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Circular Economy and Sustainability
Number of Followers: 3  Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)ISSN (Print) 2730-597X - ISSN (Online) 2730-5988 Published by Springer-Verlag  [2468 journals]
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- Manufacturing Operations Scheduling Based in a Multidimensional
Sustainable Manufacturing Index (SMIik)-
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Abstract: Abstract Many essential human needs can only be satisfied through goods and services provided by industry. The products of industry form the material basis of contemporary living standards. All nations rightly require and aspire to efficient industrial bases to satisfy changing needs (Brundtland in U N Comm 4:300 [1]). This aspiration has led nations into a race for industrialization, and this race, as well recognized by the Bruntland Report (Our Common Future, 1987), requires the permanent use of raw materials, constant increases in productivity, and generation of material goods in large quantities which have imposed a very high economic cost, as well as a heavy burden of environmental impacts (Brundtland in U N Comm 4:300 [1]). This document presents a production scheduling proposal for a manufacturing system, based on the maximization of the sustainable manufacturing index (SMIik) of each of the products to be manufactured. This model manages to develop a utility function that integrates the main dimensions that make up sustainable business development, offering a broader criterion than just economic utility as an element for making the production decision of a manufacturing system. Furthermore, it restricts this function to product demand and the capacity of the production system. In addition, it determines the existing correlation between the sustainable development (SD) dimensions, leading to the decision taken to seek a favorable correlation between them. This model makes it possible to obtain a production sequence oriented to the prioritization of those products that offer a greater contribution to business sustainability, offering, to decision-maker, a novel and synergic option to production scheduling.
PubDate: 2023-11-28
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- New for Some, Old for Others: Circular Economy Practices in Ancient Time
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Abstract: Abstract The circular economy (CE) model has recently gained considerable attention from academics and policy bodies as a key approach to tackling environmental problems. On the scholarly front, we have, in recent years, witnessed an exponential growth of publications with focus on CE practices. On the policy front, the CE model is embraced by regional, national, and supernational bodies who have instituted legislation to promote its evolution and sustention. The CE model is often depicted as a novel approach to transforming industries and societies in literature and policy circles. But is its practice novel' This perspective paper highlights some practices predating the recent popularization of the CE model by presenting historical illustrations. We argue that while the CE model is an important approach to mitigate climate change and is also gaining importance in the literature, some of the currently promoted CE principles were already in place in ancient times due to necessities emanating from resource scarcity.
PubDate: 2023-11-28
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- The ECODENT Model for Enhancing Pro-environmental Behaviors in Dentists
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Abstract: Abstract Climate change challenges people’s lives and sustainability. Environmental problems seem to derive from human behavior. Dentistry has a high ecological footprint that needs to be controlled worldwide. Thus, the behavior change of dentists is a necessary condition to improve the environmental situation. In this study, a system dynamics approach is used to analyze pro-environmental behavior in dentists. Systemic modelling and simulation allow researchers to predict how the population of non-eco-dentists will change if certain factors are affected and how much time will be needed by the system of a group of dental professionals to become eco-dentists. To this end, the ECODENT model is presented, which was developed using the Vensim software. It is based on the classic Word of Mouth (WOM) model, which simulates how the WOM influences the spread of information among colleagues and stakeholders (e.g., patients, auxiliary staff, and community). The model incorporates relevant factors such as dental income, state support, CaPex and OpEx, education hours, level of urbanization, and time to react. By changing each one of them, we can observe the changes in the groups of non-eco and eco dentists as well as the flow of the phenomenon/transition. The simulation of this model shows that by augmenting WOM parameters, state economic support, or education hours while diminishing CaPex and OpEx, changes in the pro-environmental behaviors of dentists will be reported in a shorter time. The ECODENT model can be used to further study pro-environmentalism in different dental groups and associations and design relevant eco-friendly educational programs.
PubDate: 2023-11-27
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- Aiding Circular Business Transitions in Southeast Asian Small and Medium
sized Enterprises (SMEs) Through Identifying Barriers and Enablers—a
Case Study of Thailand based SMEs-
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Abstract: Abstract The economic system has long relied on a linear model which depends on the excessive use of natural resources, putting enormous pressure on the ecosystem. In the last several decades, the demand for and extraction of resources has been further driven by a radical change in technology, continued population growth, and diversification of products and services. The linear economy proves to be an inefficient model due to the loss of materials to landfills and the under-utilization of products. In addition, unsustainable waste generation and management create additional costs and harm the environment and society. Materials consumption worldwide is estimated to increase eightfold in the twenty-first century and a triple amount of resources will be needed to meet global demand by the end of 2050 [1]. Therefore, it is becoming urgent that resource management must be improved to enhance equitable economic growth while retaining environmentally friendly practices. The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of circular economy in the contemporary setting of Asia and the need and distinctive advantages for businesses to shift to circular and more sustainable forms of production. This paper aims to highlight key barriers and enablers for Southeast Asian SMEs to transition to circular practices and provides key recommendations for the regulatory bodies and Southeast Asian SMEs. It presents key findings from literature research, online regional surveys for Thailand and Southeast Asia, and Thailand-based workshops. The paper will focus on policies; institutional, economic, and financial enablers; and information, skills, and competencies as key enablers.
PubDate: 2023-11-25
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- A Framework for Adoption of Circular Economy Practices for Performance
Improvement of Agile New Product Development-
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Abstract: Abstract Increased market competition, rising environmental awareness, and dynamic market conditions necessitate the incorporation of concepts such as circular economy during new product development. The current study focuses on the development of a framework for the adoption of circular economy practices (CEPs) during agile new product development (ANPD) for performance improvement. The Pythagorean fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (Pythagorean fuzzy AHP) was used to compute the weights of the 17 identified CEPs, and the Pythagorean fuzzy combined compromise solution (Pythagorean fuzzy CoCoSo) method was used to prioritize the 13 identified performances. The data was collected from 12 experts of Indian manufacturing industries. The industrial expert panel was asked to provide their input in the form of a pairwise comparison matrix. The analysis of the results shows that the top three CEPs are the use of eco-friendly materials, design for the 6R principle, and use of renewable energy sources, whereas the top three performance metrics are the percentage use of eco-friendly materials, recycling rate, and percentage of products designed with the 6R principle. The study contributes to researchers in theoretical augmentation, industrial practitioners in implementation, and decision makers in adoption of CEPs.
PubDate: 2023-11-23
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- Circular Economy in Construction Sector—a Guideline for Policy
Makers from Global Perspective-
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Abstract: Construction and demolition waste (CDW) comprises the major portion of solid waste and it is becoming a global concern due to rapid urbanisation. Construction and demolition waste management (CDWM) and circular economy (CE) are interconnected as both focus on waste prevention and resource conservation. However, without having an efficient CDWM system, CE establishment is not possible. Policies are the leverage for any national or local level action. Although there are policies and regulations on CDW, inadequate enforcement and challenges faced during implementation have made the policies dormant or unsuccessful. Hence, there is a dire need to understand various aspects and challenges involved in CDWM to develop effective polices. This study explains political, market, environmental, economic, social, local, and technical aspects of CDWM and how different regions are striving to implement CE. Best practices, pioneers in CE, major challenges faced during CE establishment, and how policies could be used to overcome the issues are discussed. A continuous improvement framework to establish CE in construction sector and a robust action plan to implement the framework at the regional level have been proposed in this study. This study will guide policy maker to develop policies that are inclusive, flexible, and dynamic to enable gradual circular transition. Graphical
PubDate: 2023-11-17
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- Why Small-Scale Circular Agriculture Is Central to Food Security and
Environmental Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa' The Case of Ghana-
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Abstract: Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted global food supply chains, further compounded by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These events have exacerbated food security concerns and exposed vulnerabilities in an already climate change-impacted global food system. This confluence of challenges prompts a reconsideration of the potential of small-scale circular agriculture in addressing food insecurity and promoting environmental sustainability, particularly within Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on Ghana. Moreover, exploring the role of circularity within agrifood value chains to combat food waste and loss is of paramount importance. Nevertheless, the existing sustainable agriculture literature offers limited insights into this domain. This study aims to evaluate the possibilities presented by (a) small-scale circular agriculture and (b) the integration of circular economy principles within agrifood value chains to enhance food security and environmental sustainability in Ghana. Employing ethnographic methods—comprising field observations, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions—the research assesses the ecological and economic advantages of five circular agriculture systems (mixed cropping, mixed livestock-crop farming, agroforestry, crop rotation, and cover cropping) across five communities in Ghana’s Ashanti Region. The findings demonstrate that small-scale circular agriculture contributes to a more robust and sustainable food system, benefiting both farmers and the environment. The adoption of circular practices enhances household food security, diminishes external input dependency, and fosters a self-sustaining and productive farming approach. Additionally, the study underscores the significance of collaboration and partnership among smallholder farmers, agrifood value chain participants, NGOs, and policymakers, which is essential for creating a conducive environment that reduces food loss and promotes circular agriculture adoption.
PubDate: 2023-11-13
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- Effects of Sustainable Business Networks on the Environmentally Sound
Management of Chemicals in Zimbabwe-
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Abstract: Abstract Despite the formulation of policy frameworks and awareness on hazardous chemical management, practical implementation at organisational level remains a challenge in Zimbabwe. Participation in inter-organisational networks has been shown to have a catalytic role in some contexts. Sustainable business networks such as the Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe (BCSDZ) have undertaken programmes to promote safe chemical management and chemical leasing. This research paper assesses the effects of sustainable business networks on circular economy (CE) through implementation of safe chemical management and chemical leasing programmes in Zimbabwe. The research paper is based on forty (40) companies drawn from the industrial, manufacturing and mining sectors in Zimbabwe. A total of 50% of the companies assessed were selected because they participated in the safe chemical management programme called responsible production toolkit training and chemical leasing training during the period of 2018 to 2023, whilst the other 50% selected were not participants in any chemical management initiative to provide a comparison group to enable causal inferences. The study employed direct observation of chemical management practices, interviews with key informants and content analysis. Barriers and challenges identified included high chemical intensity, higher proportion of chemical accidents, inadequate provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), lack of clear policies on chemical management, lack of adequate technical capacity on chemical management, use of foreign languages in some material safety data sheets (MSDS), incompatible chemical storage practices, lack of proper labelling of chemicals, inadequate implementation of chemical compatibility charts and inadequate documentation of successful case studies. Implementation of chemical risk assessment increased from 20 to 70% due to network participation. Chemical inventorying implementation increased from 15 to 50% amongst firms that participated in safe chemical management programmes. Chemical labelling practices increased from 55 to 85% due to increased participation in network-induced chemical management programmes. Chemical leasing implementation remained largely unchanged even with access to training. We conclude that network participation enhanced chemical management practices due to the implementation of the responsible production toolkit. However, the impact of network participation on adoption of chemical leasing is low in Zimbabwe due to external contextual factors such as policy, perception, legal and financial barriers.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
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- Developing a Sustainable Integrated Solid Waste Management Framework for
Rural Hospitals in Chirumanzu District, Zimbabwe-
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Abstract: This paper focuses on developing a sustainable integrated hospital solid waste management framework for rural hospitals in Chirumanzu district. Descriptive cross-sectional design encompassing qualitative and quantitative paradigms was used to collect data from 105 and 55 healthcare workers at STT and HC, respectively, and 9 interviewees. Questionnaires, observations, interviews, existing literature, water, and soil samples were data sources. SPSS and ME were used to analyze quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. Hospitals generated pharmaceutical, chemical, radioactive, cytotoxic, sharps, infectious, pathological, general waste, construction, demolition, and electronic waste. General waste was 77.35% at STT and 79% at HC, and hazardous waste was 22.65% at STT and 21% at HC. Sharp containers, pedal bins, buckets, plastic bags, and cardboard boxes were storage receptacles. Respondents at STT (72.4%) and HC (69.1%) demonstrated that sharp containers and pedal bins were highly used. Participants at STT (86.7%) and HC (78.2%) noted that solid waste receptacles were emptied on daily basis. Open pits, burning, dumping, incineration, and auto-way pits were disposal strategies used. Respondents at STT (44.8%) and HC (41.8%) indicated that incineration was highly used. Disposal strategies cause soil, water, and air contamination while causing ailments to people. Solid waste management improvement requires resources, raising healthcare workers awareness, technology utilization, stakeholders’ collaboration, and PPE/C. The framework assists to guide hospitals to apply recycle, reuse, and recovery which support CE. The framework enhances socio-economic development, stakeholder participation, and conformity to legal frameworks and reduces waste management cost while facilitating attainment of SDGs, AA 2063, and ZV 2030 goals. Graphical
Research Highlights This paper focuses on developing a sustainable integrated hospital solid waste management framework for rural hospitals in Chirumanzu district. Chemical, pathological, cytotoxic, radioactive, pharmaceutical, infectious, sharps and general waste, electronic, construction, and demolition solid waste are generated at STT and HC hospitals. Solid waste generated at HC hospital consists of 79% general waste and 21% hazardous waste. STT hospital produced 77.35% general waste and 22.65% hazardous waste. Waste increase was ascribed to outbreak of diseases, population increase, high use of disposable PPE/C, and discarding of outdated materials and equipment. Solid waste generated at these hospitals is stored in buckets, pedal bins, sharp containers, plastic bags, and cardboard boxes. Major storage receptacles utilized were sharp containers and pedal bins as noted by 72.4% of the respondents at STT and 69.1% at HC hospital. Hospital solid waste was separated into organic and inorganic waste, sharps and non-sharps, and infectious and non-infectious waste during storage. Infectious waste was disinfected through chlorination or autoclaving at HC and STT hospitals. Solid waste was disposed through incineration, open pits, dumping, auto-way pits, and open burning. Incineration was highly used at STT (44.8%) and HC (41.8%) hospitals. Disposal of hospital solid waste was mostly carried out on a daily basis as indicated by 86.7% at STT hospital and 78.2% at HC hospital. Disposal approaches utilized at these hospitals cause air, soil, water contamination, visual pollution, outbreak of veld fires, and affecting flora and fauna negatively. Occupational health risks associated with management of hospital solid waste encompass pricks, cuts, contacting infectious waste, inhaling noxious odors, musculoskeletal disorders, and being exposed to radiation from waste combustion. There is a need for rural hospital authority to provide adequate PPE/C to those involved in solid waste management. EHTs must carry out training focusing on enlightening health workers on aspects related to hospital solid waste management. EMA officers should carry out workshops where they inform health workers on policies, guidelines, and legislation applied in hospital solid waste management. ZMoHCC should channel enough financial resources to hospital solid waste management aspects. Collaboration of ZMoHCC and NSSA among other stakeholders in mapping out approaches to minimize occupational health risks associated with solid waste generated at rural hospitals is required. Rural district authorities must assist rural hospitals in dealing with solid waste, since rural hospitals generate solid waste with similar characteristics to urban health facilities. There is a need to uphold the use of current technology like GIS and RS in management of hospital solid waste. Application of GIS and RS facilitates determination of solid waste collection route...
PubDate: 2023-11-06
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- Resource Flow in Peri-urban Agroecosystem: an Assessment from Circular
Economy Perspective-
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Abstract: Abstract Circular economy draws attention as a macro-level sustainability approach that can pave the way for a sustainable future. Agroecosystems in city peripheries undergo a range of transformations in terms of environmental quality, cropping patterns, and practices. It is important to understand the kind of changes influencing the functioning of agroecosystems which are pertinent to strategize improvement in circularity of resource flow in terms of production, consumption, inflow, and outflow of materials. The existing literature lacks assessment of these transitional systems and comparison across rural, peri-urban, and urban agroecosystems. This study attempted to analyze the shifts of cultivation patterns from traditional to market-oriented crops and production, consumption, and outflow pattern of food resources in three different zones of a landscape located in the periphery of Bengaluru. The cultivation of Oryza Sativa and oilseed crops witnessed the highest reduction by more than 91% followed by legumes and millets and particularly Eleusine coracana (60%). While the cultivation of market-oriented crops such as vegetables, Mangifera indica, and Vitis vinifera had witnessed an increase of 55%, 56%, 122% and 200%, respectively. Furthermore, the study identifies the scope for enhancing the ecological and economic sustainability of the city periphery. The results exhibit that the intensive horticulture practices in urban and peri-urban zones lead to linear resource flow while the rural zone still has a significant production for self-consumption with traditional practice. Rural zone also shows better resource management on farm as well as in household which places the agroecosystem in a better state of circular economy. The study provides insights for policymakers and stakeholders to understand the interplay of economic, environmental, and social aspects with respect to the influence of urban development for better utilization of local resources.
PubDate: 2023-11-04
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- The Urban Circularity Assessment Framework (UCAF): a Framework for
Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning from CE Transitions in
Cities-
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Abstract: Abstract While several studies have been undertaken to understand the circular economy (CE) in cities, there needs to be a comprehensive framework acknowledging why certain decisions related to the CE have been taken. This paper proposes a framework building on literature reviews on circular cities and engagements with cities. Our research objectives are to improve how the CE is understood at the city level; and support the planning, monitoring, evaluation, and learning on the CE at the city level. Our framework locates urban CE strategies and visions, biophysical and socio-economic urban stocks and flows, and institutional arrangements within the triple bottom line concept and conceptualises how they interact. Our case studies with two cities provide insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the cities’ CE approaches. It can help identify priority interventions.
PubDate: 2023-10-31
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- Success Factors for Scaling Up and Raising Investment by Circular
Entrepreneurs in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies-
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Abstract: Abstract This paper sheds light on sustainability transitions in emerging markets and developing economies by analysing success factors for scaling up and raising investment by circular entrepreneurs with the use of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). A systemic approach is adopted including internal, external, and contextual conditions. The paper provides both a theoretical contribution, in that a conceptual model of different relevant factors is presented as well as empirical validation based on a broad range of data distilled from surveys filled in by 33 entrepreneurs supported by three international projects, i.e. two by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (Global Cleantech Innovation Programme and Private Financing Advisory Network) and one by Climate-KIC (Climate Launchpad). While three different relevant combinations of conditions have been identified for scaling up, there is no conclusive evidence of success factors for raising investment, and therefore, further conceptual and empirical work is recommended in this field.
PubDate: 2023-10-27
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- Review of Separation and Purification of Biobased Derivatives Produced
from Food Waste for Industrial Use-
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Abstract: Abstract Food loss through wastage is a serious global concern. Up to one third of global food production is lost through wastage. Though there are many technologies to convert food waste to valuable chemical intermediates, common practice remains landfilling. This leads to greenhouse gas emissions which adds to the considerable greenhouse gas emissions associated with the agriculture industry. One of the major bottlenecks to production of valuable chemical intermediates from food waste is recovery of the chemical intermediates that are produced. In this review, we begin by identifying sources of food waste. Development of economically viable processes for conversion of food waste to chemical intermediates will depend on the quality and type of food waste. Next, separation processes used to recover chemical intermediates from food waste are described. Development of technologies to derive valuable chemical intermediates will require the use of unit operations that enable the effective recovery and purification of the chemical intermediates.
PubDate: 2023-10-17
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- Pre-Treated Crude Glycerol a Valuable Green Energy Source in the Era of
Circular Bioeconomy—a Review-
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Abstract: Abstract Circular economy is a key factor in promoting sustainable development. It is an economic system that seeks to eliminate waste and create a closed-loop system where resources are kept in use for as long as possible. It helps to reduce the environmental impact of production and consumption. In addition to reducing waste and emissions, the circular economy also has the potential to create new economic opportunities. Crude glycerol is a low-value by-product of the biodiesel production process. It is a mixture of glycerol and impurities such as alcohols, fatty acids, salts, soaps, and water. Crude glycerol has potential use as a carbon source for biofuel production through bioconversion processes, but its impurities are a challenge to the process and affect the energy output. The article highlights the negative impact of impurities in crude glycerol on the bioconversion process and the various pre-treatment techniques that have been developed to remove the impurities and improve energy production. Furthermore, the energy balance for pre-treatment, green energy from crude/pre-treated glycerol towards circular economy and environmental sustainability are also discussed.
PubDate: 2023-10-12
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- Notes from the Field: Public Views on Bioplastics-Findings from Greece
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Abstract: Abstract In recent years, the growing popularity of plastic materials made from renewable biomass sources has prompted research on stakeholder views. This is because the circularity and decoupling credentials producing such materials can be substantial but also bring to the forefront pressing questions around public receptiveness and support. To this regard, primary research on public views towards this broad class of materials derived from bio-based sources remains sparse, highlighting a topic that requires further attention and examination across national terrains. In this research note, we focus on Greece and draw from semi-structured interviews with consumers and representatives of other key stakeholders to shed light on awareness, perceptions, attitudes, concerns and viewpoints on bioplastics. The preliminary findings indicate and further confirm issues that warrant the consideration of companies’ product development departments and offer insights in refining product presentation in the marketplace by informing marketing and communication activities. Likewise, these findings can feed into education or awareness-raising campaigns and programmes for the functional features, the terminology, the potential benefits and the proper disposal criteria of plastic products made from biogenic raw materials. Studies such as ours pave the way for a better understanding of how primary and secondary stakeholders perceive such bio-based interventions in the production system and shed light on evaluations, knowledge gaps and expectations affecting intentions to support relevant research-and-innovation outputs in the value chain. While we do not consider the study to be fully representative of the Greek population, insights drawn from the interviews do contribute to the body of knowledge encompassing stakeholders’ views which can inform the development of the industry.
PubDate: 2023-10-06
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- The Role of Independent Repair in a Circular and Regenerative Economy
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Abstract: Abstract The focus on the transition to a circular economy has contributed to a growing research interest in repair. This paper investigates the role of independent repair, which consists of individuals, organisations, or businesses engaged in the repair of products without formal authorisation of the brand owners of these products. Repair—and independent repair in particular—is critical in achieving a paradigm shift that is anchored in regenerative sustainability. Especially in the electrical and electronics equipment sector, independent repair is challenged by difficult or expensive access to spare parts and repair information. This paper focuses on the independent electronics repair sector in Oslo. We implemented twenty-five semi-structured interviews with repairers working in commercial independent repair shops, focusing on challenges and opportunities in independent repair. They repaired a wide variety of products: mobile phones, desktop computers, laptops, tablets, cameras, printers, e-mobility batteries, remote-controlled cars, drones, and white goods. The thematic analysis of the interviews revealed three main findings. The independent repair sector employs different business models and strategies to tackle the challenges related to accessing affordable and quality spare parts. Secondly, independent repair fills the gap between expensive authorised repair, mostly covered by warranty or insurance, and discarding a broken product. Thirdly, independent repair has contributed to a circular spare part economy, both locally and on a global level. In the discussion, we address how repair can be understood as a regenerative practice, as well as how policy and regulation of repair, both on an EU and national level, supports or undermines independent repair.
PubDate: 2023-10-04
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- Sustainable Financial Advice for SMEs
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Abstract: Abstract The financial industry can play a significant role in reaching the sustainability goals. But there is a lack of attention to the part financial advisors can or should play. By advising SMEs on sustainability, financial advisors are in the position to make a large impact. To do that, financial advisors must not only advise on creating financial value but also on social and ecological value. By advising on creating multiple value and applying integrated thinking, financial advisors can provide sustainable financial advice to SMEs. And because of the large and diverse number of financial advisors for SMEs, they can make a difference in helping SMEs to become more sustainable. This article focuses on the role financial advisors can play and the impact they can make for SMEs in their challenge to become more sustainable. By combining theory on the value of advice, multiple value creation, and integrated thinking, specifically related to the challenges of SMEs on sustainability, the result is a definition of sustainable financial advice to stimulate the debate on the specific role of financial advisors in reaching the sustainability goals worldwide. Sustainable financial advice is financial advice with integrated thinking about multiple value creation with the aim to reach the sustainability goals.
PubDate: 2023-09-30
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- Towards a Low-Carbon Plastic Waste Recycling in Finland: Evaluating the
Impacts of Improvement Measures on GHG Emissions-
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Abstract: Abstract The use of plastics in products and packaging is growing. At the same time, the lifespan of packaging is short and consequently plastic waste volumes are growing in Finland and globally. Although separate collection and recycling of plastic packaging waste exists in Finland, it needs to be strengthened to reach the European Union’s targets. The separately collected plastic waste is mechanically recycled, but the recycling capacity is small, as is the process’s yield of secondary polymers. Hence, a large share of plastic packaging waste remains being recovered for energy. In our study, we first apply material flow analysis (MFA) to identify different routes of plastic packaging waste in Finland, and then we apply life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the current system and of alternative scenarios based on improvement measures. Domestic GHG emissions of the studied system were estimated to be 178 kt CO2e. Net GHG emissions including exports and credits from avoided production were estimated to be 155 kt CO2e. The results of the scenario assessment indicate that combining more measures offer significantly greater potential to reduce the system’s climate impacts, compared to individual measures. The results are complemented by a sensitivity analysis, helping with the interpretation of the results, understanding modelling challenges, and supporting robust decision-making. The study contributes to academic literature in two ways; it presents a robust, yet flexible way to integrate scenario-based, future-oriented modelling techniques into decision-making, and it assesses the various possibilities to improve the plastic recycling system to identify the quantitative improvement potential.
PubDate: 2023-09-27
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- Envisioning the Linkages Between Consumption and Production for
Sustainability: Outcomes from Expert Workshops in Malaysia-
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Abstract: Abstract This paper describes and analyzes a workshop-based procedure to identify critical consumption and production (CP) linkages for sustainability, applied in the Klang Valley, an urban conglomeration centered in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Malaysia, targeting the year 2050. We propose a procedure combining a participatory backcasting approach, a structuralizing template, and scenario design cycles to identify critical CP linkages for sustainability. This procedure was tested in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, where resource and energy consumption is rapidly growing but scarcely studied. The workshops involved local experts from academia, industry, and government, as well as the research team, and established region-specific CP patterns, focusing on three domains, i.e., mobility, household chores, and living space. The results present key patterns for sustainable consumption and production in the Klang Valley and scenarios illustrating its implementation. Political will and strong regulatory enforcement with a particular focus on resource circulation at the end of life are identified as the dominant drivers to promote implementation.
PubDate: 2023-09-25
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- Production and Optimization of Polyhydroxybutyrate by Using Cupriavidus
necator with Banana Peels as a Substrate-
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Abstract: Plastics are widely utilized for a variety of purposes due to their versatile properties and ease of availability at low-cost price. Once disposed, it is widely recognized that they pose a significant environmental concern; as a result, it has become vital to replace petroleum-based plastics with more environmentally friendly alternatives. On the other hand, huge quantity of food waste is generated every year which could serve a source of nutrient medium for growth and metabolism of microorganisms. Therefore, the present work has been designed in order to deal both the issues (one is petroleum-based plastics and another one is food wastage) simultaneously. Cupriavidus necator MTCC 1472 was used for the production of PHB by utilizing inexpensive banana peels. Optimization of different cultural and nutritional conditions was done by one-variable-at-a-time approach (OVAT) for the enhanced production of PHB. Studies revealed that growth conditions, i.e., 72 h of incubation, pH 7, 35 °C temperature, 180 rpm agitation speed, sucrose and yeast extract as best carbon and nitrogen source respectively favored the maximum cell growth and therefore enhanced PHB accumulation. Under these optimized conditions, C. necator accumulated 8.89 g/L PHB from 12.76 g/L cell dry weight, i.e., 69% PHB of cell biomass. Chemical structure and thermal properties of obtained PHB was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. Furthermore, the degradation of the polymer was studied by the plate assay method. The PHB derived from this waste brings up new possibilities for its long-term use in the production of biopolymers that could be used in food packaging. Graphical
PubDate: 2023-09-22
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