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Abstract: In view of the rapid depletion of natural resources and the associated overloading of the biological ecosystem, the concept of circular business models (CBMs) is increasingly discussed in the literature as well as in business practice. CBMs have the potential to significantly reduce the demand for natural resources. Despite their increasing relevance, the diffusion of CBMs in business practice is largely unexplored. Consequently, this article investigates the extent to which CBMs have already been adopted by large German companies. To answer this question, the annual and sustainability reports of the members of the DAX40 are analyzed for the presence of five specific types of CBMs. Data was gathered for the years 2015 and 2020 in order to describe the development over time. The results show an increasing prevalence of CBMs in the DAX companies. In addition, it is noticeable that CBM types that serve to close material cycles are implemented more frequently than those that decelerate material cycles. In particular Sharing Platforms and Product as a Service stand out due to comparatively low adoption. Potential reasons for these findings are discussed and managerial as well as policy implications suggested. PubDate: 2023-05-26
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Abstract: While the conceptual underpinnings of the circular economy (CE) date back to the 1970s, the concept has recently become a major discourse in contemporary sustainability debates. The idea of CE, as it is now understood, is thus rather new and remains in conceptual development. Moreover, it is a contested concept with many different circular visions competing in the discursive sphere. Many researchers have evidenced that dominant CE propositions focus on technocentric solutions and do not address crucial social, political, and ecological implications. This opinion paper seeks to help address this gap by going to the root of the CE metaphor and asking: What do circles, cycles, and flows mean for an economy and a society' To answer this question, this article unpacks the idea of cycles, loops, and flows by analysing what socio-ecological cycles are most relevant for sustainability and circularity. It thus finds a set of seven cycles that are key to better understanding CE and its relation to human and planetary well-being (biogeochemical, ecosystem, resource, power, wealth, knowledge, and care cycles). This article then analyses how and whether dominant CE discourses currently address these cycles. This paper proposes the idea of a circular society as an umbrella concept that can help us better address the critical ecological, social, and political implications of a circularity transition. Moreover, this article develops a set of interrelated strategies to operationalise the circular society concept. This paper thus hopes to contribute to expanding the imaginary regarding the concept of circularity that can help the cross-pollination of ideas, solutions, and approaches to face the manyfold socio-ecological challenges of the twenty-first century. PubDate: 2023-05-25
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Abstract: Recycling is an essential part of circular economy. This research constructs a two-stage waste generation and recycling activity model, selecting Japan as a case study object to explore its recycling efficiencies through this model. Japan’s regional recycling efficiency is assessed in two stages: waste collection as stage 1 and the treatment and process of the recycling waste as stage 2. We adopt a network data envelopment analysis (DEA) model by Tone and Tsutsui (2009) to measure the recycling efficiencies of 47 administrative regions in Japan, taking in account multiple inputs and outputs from 2013 to 2017. The empirical results indicate that the efficiency of stage one (waste collection) performs worse than that of stage two (treatment and process of recyclables). The metropolitan regions consistently outperform the rural regions, because the metropolitan regions perform better in stage one (waste collection). Local governments should improve the waste collection by co-working with local communities and volunteer groups. All regions perform relatively more efficiently in stage 2 (waste processing). PubDate: 2023-05-20
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Abstract: Industrial development poses significant challenges to water resource management, both in terms of quality and quantity. In response to these challenges, the concept of sustainable water use has been proposed as a means of addressing these issues. However, this concept is not yet widely adopted in developing countries, particularly in Kazakhstan. This paper examines the extent to which water use is sustainable on the example of the oil refinery sector in Kazakhstan. The investigation revealed a two-fold problem: the discharge of contaminated wastewater into the environment, which poses a risk of contamination transport, and the irrational use of water within the refinery. These issues are rooted in low water fees, low penalties for pollution and the gaps in legislation that allow for high maximum allowable concentrations of pollutants in discharges. As a result, toxic contaminants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons, are present in high concentrations exceeding permissible limits in groundwater up to 6 km away from the point of wastewater discharge. Based on the findings of the environmental impact assessments carried out in the sector, the authors propose a response that involves revising and implementing suitable legislative standards with requirements for transparent practices for environmental impact assessment and new efficient environmental monitoring programs to prevent water pollution. These measures have been adopted in the new Ecological Code and require proper control to ensure their effective implementation. However, the perspective of implementing efficient water-saving techniques and water integration is not yet widely visible and needs to be considered in order to achieve the sustainable water use in the industry. PubDate: 2023-05-17
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Abstract: Current political and social developments in the sustainable use of limited natural resources are leading to new challenges and requirements which need to be mastered by industrial companies. The Digital Product Passport is considered a core element in achieving an ecological transformation of the economy toward a circular economy. However, due to its product-centric approach, it cannot be ideally applied by all companies in the circular economy, which also includes service provider and companies without product manufacturing. In addition, the Digital Product Passport, with its lack of process focus, does not provide an adequate tool for the necessary continuous improvement of processes aiming at the reduction of a company’s environmental impact. These weaknesses of the Digital Product Passport need to be addressed. In this paper, we thus introduce the Digital Process Passport for the first time, which resolves these weaknesses through its process-centric approach. We analyse the political and industrial environment in which the Digital Process Passport will be employed and the requirements for its real-life application arising from politics and industry. PubDate: 2023-05-16
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Abstract: Solid waste increase is inevitable globally due to anthropogenic activities. This adds burden to waste management systems in developing countries including Zimbabwe. Currently, life cycle assessment (LCA) model is used to achieve sustainability and circular economy (CE) in solid waste management. Therefore, the main goal of this paper was to unearth LCA model applicability in solid waste management in Zimbabwe. Data sources were retrieved from databases like Scopus, ScienceDirect and Springer, although government documents were also used. In Zimbabwe, organic and inorganic solid waste is generated from various sources, namely industries, institutions and households. Solid waste management in Zimbabwe is based on traditional linear approach where waste is collected and disposed through landfilling, burning, incineration, burying, open pits or illegally. Most disposal approaches occupy base of waste management pyramid, hence posing detrimental impacts to human health, terrestrial, aquatic and atmospheric ecosystems. Management approaches are far from Agenda 21, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Zimbabwe Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 demands. Literature revealed that LCA model can be utilised to achieve sustainable solid waste management in countries like Zimbabwe. LCA model is essential in management of solid waste in Zimbabwe, since it assists decision makers in selecting management approaches with less environmental health impacts. Moreover, LCA enables application of waste material reuse, recycle, repairing and recovery, thus narrowing the gap to achieve CE and economic growth in Zimbabwe. Owing to LCA model implementation of waste management legislation and policies which support energy recovery and circular economy became easier in Zimbabwe. PubDate: 2023-05-13
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Abstract: Resale-based circular business models (CBMs) hold immense potential to contribute towards sustainability in fashion retail. To significantly impact triple bottom line (TBL) sustainability, these fashion CBMs need to be scalable. This paper investigates the challenges for scaling resale-based fashion from a TBL perspective, as well as the strategic resources required to solve these. Based on 15 semi-structured interviews, six key scalability challenges and six main strategic resources are identified. Findings show that even though challenges are mostly referred to in economic terms, environmental and social challenges are also present. The difference is that those challenges are less visible, partly due to the lack of clear and standardised tools and definitions to interpret scale. Lessons from the study can be insightful for practitioners in reflecting on the scalability potential of their CBMs from a TBL perspective and understanding what resources to make use of or develop. PubDate: 2023-05-10
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Abstract: ESG ratings aim at improving the socioeconomic standards of workers as well as the governance and environmental footprint of companies. These three factors are interconnected, meaning an improvement in one of them leads to an improvement in all of them. This study introduces ESG ratings, discusses their implementation in developed countries (the USA and Singapore), discusses their implementation in developing countries (China), and finally highlights the relationship that exists between green innovation and ESG ratings. This paper demonstrates that the transparency provided by ESG ratings has led to stable growth in the financial sector of companies, which can be seen from the stock valuations of companies in both the USA and China. Furthermore, ESG ratings can be seen influencing the level of environmental sustainability provided by companies, with an increase in the green innovation sector as evidenced by an increase in the number of green patents and green tech startups in these countries. However, several hurdles face ESG ratings and threaten its effects, such as “green washing,” and the lack of regulations and transparency in developing countries specifically. This paper mostly focuses on the environmental criteria of the ESG rating, explaining how countries are encouraging green innovations and investments in companies that are going green, which can be through seeking energy efficiency, investment in renewable energy, and reducing carbon footprint. PubDate: 2023-04-18
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Abstract: Traditional linear economic models have long since proven their unsustainability in our finite world. Consequently, recent years have seen a steady increase in calls for a transition to circularity. The implementation of the circular economy (CE) in production and consumption practices should allow for growth while preventing irreversible damage to the environment. However, in some sectors, this process hides drawbacks that, if not properly addressed, risk giving rise to problem displacement situations. Waste management is emblematic in this respect. While North–South trade in discarded goods and materials has the potential to powerfully drive a desirable paradigm shift, it also represents a major environmental threat to importing countries in the developing world. Against this background, this paper analyses the current state of affairs at a global level, through a literature review on the subject. It first frames the CE concept and subsequently examines the pros and cons of international waste trade, focusing on second-hand clothing, electronic waste, and plastics. A case study on China’s recent waste import ban shows the repercussions of unrestricted waste imports and reflects on the future of the CE, both in the waste industry and more broadly. PubDate: 2023-03-31
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Abstract: The onset of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a major crisis that has severely impacted numerous economic, environmental, and social aspects of human life. During the pandemic, the potential of the circular economy (CE) has gained increasing attention as a prospective remedy for numerous sustainability problems. This systematic literature review charts CE research in the COVID-19 era. To this end, 160 journal articles were selected from the Scopus database. The performance indicators of the literature were determined and described through a bibliometric analysis. Moreover, the conceptual structure of CE research was identified via a keyword co-occurrence network. Based on bibliographic coupling, the focus of CE research in the COVID-19 era revolves mainly around five thematic areas, including: (1) waste management; (2) digitalization and sustainable supply chain management; (3) the impact of COVID-19 on food systems; (4) sustainable development goals, smart cities, and bioeconomy; and (5) closed-loop supply chains. Overall, this review contributes to enriching the literature by determining the main thematic areas and future research directions that can help to advance the transition to the CE and reduce the impact of COVID-19 and similar disasters in the future. PubDate: 2023-03-27
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Abstract: With environment becoming deteriorated, packaging industry is expected to take the circular economy (CE) approach through packaging design which is estimated to effect up to 80% of environmental sustainability impacts. This research aims to investigate the practical design guidance and considerations throughout the design process for developing CE-oriented packaging design solutions. Qualitative methods including interviews, workshops and secondary data were adopted to explore the circular packaging design practices which have been proven effective from 9 internationally leading firms. A ‘Design for Circular Packaging (DfCP)’ framework for packaging industry has been developed to guide firms and designers to create effective circular packaging design solutions. Major considerations in the CE packaging concepts, material selection, design process and manufacture are also addressed. PubDate: 2023-03-27
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Abstract: Plastic makes our society more practical and safer. It is hard to consider eliminating plastic in some sectors, such as the medical field. However, after use, plastic waste becomes a global problem without precedents, and when not properly disposed of, it can cause several socio-environmental problems. Some possible solutions are recycling, the circular economy, proper waste management, and consumer awareness. Consumers play a crucial role in preventing problems caused by plastic. In this work, consumer awareness of plastic is discussed according to the point of view of the research areas—environmental science, engineering, and materials science—based on the analysis of the main authors’ keywords obtained in a literature search in the Scopus database. Bibliometrix analyzed the Scopus search results. The results showed that each area presents different concerns and priorities. The current scenario, including the main hotspots, trends, emerging topics, and deficiencies, was obtained. On the contrary, the concerns from the literature and those of the daily lives of consumers do not seem to fit in, which creates a gap. By reducing this gap, the distance between consumers awareness and their behavior will be smaller. PubDate: 2023-03-25
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Abstract: The literature on circular economy (CE) is growing significantly. Although the concept emerged in the 1970s, it is only very recently that it has gained interest in the scientific community. However, little is known about its genealogy, how the international community was formed, and how concepts were approached and developed by mobilizing different theoretical approaches, especially in humanities and social sciences. This study fills this gap by shedding light on the recent developments in the field from a regional perspective. We used computer-assisted methods (natural language processing, topic modeling, geoparsing, scientometrics, and computational linguistics) on textual data to capture the field’s framework evolution, highlight main topics, identify key drivers, map the geography of knowledge production, and scrutinize the numerous types of the spatial proximities waved between its actors. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to trace the geographic genealogy of CE using large-scale textual data to produce in-depth knowledge regarding the spatiotemporal genesis of the field by unpacking how closed-loop systems are analyzed across regions, worldwide. PubDate: 2023-03-20
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Abstract: The traditional linear economy increasingly threatens natural systems, leading to the unprecedented degradation of global biodiversity. This endangers the functioning of economies and threatens the welfare of human societies. The circular economy (CE) offers an opportunity to decouple virgin resource consumption from economic growth, avoiding resource overexploitation and waste generation, consequently preventing biodiversity degradation. In this context, industrial symbiosis (IS) creates an approach for facilitating the repurposing of waste materials and by-products as input materials, promoting the cross-sectoral exchange of resources and further enhancing sustainable development. Here, we compile existing CE indicators and examine whether they are related to biodiversity. We then synthesise knowledge from previous academic studies to develop cases focusing on key human needs (food, water, energy, infrastructure). Using these cases, we demonstrate a potential relationship between biodiversity and the CE from an IS perspective, highlighting how circular practices impact the direct drivers of biodiversity loss. We conclude that quantifying the consequences on biodiversity of adapting CE approaches remains limited yet offers an opportunity to protect biodiversity. Finally, we argue that further research on the biodiversity impact of circular practices across all pillars of the CE and all actors guiding a shift in economic paradigms is required to promote the systemic consideration of resources and materials and direct an economic transition. This can potentially help towards halting biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution—also known as the triple planetary crisis. PubDate: 2023-03-18 DOI: 10.1007/s43615-023-00259-0
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Abstract: The value proposition (VP) is the core element that makes any business model viable. This also applies to circular business models that promote slower consumption cycles and longer active product longevity. However, specific guidelines, strategies and recommendations for designing VPs that can prolong the product lifetime are lacking. Moreover, there is a need for strategies that have proven to work in practice, as research shows several examples of products with new circular VPs that are rejected by the customer when they are implemented. This study explores how 17 best practice companies approached the longevity challenge to create long-term VPs, based on framing and reframing theory from innovation literature. The study results in seven reframing strategies that suggest alternative ways to approach the design of VPs that promote product longevity. Hence, the study contributes with some much-needed input regarding practical and applicable strategies to create superior or unique customer experience that prolong product lifetimes. PubDate: 2023-03-16 DOI: 10.1007/s43615-022-00244-z
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Abstract: Environmental benefits of circular economy (CE) measures, such as waste reduction, need to be weighed against the urgent need to reduce CO2 emissions to zero, in line with the Paris Agreement climate goals of 1.5–2 °C. Several studies have quantified CO2 emissions associated with CE measures in the construction sector in different EU countries, with the literature’s focus ranging from bricks and insulation products, to individual buildings, to the entire construction sector. We find that there is a lack of synthesis and comparison of such studies to each other and to the EU CO2 emission reduction targets, showing a need for estimating the EU-wide mitigation potential of CE strategies. To evaluate the contribution that CE strategies can make to reducing the EU’s emissions, we scale up the CO2 emission estimates from the existing studies to the EU level and compare them to each other, from both construction-element and sector-wide perspectives. Our analysis shows that average CO2 savings from sector-wide estimates (mean 39.28 Mt CO2 eq./year) slightly exceeded construction-element savings (mean 25.06 Mt CO2 eq./year). We also find that a conservative estimate of 234 Mt CO2 eq./year in combined emission savings from CE strategies targeting construction elements can significantly contribute towards managing the EU’s remaining carbon budget. While this is a significant mitigation potential, our analysis suggests caution as to how the performance and trade-offs of CE strategies are evaluated, in relation to wider sustainability concerns beyond material and waste considerations. PubDate: 2023-03-09 DOI: 10.1007/s43615-023-00257-2
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Abstract: Circular economy aspires to achieve environmental quality by minimizing resource input and waste, emissions, and energy leakage by which the environmental impact of any of these activities is equivalent to its carbon footprint production. To combat climate change, an immediate task that depends on the promise of a single alternative would be extremely dangerous. Instead, a variety of options are needed, including changing the composition of demand (using less energy), structural changes in the composition of the economy (dirty vs cleaner sectors and products, and different input mixes in production), low-carbon transportation, more energy-efficient technologies, and low-carbon (particularly renewable) energy sources. This study aims to address means of promoting energy efficiency implemented within socio-economic sectors: electricity and power, buildings, and logistics and transportation along with their carbon footprint impact. Starting from illustrating the notion of carbon footprint and ways of estimation, strategies for lowering carbon footprint are discussed. Moreover, this paper demonstrates three case studies of energy efficiency and reduction of carbon footprint. The first highlighted the effectiveness of employing geothermal renewable resources via analyzing the system to determine which of the cooling tower or shallow aquifer cooling is more efficient, to be implemented in the system. The second case examined and optimized a cogeneration system to achieve the optimum configuration as well as maximum energy efficiency. The third study investigated an option to decarbonize heavy-duty transport via fuel cell electric vehicles in Switzerland. Last but not least, to enhance economic development by enhancing energy efficiency and low-carbon approaches, carbon pricing should be on the top of climate policy makers’ objectives to promote and implement. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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Abstract: An increasing number of firms are aiming to implement closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) management to contribute to a more circular economy. However, for many of these firms, it is difficult to translate this strategic aim into fruitful operational decisions. They need to address many deep uncertainties and dynamic complexities in their supply chain system, which make their transition towards CLSC management challenging. This article aims to develop a better understanding of how supply chain actors taking steps towards CLSC management could be supported to reach higher levels of maturity in dealing with deep uncertainty and dynamic complexity. This is investigated in a single, facilitated, embedded case study: a future-oriented decision-making process regarding the use of timber with four real-world actors in the construction industry. The process is structured and supported with analyses, following a methodology based on the capability maturity approach. In this empirical context, the selected approach is shown to have positive effects on clarifying the potential impact of transitions to CLSC management. Furthermore, it stimulates important learning processes during the transition, and as such supports actors to achieve higher levels of maturity and to take further steps towards CLSC management. In this context, a conceptual distinction is made between ‘situational maturity’ and ‘mental maturity’, which enriches double-loop learning theory in the context of transitions. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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