledged in the literature that changing the energy state of machines in short-cycle time flowshop manufacturing is impossible due to the high production volume, which requires the machines to operate full time. We used computational simulation, via digital manufacturing software, to examine the potential for improvements in energy indicators through various scenarios. The scenarios were built using energy and manufacturing data from a real system. The main contribution is in showing that, by controlling the buffers' occupation, the feeding systems of the machines and planned introduction stop. In addition, it is possible to consider new energy states for the machines and, consequently, enhance the energy, as well as the sustainability, indicators in this type of manufacturing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With respect to peak carbon and carbon neutrality, China's economic structure is developing towards low carbonization, circulation, and cleanliness. There is an urgent need to expand the scope of cleaner production audits, improve cleaner production efficiency, and promote cleaner production through regional coordination. The 14th Five-Year National Cleaner Production Implementation Plan proposed selecting 100 parks or industrial clusters to conduct an overall cleaner production audit innovation pilot. To promote the coordinated development of cleaner production areas, this study constructed a set of cleaner production index systems for industrial parks, established an evaluation model based on the binary semantic evaluation method, and selected an industrial park in central China as an audit pilot. The binary group θ 1 = (2 ,   − 0.1084) of the rating results was determined to be a cleaner production park. Based on the evaluation results, the clean production potential of the park was analyzed, and suggestions for clean production were put forward. Sixteen representative enterprises in the park were selected to build twenty-one ecological chains, providing reasonable suggestions for constructing a systematic and circular enterprise symbiosis network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil palm plantations always produce frond which becomes residue and unutilized. The frond processing through natural composting emits a significant amount of methane which is environmentally threatening. Also, traditional pyrolysis can convert it to stable biochar but still release CO2 as a greenhouse gas. For the purpose of cleaner biochar production, a two-box chamber pyrolyzer was utilized for its eminence in volatile gas recirculation to the fuel chamber. Pyrolysis of 1500 g of oil palm frond at 500 °C and holding time of 30 min succeeds to produce biochar that meets International Biochar Initiative (IBI) standards. It has a yield of 39.99% with highly porous biochar, calorific value of 22.55 MJ/kg, pyrolysis energy efficiency of 10.65%, and global warming potential of 1.351 kg-eq CO2/kg oil palm frond (53.2% lower than natural composting or 21.1% lower than traditional pyrolysis). From the economical potential aspect, biochar still can compete with other derivate products if it is processed into solid fuel in the form of briquette. Based on the properties, however, this biochar is strongly recommended for tailored soil amendment or planting medium because of its competitive selling value and no need for further processing cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the intricate relationships between Environmental Management Control Systems (EMCS), Blockchain Adoption (BCHA), Cleaner Production (CLPR), Product Efficiency (PROD), Environmental Reputation (ENRE), and Environmental Performance (ENPE) within organizational contexts in Indonesia. The study aims to shed light on the role of technology adoption, sustainability practices, and reputation management in shaping environmental outcomes. Methodologically, the research employs a quantitative approach, utilizing survey data from diverse organizations. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyzes the data and tests the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal significant positive relationships between EMCS and BCHA, EMCS and CLPR, EMCS and PROD, BCHA and CLPR, BCHA and PROD, and BCHA and ENRE. Cleaner Production demonstrates a substantial positive impact on both ENRE and ENPE. Product Efficiency influences ENRE positively. However, the direct influence of PROD on ENPE is found to be inconclusive. The study contributes to understanding sustainability dynamics by highlighting the pivotal roles of EMCS, BCHA, CLPR, and PROD in driving environmental reputation and performance within organizations. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of aligning perceived reputation with tangible environmental commitment. Limitations include potential data constraints and the challenge of establishing causality due to the study's correlational nature. Future research is encouraged to explore diverse contexts, conduct in-depth case studies, and investigate moderating variables. This research offers novel insights into the complex interplay between technology adoption, sustainability practices, reputation management, and environmental outcomes, providing valuable guidance for organizations striving to navigate the sustainability landscape in an era of heightened environmental awareness.

This paper presents a green manufacturing-recycling network design approach for multi-echelon electronic assembly process under a complex product mix scenario which incorporates trade-off between economic cost and heavy metal pollutants. The approach is developed by formulating the green manufacturing-recycling network into a closed-loop logistics bi-objective optimisation model, in order to alleviate negative environmental influence by applying proper cleaner production technologies. The environmental influence is quantified by pollution equivalent numbers which are integrated in the model. Moreover, the volume of the heavy metal pollutants is optimised by selecting the cleaner production level and thus is jointly coordinated with the operation cost. To solve the bi-objective optimisation model, an enhanced global criterion approach is presented to improve the effectiveness on dealing with non-convexity of the Pareto-optimal frontier with computational efficient solutions. The proposed model is implemented on a case study to verify its flexibility to handle the closed-loop manufacturing-recycling network design of different sizes, as well as to obtain trade-off between operation cost and environmental influence by the heavy metal pollutants under various scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Growing concern has been expressed about uranium (U) accumulation in agricultural soils caused by the long-term application of mineral fertilizers. More than 80% of naturally occurring U transfers from phosphate rock (PR), the raw material used in mineral fertilizer production, to phosphorus (P) fertilizers. These fertilizers are then distributed on agricultural soils, where the U could accumulate over time and become a risk to the environment. The objective of this work was to review the reported content of U in P fertilizers, its potential dispersion in soils, and its uptake by plants in different countries in the world as reported in the literature. The articles for this systematic review were selected from the Scopus database published between 2003 and 2022. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol were used. A total of 54 articles were assessed based on the standard inclusion and exclusion criteria. U concentrations in P fertilizers, agricultural soil dissemination, and plant uptake for available data were obtained and assessed. In order to compare a set of related data from the collected articles, box and whisker plots showing the distribution of U in P fertilizers are presented by region. The results from the reviewed articles show that the U concentrations in P fertilizer were in the range of 0.1–653 mg kg−1. Interestingly, Minjingu P fertilizers from Tanzania, which are used in six East African countries, showed the highest U concentrations (159 to 653 mg kg−1, average 390 mg kg−1). The reported U concentrations for these fertilizers are, in fact, comparable to those of conventional low-grade uranium deposits mined in Namibia and elsewhere. Additionally, approximately 96% of the reviewed articles indicate that fertilized soil has higher U concentrations than non-fertilized soils, hinting at a measurable effect of mineral fertilizer use. The review recommends U extraction during mineral fertilizer production so that potential environmental risks can be reduced and U resources that would otherwise be lost can be recovered and used to substitute conventional U mining elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current industrial and economic activities in Sindh Province, Pakistan, polluted the region's water, air, soil, and marine resources. However, there is a rising demand for eco-friendly production, and it is important to develop new policies and tools to combat environmental degradation and enhance economic development. Cleaner Production (CP) provides opportunities to address many of these issues. Employed method for this study was based on three approaches: a literature review and stakeholder mapping; a collection of data and information from key stakeholders through focal group discussions, consultative workshops, and one-on-one meetings; and analysis and synthesis of data that were gathered from different sources. The analysis of collected information provides an overview of CP strategies moving forward. Participant workshops gave in-depth information on policy implementation, technological impediments to methods that have been employed elsewhere, and needed capacity building as well as financial consequences of policy implementation. Through increasing financial resources and institutional resources, the expansion of CP will help to replace the conventional methods of waste treatment with an eco-efficiency approach to preventing pollution at the source, thus reducing the need for expensive pollution control and management costs for environmental compliance. Experiences, achievements, and implementation pitfalls from this study can provide a lesson to other developing countries to improve their economic and environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ayurveda hospitals generate biomedical wastes (BMW). However, details on composition, quantities and characteristics are very scarce, details which are important to formulate a proper waste management plan for subsequent implementation and continual improvement. Therefore, this article presents a mini review of the composition, quantities and characteristics of BMW generated from Ayurveda hospitals. Additionally, this article presents some best possible treatment and disposal procedures. Most of the information was gleaned from peer-reviewed journals, although some information was collected by the author and from grey literature available to the author; 70–99% (by wet weight) of the solid waste is non-hazardous; biodegradables contributing to 44–60% by wet weight due to more used Kizhi (medicinal bags for fomentation) and other medicinal/pharmaceutical wastes (excluding waste medicated oils, which is 12–15% of the liquid medicinal waste stream and are not readily biodegradable) largely derived from plants. The hazardous waste component includes infectious wastes, sharps, blood as pathological wastes (from Raktamoksha – bloodletting), heavy metal containing pharmaceutical wastes, chemical wastes and heavy metal rich wastes. Quantities of infectious wastes followed by sharps and blood form a major portion of hazardous wastes. Most of the infectious waste material contaminated with blood or other body fluids and sharps from Raktamoksha are very similar (appearance, moisture content and bulk density) to what is generated from hospitals practicing Western medicine. However, hospital-specific waste studies are required in future to better understand the sources, areas of generation, types, quantities and characteristics of BMW, and hence to formulate more accurate waste management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the current landscape marked by swift digital transformations and global disruptions, comprehending the intersection of digitalization and sustainable business practices is imperative. This study focuses on the food industries of China and Pakistan, aiming to explore the influence of digitalization on cleaner production. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional design, data were gathered through online surveys involving a diverse group of employees. Special attention was given to the emergent phenomenon of technostress and its subsequent implications for individuals in the workplace. Results: The findings of the study demonstrate a significant impact of digitalization on both resource mobilization and interaction quality within the surveyed food industries. Notably, technostress emerged as a mediating factor, shedding light on the psychological challenges associated with digital transitions. The study further reveals the moderating role of the COVID-19 pandemic, altering the dynamics among the variables under investigation. Discussion: From a theoretical perspective, this research contributes to the cleaner production literature by bridging it with the human-centric nuances of technological adaptation. On a practical level, the study emphasizes the importance of aligning digital strategies with resource mobilization to achieve sustainable outcomes. For the food industry and potentially beyond, the research offers a roadmap for integrating digital tools into operations, ensuring efficiency, and promoting cleaner production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steam explosion (SE) technology has been widely used to treat lignocellulosic materials for a long time. However, the investigation regarding SE applied for animal waste treatment is limited. With an increase in the demand for and consumption of meat, the annual production of various animal by-products, such as animal keratinous waste and bone waste, is also increasing in slaughterhouses. Therefore, a green method for disposing of these by-products is needed. In this article, the current SE devices, together with their characteristics and applications in wool, feather, hoof, and animal bone, are reviewed systematically. Different SE conditions result in the production of varying final products, from which keratin and other constituents (protein, lipid, or carbohydrate) can be extracted. Additionally, under proper conditions, SE can induce the liquefaction of animal wastes, such as porcine hoof shells, bovine bone, and even the whole chicken carcass. The advantages and limitations of the SE technology employed for treating animal waste were analyzed. Simultaneously, the reasons SE is used to treat animal keratin and bone wastes were also discussed. This review highlights the potential application of SE technology in efficiently liquefying animal wastes for bio-safety disposal and cleaner production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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