Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nikoletta L. Trivyza, Athanasios Rentizelas, Sarah Oswald, Stefan Siegl
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of thermal recycling of carbon fiber material waste and proposes a reverse supply chain network design for waste in the aeronautic and automotive sector. The results indicate that this circular economy pathway is economically viable in the geographical context of Europe.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
N. Sakthipriya
Summary: The contemporary world is facing challenges from increasing plastic waste due to economic and population growth. Recycling is the best solution to reduce the use of fossil fuels and move towards a circular economy. The type and hierarchy of waste provide a basis for choosing proper waste recycling policies. Pyrolysis offers a valuable way to convert plastic waste into useful products and serves as a sustainable alternative to incineration and landfilling. This study provides an overview of plastic pyrolysis technology and its role in achieving a circular economy.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Athanasios Rentizelas, Nikoletta L. Trivyza
Summary: This study proposes and optimizes a reverse supply chain design for the automotive industry, focusing on reusable components of car sharing vehicles. The results indicate that increasing the percentage of remanufactured frames minimizes both unit and overall system costs, and the reusable frame proves to be advantageous environmentally and economically.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Felix Carl Schultz, Sebastian Everding, Ingo Pies
Summary: This study examines the role of governance mechanisms in vertical and horizontal collaborations in the transition towards a circular economy, using evidence from the European polyurethane industry. Findings suggest that governance mechanisms for horizontal collaboration are more crucial for facilitating functional circular supply chains.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tu Xayachak, Nawshad Haque, Raj Parthasarathy, Sarah King, Nargessadat Emami, Deborah Lau, Biplob Kumar Pramanik
Summary: Plastic pyrolysis is a promising sustainable solution for plastic waste management, with the potential to surpass incineration and landfill in environmental benefits. The use of Artificial Intelligence can enhance understanding of the complex operational factors involved, but there is a need for further improvement in AI capacity to incorporate more variables. Future research efforts should focus on catalytic pyrolysis and monomer recovery to further advance the field.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mathilde Rosenberg Johansen, Thomas Budde Christensen, Tiffany Marilou Ramos, Kristian Syberg
Summary: Although plastic is widely used, the linear economy poses risks to human health. The circular plastic economy aims to reduce, reuse, and recycle all plastic across the value chain. Current literature focuses heavily on the end-of-life phase, neglecting other phases and highlighting challenges such as waste stream contamination and limitations on recycling and reusing plastic. Collaboration and systemic transparency are needed for a successful transition to a circular economy.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Matthew G. Davidson, Rebecca A. Furlong, Marcelle C. McManus
Summary: Research on chemical recycling of plastics has increased in the past decade, with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology playing an important role in understanding the environmental impacts. Different approaches to modeling chemical recycling processes were identified, highlighting the need for further research on other methods like gasification and depolymerization to improve data availability and LCA modeling comparisons.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Behrooz Khorshidvand, Adel Guitouni, Kannan Govindan, Hamed Soleimani
Summary: In recent years, there has been increasing attention on the design of closed-loop supply chains. This study aims to examine a multi-level, dual-channel green closed-loop supply chain that integrates circular economy principles. By determining optimal equilibrium prices, greening levels, and advertising strategies, the study finds that a collaborative approach surpasses a decentralized one regarding sustainability and profitability across the supply chain. The study also highlights the trade-offs between centralization and decentralization, as well as the importance of targeted advertising and incentivizing circular economy practices through collaboration for positive environmental and economic outcomes.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Thermodynamics
Leilei Dai, Nan Zhou, Yuancai Lv, Yanling Cheng, Yunpu Wang, Yuhuan Liu, Kirk Cobb, Paul Chen, Hanwu Lei, Roger Ruan
Summary: Pyrolysis is a promising technology to convert discarded plastics into valuable resources. However, there are challenges in controlling the product distribution, ensuring economic feasibility, and minimizing environmental impacts. This review discusses the recovery pathways of plastic pyrolysis and suggests process optimization and catalyst development for improved efficiency. It emphasizes the importance of creating a plastics' circular economy.
PROGRESS IN ENERGY AND COMBUSTION SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Harish Jeswani, Christian Krueger, Manfred Russ, Maike Horlacher, Florian Antony, Simon Hann, Adisa Azapagic
Summary: The study compares the environmental impacts of chemical recycling through pyrolysis with other plastics waste management options and virgin plastics production. Results indicate that pyrolysis has lower climate change impact and life cycle energy use, but higher other impacts compared to mechanical recycling, energy recovery, and virgin plastics production.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Thermodynamics
Onur Dogu, Matteo Pelucchi, Ruben Van de Vijver, Paul H. M. Van Steenberge, Dagmar R. D'hooge, Alberto Cuoci, Marco Mehl, Alessio Frassoldati, Tiziano Faravelli, Kevin M. Van Geem
Summary: Chemical recycling of solid plastic waste is crucial for reducing pollution, enabling circular economy. Pyrolysis and gasification technologies show promise in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but require improved understanding of chemistry and innovative reactor designs.
PROGRESS IN ENERGY AND COMBUSTION SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Berrak Erkmen, Adem Ozdogan, Ayhan Ezdesir, Gokhan Celik
Summary: Plastics are widely used in modern life but their poor waste management and inefficient recycling technologies have caused significant plastic pollution. Upcycling waste plastics through pyrolysis is considered a viable option to mitigate plastic pollution and close the circular economy gap. This study analyzed whether pyrolysis oil from waste plastics can be used as a feedstock for producing olefins, and found that it cannot be used for commercial naphtha crackers.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Henri Wiman, Jaakko Siltaloppi, Anna Leinonen
Summary: With the aim of increasing plastic recycling, this study examines the impact of various interventions in the plastic value chain on material circulation. Using a stock-flow modeling approach, the results indicate that interventions at different points in the chain are necessary for optimal outcomes. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of both supply-side and demand-side interventions in achieving circularity in plastic recycling.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Athanasios Rentizelas, Nikoletta Trivyza, Sarah Oswald, Stefan Siegl
Summary: Wind energy installations are increasing rapidly, leading to a rise in end-of-life waste from wind turbine blades. This study explores the feasibility of mechanical recycling to reuse these blades in composite material manufacturing, optimizing the required supply network design for both 2020 and 2050 in Europe. Findings suggest a semi-decentralised optimal network design with a focus on areas with higher availability of end-of-life blades to reduce system-wide costs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Niklas Netsch, Martin Simons, Alexander Feil, Hans Leibold, Frank Richter, Julia Slama, Savina Padumane Yogish, Kathrin Greiff, Dieter Stapf
Summary: The mechanical and thermochemical recycling of external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) based on expanded polystyrene (EPS) is investigated in this study to evaluate circular economy opportunities. Through a combined recycling process, high carbon recycling rates can be achieved by separating inorganic compounds and generating plastic-rich pre-concentrate. The study also reveals technology limitations and opportunities for further development and optimization.
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Athanasios Rentizelas, Nikoletta Trivyza, Sarah Oswald, Stefan Siegl
Summary: Wind energy installations are increasing rapidly, leading to a rise in end-of-life waste from wind turbine blades. This study explores the feasibility of mechanical recycling to reuse these blades in composite material manufacturing, optimizing the required supply network design for both 2020 and 2050 in Europe. Findings suggest a semi-decentralised optimal network design with a focus on areas with higher availability of end-of-life blades to reduce system-wide costs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Ifeoma Gloria Edeh, Ondrej Masek
Summary: The study examined how biochar particle size and hydrophobicity impact soil water movement and retention. Results showed that hydrophobicity increased with smaller particle sizes, leading to reduced water retention capacity. Fine biochar particles decreased hydraulic conductivity, while coarse particles increased water retention due to hydrophilic surfaces and increased intraporosity.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Soil Science
Liuwei Wang, Yong Sik Ok, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Daniel S. Alessi, Jorg Rinklebe, Ondrej Masek, Nanthi S. Bolan, Deyi Hou
Summary: Engineered biochars are widely used in environmental applications, with functions such as improving soil fertility, contaminant immobilization, wastewater treatment, and carbon sequestration. The enhancement of biochar performance through metals, minerals, layered double hydroxides, carbonaceous nanomaterials, and microorganisms is proposed. Future trends include facile synthesis methods, green material modification, new application areas, and the importance of field studies.
SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Management
Agnessa Spanellis, Igor Pyrko, Viktor Dorfler
Summary: Gamification has attracted significant interest in management studies, amplified by digital technologies and augmented reality's pervasive nature in how people work and learn socially. The affordances of gamified tools impact human relations in practice, yet the dynamics between gamification and situated learning have not been thoroughly explored. Introducing a model of gamifying situated learning in organizations can enhance community-building and networking, bridging physical distances and blending social learning into the gamified altered reality.
MANAGEMENT LEARNING
(2022)
Review
Thermodynamics
Nikoletta L. Trivyza, Athanasios Rentizelas, Gerasimos Theotokatos, Evangelos Boulougouris
Summary: The shipping sector has faced significant pressure in the past decade to improve its environmental performance, especially with the target set by the International Maritime Organisation for a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Interest in alternative fuels and sustainable ship energy systems has increased as a result. Further research is needed to adapt holistic approaches and consider safety, reliability, and social aspects of sustainability when evaluating ship energy systems.
Article
Agronomy
Paulo Nocera Alves Junior, Isotilia Costa Melo, Lie Yamanaka, Maico Roris Severino, Athanasios Rentizelas
Summary: The National School Feeding Program in Brazil aims to support the socio-economic development of smallholder farmers. However, farmers face challenges in determining which school calls to bid for and the potential benefits from their participation. This study presents a novel method based on Data Envelopment Analysis to prioritize bidding, providing decision support for farmers and promoting more informed decision-making.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wolfram Buss, Isabel Hilber, Margaret C. Graham, Ondrej Masek
Summary: The relationship between biomass feedstock, production process parameters, and the speciation of PAHs in biochar is crucial. It was found that the design of the pyrolysis unit plays a more significant role in determining the PAHs content in biochar than specific pyrolysis parameters or feedstocks.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Management
Gary T. Burke, Omid Omidvar, Agnessa Spanellis, Igor Pyrko
Summary: During the Covid-19 pandemic, citizens self-organized on a large scale to support vulnerable individuals. Through examining an online volunteering group in the UK, this study explores how citizens construct social media spaces to orchestrate helping activities during a crisis. The findings highlight the use of spatial partitioning and mapping to distribute decision-making and facilitate spontaneous connections.
ORGANIZATION STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Fragkoulis Psathas, Paraskevas N. Georgiou, Athanasios Rentizelas
Summary: When designing biomass-to-biofuel supply chains, it is important to consider the uncertainty, seasonality, and geographical dispersion of biomass. This study presents a novel methodology that optimizes the design of biofuel supply chains using a decentralized network structure. The model takes into account variable biomass yield profiles and mobile fast pyrolysis technology. The results of a case study in Scotland revealed that storage capacity plays a crucial role in expanding the operational time window of processing facilities, while relocation costs have a minor impact on transportation costs.
Article
Geography
Andrea Tuni, Athanasios Rentizelas, Grivin Chipula
Summary: Smallholder farmers in Malawi face barriers to commercialize their produce, with 'Poor farmers' group organization' and 'Lack of market knowledge and understanding' being the most significant ones. This study uses Interpretive Structural Modelling to analyze and map the causal relationships among barriers, providing insights for policymakers and stakeholders on prioritizing efforts to address these issues.
JOURNAL OF RURAL STUDIES
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jixiang Zhang, Athanasios Rentizelas, Xiaolei Zhang, Jun Li
Summary: This study proposes a novel process design for converting lignocellulosic biomass into ethanol with zero waste generation. It demonstrates the feasibility and profitability of producing ethanol while converting waste streams into high value-added by-products. The results show that co-production of by-products can significantly decrease the minimum viable sales price of ethanol and that the price of lignin has a significant impact on the profitability. Additionally, the study suggests that the proposed process can avoid water pollution through water recycling, but there is a trade-off between reduced water pollution and increased CO2 emissions when fossil fuel is used as the energy source.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jane Moore, Anjali Jayakumar, Sylvia Soldatou, Ondrej Masek, Linda A. Lawton, Christine Edwards
Summary: Climate change and eutrophication of freshwater sources are causing toxic cyanobacterial blooms in drinking water supplies. Conventional water treatment struggles to eliminate cyanobacteria and their toxins. This study presents a sustainable and scalable solution using biochar derived from waste coconut shells, which effectively removes cyanotoxins and reduces cyanobacterial cell numbers through enhanced microbial diversity and degradation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Operations Research & Management Science
Andrea Tuni, Athanasios Rentizelas
Summary: This study showcases how to assess the environmental sustainability performance of a multi-tier food supply chain made up of SMEs and decrease environmental impact through targeted green operational improvements. The method demonstrates its ability to support the improvement of supply chain environmental performance and contributes to the fields of multi-tier food green supply chain management and performance assessment.
CLEANER LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nikoletta L. Trivyza, Athanasios Rentizelas, Sarah Oswald, Stefan Siegl
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of thermal recycling of carbon fiber material waste and proposes a reverse supply chain network design for waste in the aeronautic and automotive sector. The results indicate that this circular economy pathway is economically viable in the geographical context of Europe.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Jixiang Zhang, Xiaolei Zhang, Athanasios Rentizelas, Changqing Dong, Jun Li
Summary: This study evaluates the combination of long-term strategy and medium-term strategy logistic models to reduce biofuel production cost and increase profitability. The integration of geographic information system into the logistic model minimizes the impact of uncertainty, thus improving accuracy. The findings suggest that the logistic plan with compression as a pre-treatment technology has the best profitability performance.
APPLICATIONS IN ENERGY AND COMBUSTION SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lars odegaard Bentsen, Narada Dilp Warakagoda, Roy Stenbro, Paal Engelstad
Summary: This study investigates uncertainty modeling in wind power forecasting using different parametric and non-parametric methods. Johnson's SU distribution is found to outperform Gaussian distributions in predicting wind power. This research contributes to the literature by introducing Johnson's SU distribution as a candidate for probabilistic wind forecasting.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xing Liu, Qiuchen Wang, Yunhao Wen, Long Li, Xinfang Zhang, Yi Wang
Summary: This study analyzes the characteristics of process parameters in three lean gas ethane recovery processes and establishes a prediction and multiobjective optimization model for ethane recovery and system energy consumption. A new method for comparing ethane recovery processes for lean gas is proposed, and the addition of extra coolers improves the ethane recovery. The support vector regression model based on grey wolf optimization demonstrates the highest prediction accuracy, and the multiobjective multiverse optimization algorithm shows the best optimization performance and diversity in the solutions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cairong Song, Haidong Yang, Xian-Bing Meng, Pan Yang, Jianyang Cai, Hao Bao, Kangkang Xu
Summary: The paper proposes a novel deep learning-based prediction framework, aTCN-LSTM, for accurate cooling load predictions. The framework utilizes a gate-controlled multi-head temporal convolutional network and a sparse probabilistic self-attention mechanism with a bidirectional long short-term memory network to capture both temporal and long-term dependencies in the cooling load sequences. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method, which can serve as an effective guide for HVAC chiller scheduling and demand management initiatives.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhe Chen, Xiaojing Li, Xianli Xia, Jizhou Zhang
Summary: This study uses survey data from the Loess Plateau in China to evaluate the impact of social interaction on the adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) technology by farmers. The study finds that social interaction increases the likelihood of farmers adopting SWC, and internet use moderates this effect. The positive impact of social interaction on SWC adoption is more pronounced for farmers in larger villages and those who join cooperative societies.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chenghua Zhang, Yunfei Yan, Kaiming Shen, Zongguo Xue, Jingxiang You, Yonghong Wu, Ziqiang He
Summary: This paper reports a novel method that significantly improves combustion performance, including heat transfer enhancement under steady-state conditions and adaptive stable flame regulation under velocity sudden increase.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
