Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yuhua Guo, Junmao Qie, Chunxia Zhang, Yuantao Yang
Summary: The research focused on the flow and circulation of zinc in the steel manufacturing process, revealing a significant concentration of zinc in dust or sludge from blast furnaces and basic oxygen furnaces. This concentration, amounting to approximately 2.7% of China's zinc production in 2013, has been disregarded by Chinese steelmakers and zinc producers despite its potential for resource recycling.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Biao Zheng, Yuquan W. Zhang, Yong Geng, Wendong Wei, Zewen Ge, Ziyan Gao
Summary: This study investigates the flows and stocks of lanthanum in China through a dynamic material flow analysis. The results show that China is a net importer of concentrates and a net exporter of primary products. The consumption of lanthanum steadily increases, with the top applications being FCC, rechargeable NiHM battery, and alloy. Policy suggestions include expanding the demand market, adjusting the quota production system, and increasing investment in and guidance for R&D.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Cuixia Gao, Yufei Xu, Yong Geng, Shijiang Xiao
Summary: This study investigates the metabolism of terbium along its life cycle in China and identifies its sources, paths, and sinks using dynamic material flow analysis. The results reveal a significant shortage of terbium supply in China, with over 60% of the total terbium mineral production coming from illegal mining. However, there is great recycling potential for terbium in end-of-life products.
Article
Environmental Studies
Tianjiao Guo, Yong Geng, Xiaoqian Song, Xue Rui, Zewen Ge
Summary: This study investigates magnesium metabolism in China from 2002 to 2021 using a retrospective, dynamic material flow analysis method. The results show that China's magnesium supply has doubled to meet the tripled demand, with over 69% used for refractory materials and less than 5% for pure magnesium applications. The total net magnesium export in 2021 reached 1.8 megatons (Mt), while only 9.8% of the total primary magnesium production was recycled during the study period. Policy recommendations are proposed to improve resource efficiency, incubate efficient production technologies, increase added values of magnesium-containing products, and optimize trading.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xinyi Hu, Fanjie Luo, Jing Lin, Minxi Wang, Xin Li
Summary: This paper analyzes the material cycle flow of titanium sponge in China and forecasts the future demand characteristics of titanium sponge. It also suggests policy measures to promote the sustainable development of titanium sponge.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jingxuan Geng, Han Hao, Xin Sun, Dengye Xun, Zongwei Liu, Fuquan Zhao
Summary: This study focuses on conducting a static material flow analysis of neodymium in China to quantitatively analyze the industrial chain structure of neodymium and to calculate the neodymium output from illegal mining. The results show that a considerable amount of primary neodymium resources in China come from illegal mining, emphasizing the importance of recycling neodymium from end-of-life products to reduce illegal mining and meet the increasing demand for neodymium.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Zewen Ge, Yong Geng, Wendong Wei, Chen Zhong
Summary: This study investigates the flows and stocks of samarium in China from 2011 to 2020 using dynamic material flow analysis. It also predicts future demand and supply of samarium until 2035 using linear programming. The results show a significant increase in samarium demand, while supply remains stable, resulting in an imbalance. Policy recommendations include economic instruments, technological support, and the implementation of circular economy to improve samarium resource efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qiao-Chu Wang, Wei-Qiang Chen, Peng Wang, Tao Dai
Summary: This study analyzed the flows and stocks of dysprosium in mainland China from 1990 to 2019, revealing a 16-fold increase in domestic demand from 2004 to 2019 driven by green technologies, steady growth in total exports, and a lack of established commercial recycling systems. It underscores the importance of supply-demand monitoring, environmental governance, and global cooperation in the rare earth element industry.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Yueru Mei, Yong Geng, Shijiang Xiao, Chang Su, Ziyan Gao, Wendong Wei
Summary: This study investigates the anthropogenic rhenium cycle in China from 2011 to 2020 using a dynamic material flow analysis method. The results reveal an increasing annual demand for rhenium, while domestic production is unable to meet the market demand, leading to a high reliance on imports. Supply-side issues such as production and utilization technologies and cost constraints result in significant rhenium loss.
Article
Environmental Studies
Xiangyan Zhu, Yong Geng, Ziyan Gao, Xu Tian, Shijiang Xiao, Khaoula Houssini
Summary: This study traces the flow and stock of zirconium in China from 2005 to 2020. The results show that China is the largest consumer of zirconium and relies heavily on imports. The ceramic and chemical sectors are the main consumers, and zirconium recycling is low. Therefore, it is recommended for China to explore domestic resources and seek high-grade ores from other countries, as well as promote recycling and efficient utilization of zirconium.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ningning Sun, Peng Wang, Xiaomei Jian, Min Hao, Xiaoyu Yan, Wei-Qiang Chen
Summary: China has the highest level of plastic production and consumption, and the plastic waste ban has resulted in a shortage of raw materials for plastic reprocessing. Household appliance-related plastic (HAP) has received great attention as a high-value and high-quality source of plastic waste to fill this gap. This study quantifies the stocks and flows of plastics contained in five categories of household appliances in China and maps their provincial distribution.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiaoyu Luan, Xiaowei Cui, Long Zhang, Xinyi Chen, Xinxin Li, Xiuwei Feng, Lu Chen, Wei Liu, Zhaojie Cui
Summary: Plastics have been the fastest growing engineering material in the world over the past 50 years, but have also brought severe environmental problems. This study conducted a dynamic material flow analysis (MFA) of six polymers in China, tracking the evolution of plastic material metabolism over a long period and analyzing scenarios for the medium and long term. The results provide a scientific basis for reducing the resource and environmental impact of plastic material metabolism, and promoting sustainable production and consumption of plastics in China.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Abraham J. Padilla, Nedal T. Nassar
Summary: Tantalum has attracted significant attention due to supply chain risks, with the majority of global supply originating from Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo. The United States has relied on imports since the 1950s, but accurately quantifying domestic consumption is challenging due to lack of unique tariff codes for refined tantalum compounds. Additionally, tantalum incorporated into finished goods is not tracked. Through material flow analysis, our study reveals that domestic tantalum consumption may be up to 250% higher than previously estimated, providing valuable insights for industry and policymakers in addressing supply security issues.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xue Rui, Yong Geng, Xin Sun, Han Hao, Shijiang Xiao
Summary: China plays a crucial role in both the production and consumption of natural graphite, with extensive utilization to meet the demands for domestic consumption and exports. There has been an increasing trend in the export-to-production ratio of graphite in China over the years, reflecting the country's growing significance in the global graphite market.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Minghang Li, Yong Geng, Gang Liu, Ziyan Gao, Xue Rui, Shijiang Xiao
Summary: This study utilizes a dynamic material flow analysis method to reveal the evolution trend and issues of China's titanium cycle. The findings show that China has a large volume but low-grade titanium ore, high dependence on imports, and an increase in the utilization of reclaimed titanium resource. The study suggests that China should pay attention to titanium ore resources and associated environmental burdens, seek new high-grade titanium ores, encourage recycling, and diversify import countries.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xining Yang, Mingming Hu, Arnold Tukker, Chunbo Zhang, Tengfei Huo, Bernhard Steubing
Summary: The building sector plays a crucial role in energy transition and carbon reduction. This study introduces a dynamic building stock model that connects material flow analysis with building energy modeling. Results show a decrease in space heating demand and an increase in hot water energy demand by 2050, with potential for greenhouse gas emissions reduction through measures such as installing rooftop photovoltaic systems.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Chunbo Zhang, Mingming Hu, Francesco Di Maio, Benjamin Sprecher, Xining Yang, Arnold Tukker
Summary: The construction sector in Europe is driving resource consumption and waste generation, and the EU is making efforts to transition towards a more circular system. This study examines the impact of the waste hierarchy framework on construction and demolition waste management in Europe, as well as analyzing the performance of CDW management in each EU member state. Innovative treatment methods for CDW, with a focus on waste concrete, are also investigated to optimize and upgrade CDW management practices in light of advanced technologies.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xining Yang, Mingming Hu, Chunbo Zhang, Bernhard Steubing
Summary: Urban mining is not able to fully meet the future material demand in the residential building sector due to population growth and limited capability to supply required materials. Demolition waste generation and material requirements will be concentrated in big cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. The potential for greenhouse gas emission reduction from urban mining is relatively small compared to transitioning to a greener electricity mix.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Julien Pedneault, Guillaume Majeau-Bettez, Stefan Pauliuk, Manuele Margni
Summary: This article investigates the material flow of aluminum alloys and proposes a method for sustainable management of this resource. The results show that global per capita aluminum stocks will reach 200-400 kg before 2100 under different socioeconomic scenarios. The demand in different industries also shows varying growth and saturation patterns.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Linbin Tang, Peng Wang, Zijie Ma, Stefan Pauliuk, Wei-Qiang Chen, Tao Dai, Zipeng Lin
Summary: International trade is essential for balancing the supply and demand of critical raw materials such as tungsten, which are geographically unevenly distributed. However, the trade flows and networks linking participating nations have been largely unexplored, causing concerns for materials' criticality and supply risks. This study analyzes the global trade flows of tungsten and explores the evolving roles of participating countries in the trade networks. The findings demonstrate the need for cooperative actions and targeted supply chain management to secure the sustainability of the global tungsten cycle.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jan Streeck, Stefan Pauliuk, Hanspeter Wieland, Dominik Wiedenhofer
Summary: Dynamic Material Flow Analysis (dMFA) is a commonly used method for modeling stock-flow dynamics. To accurately represent material lifetimes, recycling potentials, and service provision, dMFA requires data on the allocation of material consumption to different end-use products or sectors. Previous estimates of this allocation have been limited in terms of time, geography, and product groups. Recently, several methods for estimating end-use product allocation in dMFA have been proposed, but a systematic comparison is lacking. In this study, we review and systematize five methods for tracing material consumption into end-use products and discuss their strengths and limitations. We find that Monetary Input-Output Tables (MIOTs) can provide valuable data for approximating material end-uses, and we compare and evaluate four distinct MIOT-based methods.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mike Slootweg, Mingming Hu, Solmaria Halleck Vega, Maarten van 't Zelfde, Eveline van Leeuwen, Arnold Tukker
Summary: Urban areas face challenges in addressing climate change in limited space. A solution is to develop multifunctional rooftop systems, such as combining green roofs and photovoltaic panels (EGR-PV). This study presents a geographical potential model to identify the potential for EGRs, PVs, and EGR-PVs on rooftops, highlighting the competition and synergy between EGRs and PVs at the building level.
URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chunbo Zhang, Mingming Hu, Marc van der Meide, Francesco Di Maio, Xining Yang, Xiaofeng Gao, Kai Li, Hailong Zhao, Chen Li
Summary: Meeting the current demand for concrete requires mining gravel and sand and burning fossil fuels in cement kilning. Concrete recycling is crucial in achieving a material-efficient society. A comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) is used to assess the material footprint in the recycling of different types of concrete. The results show that recycling can significantly reduce material footprint compared to landfilling. Replacing diesel with biodiesel or wood-based synthetic diesel can further reduce the material footprint in concrete recycling.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chengjian Xu, Paul Behrens, Paul Gasper, Kandler Smith, Mingming Hu, Arnold Tukker, Bernhard Steubing
Summary: The energy transition requires the rapid deployment of renewable energy and electric vehicles. Electric vehicle batteries can provide short-term grid storage, with a technical capacity of 32-62 terawatt-hours by 2050. A participation rate of 12%-43% is needed to meet global short-term grid storage demand.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Soeren Lars Nungesser, Stefan Pauliuk
Summary: The global mining industry generates billions of tons of waste every year, stored in tailings ponds. Recent dam failures have raised concerns, but a lack of data makes risk assessment challenging. This study introduces a hazard indicator and investigates the copper mining industry's footprint in different regions, identifying hotspots along the supply chain.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jan Streeck, Hanspeter Wieland, Stefan Pauliuk, Barbara Plank, Kenichi Nakajima, Dominik Wiedenhofer
Summary: Modeling pathways toward sustainable production and consumption requires improving coverage of end-use product stocks in terms of space, time, and materials. Current studies on inflow-driven, dynamic material flow analysis (dMFA) extrapolate limited information on material end-use shares across longer time periods and global regions. In this work, we reviewed five methods to derive material end-use shares using industry shipment data and monetary input-output tables (MIOTs), and applied these methods to the United States and the multi-regional input-output model EXIOBASE3. We proposed the end-use transfer method to better align MIOT and dMFA definitions. Despite mixed results, combining MIOT-based end-use shares with industry shipments and country-level data could improve temporal, geographical, and end-use resolution. However, data scarcity, documentation, and quality are key limitations for more accurate and detailed end-use shares. This article met the requirements for a gold-gold data openness badge.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Stefanie Klose, Stefan Pauliuk
Summary: We evaluate the effectiveness of resource efficiency strategies for copper and find that final global copper demand will increase under the SSP2-RCP2.6 scenario. Copper demand for vehicles and transportation infrastructure will quadruple. However, improved scrap sorting and higher collection rates can decrease primary copper production in 2050. With ambitious material efficiency and demand-side sufficiency, it is possible to return to the primary copper production levels of 2020.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Correction
Energy & Fuels
Kavya Madhu, Stefan Pauliuk, Sumukha Dhathri, Felix Creutzig
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xining Yang, Mingming Hu, Wenhui Shan, Chunbo Zhang, Tiankun Li, Yingji Pan
Summary: This study uses a building stock model to project the material flows and spatial distribution in a circular construction hub, and assesses the environmental impact of transportation between the building stock and the hub. The results show that the location of construction and demolition activities has a significant impact on transportation carbon emissions. By comparing candidate sites, the study selects a site for the circular construction hub with lower total transportation carbon emissions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Correction
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chengjian Xu, Qiang Dai, Linda Gaines, Mingming Hu, Arnold Tukker, Bernhard Steubing
COMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yui Kawasaki, Sayaka Nagao-Sato, Misa Shimpo, Kahori Fujisaki, Emi Yoshii, Rie Akamatsu, Petra Warschburger
Summary: This study qualitatively describes sustainable dietary behaviors (SDBs) that Japanese and German adults can implement in their lives, and quantitatively compares the similarities and differences in understanding SDBs between the two samples. The study found that Japanese participants were more focused on food waste prevention, while German participants were more focused on solving environmental problems.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kechun Chen, Yuan Ding, Liming Yang, Zhihao Wang, Haoxuan Yu, Difan Fang, Yufa Feng, Liying Hu, Chenxi Xu, Penghui Shao, Xubiao Luo, Liang Chen
Summary: This study proposes a targeted repair scheme for the recovery of graphite anodes from spent LIBs by systematically characterizing and analyzing the structure and composition of spent graphite (SG). The results show that the repair scheme achieves effective SG repair and the repaired graphite anode displays excellent lithium storage performance.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Takao Ueda, Shigeki Koyanaka, Tatsuya Oki
Summary: Fires caused by accidental crushing of batteries are a serious issue in the e-waste recycling process. A new in-line sorting system that uses X-ray scanning and deep learning has been developed to accurately detect batteries. Through a validation study, the system achieved higher accuracy compared to other existing programs.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hannes Geist, Frank Balle
Summary: Research on circular economy often lacks empirical data, especially in the theory of circular process design and design for remanufacturing. This study systematically collected and analyzed engineering data on seven remanufacturing processes in the European automotive remanufacturing industry for the first time, providing empirical support for circular engineering challenges, potentials, and solutions.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Li, Fan Lue, Nanlin Liao, Hua Zhang, Na Yang, Pinjing He
Summary: This study assesses and predicts the greenhouse gas emissions on the timeline as waste treatment technologies develop in Shanghai from 1991 to 2025 using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The findings demonstrate that GHG emission has reached net-zero in 2019 owing to the application of alternative technologies and waste segregation.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bingchun Liu, Haoyang Wang, Xiaoqin Liang, Yibo Wang, Zijie Feng
Summary: The expansion of the photovoltaic market has resulted in a significant increase in PV waste. Therefore, conducting scientific research to determine the importance of the circular economy for sustainable growth in the PV industry is essential. The study demonstrates that accurate prediction of PV installed capacity and quantifying the importance of recycling in balancing the supply and demand of raw materials can be achieved through a multi-factor installed capacity prediction model and recovery potential prediction.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Chuanzhen Zhang, Baojing Gu, Xia Liang, Shu Kee Lam, Yi Zhou, Deli Chen
Summary: Reactive nitrogen is crucial for agriculture and human nutrition, but mismanagement can have detrimental effects on human health and ecosystem services, hindering the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Progress towards nitrogen-related targets varies across countries, highlighting the need for integrated management to achieve overall synergies.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alessandro Gatto, Marijke Kuiper, Corina van Middelaar, Hans van Meijl
Summary: This study examines the economic and environmental effects of transitioning towards more circular food systems in the European Union (EU27) by feeding animals with low-opportunity-cost feed and better utilizing local feed resources. The results show that providing subsidies for circularity and promoting the use of low-cost feed can increase animal production, but also have negative impacts on land use and emissions. On the other hand, promoting domestic feed sourcing through import tariffs can decrease animal production and greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. However, complementary policies are needed to mitigate drawbacks and enhance benefits of a more circular agri-food system.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinbo Zhang, Liu Chen, Yulei Xie, Pingjian Yang, Zheng Li, Huaicheng Guo, Yang Zhang, Lirong Liu
Summary: This study examines the impact of carbon taxes on low-carbon development and climate change mitigation. By constructing a cross-system bi-layer model, the study finds that reasonable carbon taxes can promote the stability of the energy network, reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants, and optimize production efficiency and the structure of the energy system. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effects and implementation pathways of carbon taxes.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Konstantin Born, Mehmet Metehan Ciftci
Summary: Increasing recycling of metals is important for reducing reliance on mining, but it cannot fully meet future metal demand. Primary production of metals is expected to continue rising, highlighting the need for alternative circular economy strategies such as demand reduction and mitigating harmful impacts of primary metal production.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yinqiu Ma, Lin Huang, Jiahui Li, Wei Cao, Yumei Cai
Summary: Afforestation and reforestation, such as China's Grain for Green Program, have shown to effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to carbon sink capacity. This study highlights the significant carbon potential of the program and its potential application in other countries to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Arlind Dervishaj, Kjartan Gudmundsson
Summary: This paper reviews digital tools for supporting the Circular Economy (CE) in the built environment and provides suggestions. The study identifies limitations in the functionalities of current tools, including a lack of representative data for LCA and underdeveloped circularity indicators. Further development is needed in terms of interoperability aspects, integration of more sources of data for LCA and circularity, and possibilities for a comprehensive evaluation of design choices.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohamadreza Y. Azarfam, Anuj Maheshwari, Frank D. Blum, Siddhesh Chaudhari, Clinton Switzer, Ranji Vaidyanathan, Jay C. Hanan, Sudheer Bandla
Summary: This study introduces a feasible method for manufacturing recycled composites using post-consumer carpets and recycled resin. The resulting composites have impressive strength and modulus, surpassing commercial thermoplastics and making them suitable for structural applications. This research presents a promising approach to address carpet landfilling and reduce reliance on additives.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pujiang Shi, Tianle Huang, Hong Kit Lim, Chiew Kei Tan, Jong-Min Lee, Chor Yong Tay
Summary: This study developed a highly porous bioadaptive 3D sponge-like construct from plastic materials in discarded keyboards for advanced in vitro applications. The findings demonstrate the potential of using discarded keyboards as a waste-to-resource feedstock to achieve waste reduction and maximize value-capture.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kuo-Jui Wu, Hailing Qiu, Caiyan Huang, Anthony S. F. Chiu, Ming-Lang Tseng
Summary: Government resource allocation practices for achieving carbon neutrality should be guided by dynamic system theory to identify potential dynamics. Carbon intensity control dynamics have a significant influence on other dynamics.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
