Review
Agricultural Engineering
Aristotle T. Ubando, Wei-Hsin Chen, Dennis A. Hurt, Ariel Conversion, Saravanan Rajendran, Sheng-Lun Lin
Summary: Hydrogen production from biomass feedstocks is considered as an effective solution for decarbonizing the economy. Biohydrogen is a clean energy source that promises to mitigate climate change and environmental damage. Sustainable biohydrogen production can be achieved through the circular economy framework, integrating with other bioproducts and addressing waste management issues.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Amato Alessia, Becci Alessandro, Villen-Guzman Maria, Vereda-Alonso Carlos, Beolchini Francesca
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive evaluation of the lithium supply situation, discussing the environmental impacts of integrating primary production with urban mining strategies and proposing possible alternatives to improve the sustainability of the lithium recycling value chain.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Marit Moe Bjornbet, Christofer Skaar, Annik Magerholm Fet, Kjersti Overbo Schulte
Summary: The concept of circular economy in the manufacturing industry has progressed beyond conceptual development to empirical studies and implementation tools. However, existing research tends to focus on the environmental dimension of circular economy practices, neglecting the social and economic dimensions. Narrow approaches to sustainability in manufacturing pose a risk of circular economy implementation efforts failing to provide socially, environmentally, and economically beneficial solutions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rafael Mora-Contreras, Luz Elba Torres-Guevara, Andres Mejia-Villa, Marta Ormazabal, Vanessa Prieto-Sandoval
Summary: This study aims to analyze the effect of circular economy practices on companies' sustainability performance and the drivers that influence both of them. A literature review, snowballing techniques, and content analysis were employed to develop a theoretical framework that articulates the relationship between drivers, practices, circular economy fields of action, sustainability performance, and supporting theories. The study concludes with suggesting an agenda for future research in this field of knowledge.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Carlos Andres Tavera Romero, Diego F. Castro, Jesus Hamilton Ortiz, Osamah Ibrahim Khalaf, Miguel A. Vargas
Summary: Recent research indicates a correlation between the circular economy and Industry 4.0, showing how CE utilizes various I4.0 technologies for the transition from a linear economy. However, gaps still exist in understanding the challenges and impacts faced by society and individuals during this transition.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Julija Metic, Daniela C. A. Pigosso
Summary: Circular Economy (CE) is increasingly seen as a way to achieve sustainable development, but the implementation of CE initiatives often leads to rebound effects (RE) that limit its sustainability potential. This paper provides a systematic literature review (SLR) on RE, focusing on definitions, triggers and drivers, types and mechanisms, and measurement approaches. A conceptual framework of RE is proposed based on the results of the SLR, and several gaps for future research on RE within CE are identified.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Business
Nathalia Suchek, Cristina I. Fernandes, Sascha Kraus, Matthias Filser, Helena Sjogren
Summary: The circular economy offers an alternative model to the linear system, requiring businesses to adopt more sustainable practices. By rethinking business models and value propositions to customers while considering environmental and social factors, companies can successfully transition to a circular economy. The systematic literature review identifies key research areas related to innovation and the circular economy, providing suggestions for future research and advancements in achieving a circular economy.
BUSINESS STRATEGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gianmarco Bressanelli, Daniela C. A. Pigosso, Nicola Saccani, Marco Perona
Summary: This paper systematically reviews the literature at the intersection between Circular Economy and the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) supply chain, developing an original framework to categorize Circular Economy enablers, levers, and potential benefits. Future research should focus on the enabling role of digitalization, design strategies focused on 'reduce', servitised business models based on result-oriented offerings, collaboration in the EEE supply chain, and the assessment of social and economic benefits to users. Further studies should also investigate the systemic interrelations between enablers, levers, and benefits.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ana Teresa Tavares-Lehmann, Celeste Varum
Summary: This paper conducts a bibliometric study of 393 articles linking the key themes of Industry 4.0, Sustainability, and the Circular Economy. As this area of literature is still relatively recent but growing rapidly, providing an updated overview of the scientific production in the field is a significant contribution.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Qingyu Zhang, Amandeep Dhir, Puneet Kaur
Summary: The circular economy paradigm is gaining interest in the food sector for its benefits in waste reduction and enhancing customer loyalty. Food waste management is identified as a prominent theme in the context of circular economy.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nathalie Silva, Henrik Palsson
Summary: Industrial packaging plays a significant role in supply chain efficiency and sustainability, with current research focusing more on environmental aspects rather than economic aspects. Reusing packaging for increased circularity is a current research interest, but other methods such as reducing packaging are potentially overlooked, pointing towards future research directions. This study contributes by structuring research areas, clarifying current status, and emphasizing the importance of strategic decisions in industrial packaging.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Chiara Turco, Adilson C. Paula Junior, Elisabete R. Teixeira, Ricardo Mateus
Summary: This paper conducted a systematic literature review on the optimization of Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) using natural origin materials and discussed the physical, thermal, mechanical, and durability properties. The research outcomes provide a theoretical basis for promoting the sustainable use of earth building materials by encouraging researchers to find new solutions for improving their properties.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Economics
Nathalia Suchek, Mario Franco
Summary: The paper presents a systematic literature review on the inter-organisational cooperation involving SMEs for sustainability, particularly in relation to the emergence of the circular economy. The review highlights four main categories, namely government-promoted sustainability cooperation, effects of inter-organisational cooperation for sustainability, the process of cooperation oriented towards sustainability, and the discussions on cooperation for the circular economy. The review provides theoretical implications for future research and offers practical implications for entrepreneurs, managers, and policy-makers.
JOURNAL OF THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Beatriz de Souza Mello Goncalves, Flavio Leonel de Carvalho, Paula de Camargo Fiorini
Summary: The objective of this article is to analyze the relationship between circular economy and finance, as well as investigate the economic-financial gains from circular production practices. The study found that the barriers faced by companies in adopting circular economy are mainly related to business size, initial investment cost, difficulties for micro and small companies, complex business structuring, and higher risk exposure.
Review
Environmental Studies
Gaspare D'Amico, Roberta Arbolino, Lei Shi, Tan Yigitcanlar, Giuseppe Ioppolo
Summary: The digitalization of urban metabolism circularity is an important tool for policymakers and urban managers to identify, control, and evaluate data related to the flows of social, environmental, and economic resources. The integration of digital technologies plays a crucial role in improving the quality and efficiency of resource circularity in cities.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Richard Evans, Walter J. V. Vermeulen
Summary: Through analyzing the structure and composition of electronics governance, this paper finds that state and corporate forms of governance have the most impact on sustainability. Additionally, interactive governance mechanisms involving various actors can build trust and cooperation, leading to long-term sustainability outcomes.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Anna M. Walker, Katelin Opferkuch, Erik Roos Lindgreen, Alberto Simboli, Walter J. V. Vermeulen, Andrea Raggi
Summary: Despite the common association of circular economy (CE) with sustainability, most CE practices have not proven to contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the social aspect. Companies generally view the social dimension as important in assessing CE, but majority do not conduct any social assessment, with barriers including complexity and lack of standardized approaches.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Anna M. Walker, Walter J. V. Vermeulen, Alberto Simboli, Andrea Raggi
Summary: Circular economy has become a central concept of sustainable production and consumption. Holistic assessments are crucial to enable transparent decision-making regarding sustainability. This study reviews over 100 academic publications to categorize and compare sustainability assessment approaches applicable within circular inter-firm networks.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Martin Calisto Friant, Walter J. V. Vermeulen, Roberta Salomone
Summary: The paper discusses the gap between the discourse and policies of the EU on circular economy, highlighting the need for plural actions to address the systemic challenges of a circular future.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Martin Calisto Friant, Dirkjan Lakerveld, Walter J. V. Vermeulen, Roberta Salomone
Summary: This research examines the circular economy policies in the Netherlands and explores the different discourses and policies of circular economy, as well as the sustainability implications and recommendations. The study finds that there is a dominance of technocentric imaginaries, and a general lack of discussion on holistic and transformative visions.
Article
Development Studies
Paola Velasco-Herrejon, Thomas Bauwens, Martin Calisto Friant
Summary: This paper explores how alternative understandings of sustainability developed by marginalized Indigenous populations differ from dominant Western discourses, particularly in the context of the energy transition. Research shows that the Indigenous sustainability worldview contrasts sharply with modernist propositions, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings in wind energy projects. Recognizing different conceptualizations of sustainability is essential for an inclusive and just energy transition, highlighting the importance of pluriversal technologies co-designed, co-produced, and co-owned by local inhabitants.
Article
Business
Tomas Santa-Maria, Walter J. V. Vermeulen, Rupert J. Baumgartner
Summary: This study explores how incumbent firms can innovate in rapidly changing environments through dynamic capabilities, focusing on circular business model innovation. By investigating 10 companies implementing circular business model innovation, the study identifies 33 practices for successful innovation, including adopting a lifecycle perspective and sustainability-oriented tools. Recommendations are provided for long-term business model transformations, short and medium loops of the circular economy, and coordination in the business ecosystem.
BUSINESS STRATEGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kieran Campbell-Johnston, Erik Roos Lindgreen, Giovanni Mondello, Teresa Maria Gulotta, Walter J. V. Vermeulen, Roberta Salomone
Summary: The strategic relevance of extracting raw materials from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in the EU is increasing due to value chain risks caused by geopolitical instability, accessibility of specific minerals, and decreasing reserves due to growing extraction rates. This article examines the quantities of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) originating within WEEE streams from a depletion perspective. It explores the potential limitations of current recycling targets based on mass collection and recycling rates, and introduces an exergy-based indicator called thermodynamic rarity to evaluate the production costs of materials. The case of Italy is studied to demonstrate the differences between mass and rarity of materials in WEEE streams and suggests that thermodynamic rarity can provide valuable insights for end-of-life WEEE decision-making processes.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Martin Calisto Friant, Katie Reid, Peppi Boesler, Walter J. V. Vermeulen, Roberta Salomone
Summary: Cities are vital in the circular economy, especially European cities due to their role in the global economy. However, research on urban CE policies and discourses is lacking. This paper fills this research gap by analyzing and comparing CE policies and discourses in different European cities, providing valuable insights and recommendations.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Teresa Maria Gulotta, Roberta Salomone, Giovanni Mondello, Bruno Ricca
Summary: With the increasing interest in Life Cycle Thinking applications, a systematic literature review framework called FLAVIA-LCT is proposed to guide researchers in gathering, synthesising, and reporting outcomes in the field of Life Cycle Thinking studies. This framework fills a gap in current knowledge and provides essential information for conducting systematic literature reviews on Life Cycle Assessment and other methods. It can be used by anyone planning a literature review on one or more Life Cycle Thinking methods.
Article
Business
Katelin Opferkuch, Anna M. Walker, Erik Roos Lindgreen, Sandra Caeiro, Roberta Salomone, Tomas B. Ramos
Summary: This research aims to gather insights from companies engaged with the circular economy (CE) to provide recommendations for integrating CE within corporate sustainability reports. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with companies operating in Italy or the Netherlands. The results highlight the challenges and benefits of externally communicating CE and offer practical recommendations for developing targets, identifying risks, and reporting opportunities related to CE.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thomas Bauwens, Denise Reike, Martin Calisto-Friant
Summary: Scholars have criticized academic publishing for its flaws, but a detailed and constructive discussion on this issue is still lacking. The flaws are seen as a result of the increasing marketization of academic research. Sustainability research is especially vulnerable to this trend due to its values that go beyond academic output. To address this, reforms in academic organizational structures and research funding, inclusive research approaches, and support for nonprofit open-access journals are proposed.
ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION AND SOCIETAL TRANSITIONS
(2023)
Article
Business
Kaustubh Thapa, Walter J. V. Vermeulen, Pauline Deutz, Olawale Olayide
Summary: This research examines the impact of European electronic waste on Nigeria and the sustainability, circularity, and fairness aspects of both places, proposing ultimate producer responsibility as a solution.
BUSINESS STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
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)