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Pathway to an Environmental Economy: The Role of Sustainable Natural Resources

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Resources and Sustainable Utilization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 June 2026 | Viewed by 21332

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Accounting, Ling Tung University, Taichung, Taiwan, China
Interests: climate economics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
School of Marxism, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
Interests: energy economics; climate economics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the face of global environmental challenges, the transition to an environmental economy has become a pressing issue. Sustainable natural resources are the cornerstone of this transformation, providing essential raw materials and energy while maintaining ecological balance. Scientific research has revealed that unsustainable exploitation of resources leads to biodiversity loss, climate change, and other severe ecological crises. Therefore, exploring the role of sustainable natural resources in fostering an environmental economy is crucial.

This special issue aims to explore the essential role of sustainable natural resources in the development of an environmental economy. By showcasing cutting-edge research, case studies, and policy insights, this special issue seeks to identify effective strategies for harnessing natural resources in a manner that supports long-term ecological health and economic prosperity. This subject aligns with the journal scope, which focuses on advancing knowledge and understanding in the field of sustainability across various disciplines.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following:  

  1. Sustainable Resource Management Strategies and Environmental Economy
  2. Sustainable Resource Extraction and Environmental Impact
  3. Circular Economy and Sustainable Resource Management
  4. Sustainable Urban Development and Resource Efficiency
  5. Policy and Governance for Sustainable Natural Resources
  6. Economic Models and Sustainable Resource Allocation
  7. Case Studies of Sustainable Resource Management and Environmental Economic Development
  8. Sustainable Natural Resources, digital technology, and Environmental Economy

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Hsuling Chang
Dr. Meng Qin
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • environmental economy
  • sustainable natural resources
  • sustainable development

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Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

20 pages, 710 KB  
Article
Fostering Domestic Demand Through Digital–Real Economy Integration: Evidence from Household Consumption in China
by Yongyou Nie, Lihsin Chou, Wenwen Zhang and Brindusa Mihaela Radu
Sustainability 2026, 18(10), 4758; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18104758 - 11 May 2026
Viewed by 289
Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between digital–real economy integration (DREI) and household consumption using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces over the period 2014–2024. By developing an entropy-weighted modified coupling coordination model, the level of DREI is quantitatively measured, and the mechanisms of [...] Read more.
This paper examines the relationship between digital–real economy integration (DREI) and household consumption using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces over the period 2014–2024. By developing an entropy-weighted modified coupling coordination model, the level of DREI is quantitatively measured, and the mechanisms of its impact and its heterogeneity at the household consumption level are explored. The empirical results show that strengthening DREI has a significant positive impact on household consumption, particularly in China’s central region and in the goods sector. Additionally, this paper identifies three primary channels through which DREI can promote household consumption: optimizing the business environment to minimize transaction costs, developing logistics to improve the efficiency of resource allocation, and promoting financial inclusion to boost household consumption potential. The findings in this paper have significant policy implications for leveraging DREI to transform China’s economic growth pattern towards high-quality domestic demand in the era of artificial intelligence and sustainable development. Full article
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25 pages, 8598 KB  
Article
Do Data Factors Empower the Realization of Ecological Product Value? Evidence from China
by Hsu-Hua Lee and Ta-Yu Chung
Sustainability 2026, 18(9), 4464; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18094464 - 1 May 2026
Viewed by 809
Abstract
With the deepening construction of ecological civilization, the realization of ecological product value, referring to the value derived from ecosystems’ material goods, regulation, support, and cultural services, has become a strategic key point for national sustainable development. Data factors, distinguished from digital technologies [...] Read more.
With the deepening construction of ecological civilization, the realization of ecological product value, referring to the value derived from ecosystems’ material goods, regulation, support, and cultural services, has become a strategic key point for national sustainable development. Data factors, distinguished from digital technologies as the actual resources used in production, exchange, and consumption, are becoming increasingly important as a new catalyst for empowering the realization of ecological product value. Drawing on panel data spanning 2011 to 2023 across China’s 31 provinces, this research employs the entropy weight method to construct evaluation indices for both the development of data factors and the realization of ecological product value, deriving weights from the data’s intrinsic variability. The effect of data factors on the realization of ecological product value is examined using a two-way fixed effects framework. Our outcomes are presented below. First, data factors can significantly promote the realization of ecological product value, and this conclusion is supported by a series of robustness checks and endogeneity treatments. Second, the mechanism analysis reveals that data factors empower the realization of ecological product value through new quality productive forces, energy consumption intensity, and innovation and entrepreneurship. Third, results from the threshold model suggest that the promoting effect of data factors on the realization of ecological product value is subject to a threshold constraint, characterized by diminishing marginal returns beyond this point. Fourth, regarding regional disparities, the results indicate that data factors primarily drive ecological product value realization in the central region, as it is at a critical stage of digital transformation, with a secondary effect in the east, while their influence in the western region remains insignificant. These findings provide important guidance for integrating data factors and ecological resources to achieve sustainable development. Full article
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25 pages, 3965 KB  
Article
The Impact of Natural Gas Prices on the Green Bond Market: A Quantile-on-Quantile Analysis Within the Sustainable Development Framework
by Jiawen Wu, Jingping Li, Xiaofei Jin and Chi-Wei Su
Sustainability 2026, 18(5), 2277; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052277 - 27 Feb 2026
Viewed by 531
Abstract
This paper explores the dynamic and distributional association between natural gas prices (NGPs) and the green bond market in a sustainable development context. The analysis employs a Quantile-on-Quantile (QQ) approach on monthly data between 2013 and 2025 to capture nonlinear and asymmetric interactions [...] Read more.
This paper explores the dynamic and distributional association between natural gas prices (NGPs) and the green bond market in a sustainable development context. The analysis employs a Quantile-on-Quantile (QQ) approach on monthly data between 2013 and 2025 to capture nonlinear and asymmetric interactions as well as state-dependent interactions between the two markets under varying market conditions. The findings indicate a bilateral intricate relationship. In the short run, NGP rises are likely to have a negative impact on green bond performance, indicating cost impacts and macro-financial risk in traditional energy markets. In the long run, the development of NGP becomes progressively shaped by the rise of sustainable finance together with the stepwise transformation of energy systems toward low-carbon configurations, ultimately bringing about a structural decline in fossil fuel dependence. In contrast, it is observed that the increase in the green bond market has a short-to-medium-term positive impact on NGP, which highlights the significance of natural gas as a transitional fuel in the energy transition. On the whole, the results indicate that, although green bonds are important in supporting sustainable development goals, their interplay with transitional energy markets like natural gas is nonlinear and changes over time. These findings provide key indications on how financial strategies can be realigned to accord with long-term sustainability goals. Full article
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13 pages, 1222 KB  
Article
The ReSpool Fiber Research (RFR) Model: A Protocol for the Evaluation of Mechanically Recycled Textile Materials Towards “Second Life” Product Applications
by Kelly Cobb, Huantian Cao, Michelle Yatvitskiy, Kendall Ludwig and Sophia Gupman
Sustainability 2025, 17(23), 10753; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172310753 - 1 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1374
Abstract
Textile recycling promotes a circular economy, a system seeking to minimize waste and maximize the value of textiles by reusing them. Currently, mechanical recycling produces short, weak, and low-quality fibers that diminish the value of the textiles, resulting in downcycled products and loss [...] Read more.
Textile recycling promotes a circular economy, a system seeking to minimize waste and maximize the value of textiles by reusing them. Currently, mechanical recycling produces short, weak, and low-quality fibers that diminish the value of the textiles, resulting in downcycled products and loss of value. The Respool Fiber Research (RFR) model was developed from an examination of current practices, relevant literature, and apparel design and material selection models. Demonstrating the capabilities of mechanically recycled textiles in material development, the RFR model is intended for educators, research laboratories and design studios, product developers, and designers. The RFR model ventures beyond current models of textile recycling through its fiber-oriented approach to material development. To demonstrate the application of the RFR model as part of the development process, mechanically recycled cotton fibers and polyester fibers were used to develop yarns and nonwoven fabrics. The application of the RFR model demonstrated that the RFR model is valuable for selecting which recycled fibers are appropriate for different types of products. Full article
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27 pages, 757 KB  
Article
Government Subsidies and Sustainable Development in Manufacturing: Evidence from Product Quality and Production Efficiency
by Yuchen Zhang, Weilong Song and Kai Zhao
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10150; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210150 - 13 Nov 2025
Viewed by 2012
Abstract
This study investigates the role of government subsidies in fostering sustainable development among 69,525 Chinese manufacturing companies, with a focus on product quality and production efficiency. We examine how subsidy effects vary across companies with different ownership types, export orientations, and market competition [...] Read more.
This study investigates the role of government subsidies in fostering sustainable development among 69,525 Chinese manufacturing companies, with a focus on product quality and production efficiency. We examine how subsidy effects vary across companies with different ownership types, export orientations, and market competition intensities. Our results indicate that subsidies generally enhance both product quality and production efficiency, albeit with a time lag. These improvements are primarily driven by increased R&D investment and the adoption of upgraded equipment, contributing to sustainable operational practices. We find that subsidies are particularly effective in promoting sustainability outcomes in non-state-owned and non-exporting companies, though their suitability remains context-dependent. Specifically, subsidies more significantly improve product quality in low-competition, export-oriented companies, while they exert a stronger influence on production efficiency in companies operating in highly competitive environments. For management, aligning government subsidies with corporate strategy is crucial to enhancing product quality and efficiency. For policymakers, the heterogeneous treatment effects support moving away from one-size-fits-all grants toward tiered support that channels R&D-intensive subsidies to leading industries and efficiency-oriented subsidies to highly competitive industries. These findings directly inform China’s Dual-Carbon strategy and offer an exportable evaluation framework for emerging economies seeking to align industrial policy with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Full article
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18 pages, 5204 KB  
Article
Port Transformation and Community Decline in a Fishing Neighborhood: The Case of El Varadero in the Port of Motril (Spain)
by Isidro Maya-Jariego, David Florido-del-Corral and Mateus Rafael Uchoa-Dantas
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10140; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210140 - 13 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1537
Abstract
This study examines the evolving relationship between the Port of Motril and the adjacent fishing community of El Varadero. The reduction in fishing quotas and the port’s transformation into a maritime transport hub have not only reshaped the connection between the area and [...] Read more.
This study examines the evolving relationship between the Port of Motril and the adjacent fishing community of El Varadero. The reduction in fishing quotas and the port’s transformation into a maritime transport hub have not only reshaped the connection between the area and the port but have also contributed to the gradual decline of the local community. Through a community survey conducted among residents of the fishing neighborhood and the urban center (n = 65), we assessed community assets, psychological sense of community, and collective self-efficacy in this coastal area in southern Granada. The survey findings were supplemented with interviews with key informants from the local fishing sector (n = 5). The results indicate that residents of the fishing neighborhood perceive a higher prevalence of social problems and report a diminished sense of belonging. The community’s historical ties to the port have progressively weakened, exposing residents to ongoing socio-economic decline. This study explores the potential of fishing cultural heritage as a resource for local development and highlights the need for integrated governance between the fishing sector and the local authorities. Full article
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25 pages, 382 KB  
Article
How Does Fintech Affect Green Total Factor Energy Efficiency? Evidence from 240 Cities in China
by Zi-Han Liu, Zheng-Zheng Li, Oana Ramona Lobonț and Kai-Hua Wang
Sustainability 2025, 17(19), 8671; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17198671 - 26 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1445
Abstract
Enhancing green total factor energy efficiency (GTFEE) is crucial for achieving sustainable development. Against this backdrop, this study aims to investigate the impact of fintech on GTFEE, using annual data from 240 Chinese cities between 2011 and 2021. Methodologically, we employ the SBM–Malmquist–Luenberger [...] Read more.
Enhancing green total factor energy efficiency (GTFEE) is crucial for achieving sustainable development. Against this backdrop, this study aims to investigate the impact of fintech on GTFEE, using annual data from 240 Chinese cities between 2011 and 2021. Methodologically, we employ the SBM–Malmquist–Luenberger model to measure GTFEE and assess the role of fintech. The results demonstrate that fintech significantly promotes GTFEE, a finding that remains robust after addressing endogeneity issues and replacing key variables. Further mechanism analysis reveals that fintech facilitates GTFEE by alleviating financing constraints and stimulating technological innovation. Moreover, the effect is particularly pronounced in eastern regions, non-resource-based cities, service-oriented cities, and larger urban areas. Importantly, quantile regression results confirm that fintech exerts a stronger positive impact at higher quantiles of the GTFEE distribution. These findings offer both theoretical insights and practical policy implications for advancing energy efficiency through fintech development. Full article
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19 pages, 735 KB  
Article
Assessing the Value of Ecosystem Services in Decentralized Sanitation Systems: A Case Study in a Vulnerable Mountain Area
by Giovanni Felici, Giulio Corsi, Serena Fabbri, Monia Niero and Maria Cristina Lavagnolo
Sustainability 2025, 17(18), 8186; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17188186 - 11 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1249
Abstract
Decentralized waste and wastewater management systems represent a promising solution for enhancing resource efficiency and delivering ecosystem services, particularly in remote or environmentally sensitive areas. This study presents an economic valuation of ecosystem services provided by the AQUANOVA system, implemented at the Bosconero [...] Read more.
Decentralized waste and wastewater management systems represent a promising solution for enhancing resource efficiency and delivering ecosystem services, particularly in remote or environmentally sensitive areas. This study presents an economic valuation of ecosystem services provided by the AQUANOVA system, implemented at the Bosconero mountain hut in Northern Italy. The system integrates anaerobic digestion and phytoremediation for the treatment of organic waste and wastewater, applying circular economy principles. Using market-based, replacement cost, avoided cost, and benefit transfer methods, key ecosystem services were monetarily quantified. Results show the economic benefits generated by the system through renewable energy production, improved soil quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and wastewater treatment. Depending on discount rates and climate policy scenarios, the Net Present Value (NPV) of these ecosystem services over 30 years ranges from approximately EUR 33,000 to EUR 46,000. Additionally, non-monetized benefits such as biodiversity enhancement, nutrient cycling, and cultural services further reinforce the environmental relevance of the system. These findings highlight the potential of integrating ecosystem service valuation into the assessment of decentralized waste management technologies to support evidence-based environmental policies and the transition to a circular economy. Full article
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20 pages, 588 KB  
Article
Does Tax Competition Among Local Governments Improve the Green Economic Efficiency in the Yellow River Basin?
by Jile Sun, Xiao Sun and Yihan Wang
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5165; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115165 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1372
Abstract
Green development stands as an imperative pathway for China’s growth model. Enhancing green economic efficiency is crucial to maintaining sustainable development in the Yellow River Basin. The hierarchical governance structure of China’s economic development system inherently links competition among governments to potential impacts [...] Read more.
Green development stands as an imperative pathway for China’s growth model. Enhancing green economic efficiency is crucial to maintaining sustainable development in the Yellow River Basin. The hierarchical governance structure of China’s economic development system inherently links competition among governments to potential impacts on the basin’s green economic efficiency, yet research in this area remains scarce. This study utilizes a panel data structured dataset containing both temporal and cross-sectional dimensions from nine provinces in the Yellow River Basin to investigate how tax competition among local governments affects green economic efficiency. The empirical results demonstrate that tax competition hinders green economic efficiency in the Yellow River Basin, exhibiting spatial heterogeneity in its inhibitory effect. Specifically, the inhibitory effect on the middle reaches is approximately twice as significant as that observed on the upper reaches, while the inhibitory effect on the lower reaches is found to be facilitative. In addition, the upgrading of industrial structure and industrial agglomeration triggered by tax competition partially alleviate the inhibitory effect on green economic efficiency. Therefore, policymakers can promote the sustainable development of the Yellow River Basin by optimizing the tax system, implementing regional differentiation strategies, optimizing industrial layout, and promoting the development of green clusters. Full article
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19 pages, 283 KB  
Article
Unleashing the Power of Digital Transformation: Boosting Green Total Factor Productivity in China’s Energy Enterprises
by Tiantian Ning, Kai-Hua Wang and Hong-Wen Liu
Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4113; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094113 - 1 May 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1620
Abstract
This study examines the influence of digital transformation (DT) on green total factor productivity (GTFP) for A-share-listed energy enterprises from 2013 to 2022. The study findings demonstrate that DT can be advantageous in improving GTFP, and this conclusion remains valid even after performing [...] Read more.
This study examines the influence of digital transformation (DT) on green total factor productivity (GTFP) for A-share-listed energy enterprises from 2013 to 2022. The study findings demonstrate that DT can be advantageous in improving GTFP, and this conclusion remains valid even after performing the endogeneity treatment and the robustness test. The mechanism test suggests that improving green technology innovation and alleviating financing constraints are significant transmission paths. The heterogeneity analysis’ findings show that state-owned enterprises, large-scale enterprises, and new energy enterprises benefit more significantly from DT’s favorable efficacy in improving GTFP. By focusing on energy enterprises, this study expands upon the prior research on digital transformation in the micro field. Moreover, this study reveals the critical path of digital transformation in enhancing GTFP, thus enriching its theoretical connection. GTFP will be enhanced by the joint development of digital facilities by enterprises and the government, as well as using distinct digital strategies. Full article
25 pages, 1042 KB  
Article
Cross-Border E-Business and Air Quality: A Quasi-Natural Experiment from the Perspective of Natural Resources
by Li Qiao, Da Huo, Tianying Sun, Zizhen Zhao, Lanjing Ma and Zenglin Wu
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 2836; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17072836 - 22 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1241
Abstract
As a key initiative to integrate economic growth and green development in the era of the digital economy, the environmental effects of China’s Cross-border E-commerce Comprehensive Pilot Zone (CBEC-PZ) policy are not yet clear. Based on city-level data from 2014 to 2021 in [...] Read more.
As a key initiative to integrate economic growth and green development in the era of the digital economy, the environmental effects of China’s Cross-border E-commerce Comprehensive Pilot Zone (CBEC-PZ) policy are not yet clear. Based on city-level data from 2014 to 2021 in China and leveraging the CBEC-PZ policy as a quasi-natural experiment, this study reveals that the CBEC-PZ policy has significantly enhanced local air quality, with particularly pronounced effects in eastern regions. While the policy did not degrade air quality in surrounding areas, spatial correlations of air quality levels among regions were observed due to atmospheric circulation dynamics. These findings underscore the importance of emphasizing regional coordination in green development within urban governance frameworks. The CEBC-PZ promotes the transformation of the energy structure and the improvement of air quality through reverse innovation, an ecological competitive advantage, and an agile governance mechanism. It is recommended to help synergize sustainable development and high-quality development in terms of strengthening reverse innovation and institutional innovation, expanding cross-regional synergistic governance, and deepening digital-real integration. Full article
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17 pages, 2893 KB  
Article
Is Oil Really a Stumbling Block to Environmental Sustainability? From the Price Perspective
by Meng Qin, Hongfang Jiang, Lidong Pang and Chiwei Su
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1867; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051867 - 22 Feb 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2343
Abstract
The United States is exposed to the threats of massive carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated by non-renewable energy in reaching environmental sustainability. With the wavelet-based quantile-on-quantile approach, this paper delves into the impact of the most typical fossil fuel, oil, on [...] Read more.
The United States is exposed to the threats of massive carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated by non-renewable energy in reaching environmental sustainability. With the wavelet-based quantile-on-quantile approach, this paper delves into the impact of the most typical fossil fuel, oil, on CO2 emissions from a price perspective. The results highlight that oil is a mixed blessing for fostering environmental sustainability in the short–medium run. Mainly, CO2 emissions are more susceptible to positively responding to the bullish oil market in the medium term. Nevertheless, it also reveals the underlying negative relationship rooted in the long run. The results are endorsed by the theoretical mechanisms between energy prices and emissions, which indicate the role of high oil prices in driving long-term CO2 emissions mitigation and environmental sustainability. Therefore, industries should resist the temptation to indulge heavily in short- to medium-term price hikes instead of prudently reacting to the bullish signal. Moreover, under the environmental sustainability ambitions, the strategy of expanding investment in green technologies innovation to reduce the dependence on oil cannot be shelved. Full article
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27 pages, 758 KB  
Article
Influence Mechanism of Smart City Pilot Policy on Enterprise Green Technology Innovation: Evidence from China
by Kai Zhao, Jialin Liu and Haonan Shan
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 959; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030959 - 24 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1874
Abstract
This study employs data from publicly listed enterprises spanning the years 2008 to 2021 and uses China’s Smart City Pilot Policy (SCPP) as a quasi-natural experiment to explore its impact on driving green technological innovation within enterprises. The results reveal that the SCPP [...] Read more.
This study employs data from publicly listed enterprises spanning the years 2008 to 2021 and uses China’s Smart City Pilot Policy (SCPP) as a quasi-natural experiment to explore its impact on driving green technological innovation within enterprises. The results reveal that the SCPP significantly fosters improvements in enterprises’ green technology innovation. The policy’s impact is particularly notable for state-owned enterprises, those in high-pollution industries, and technology-intensive enterprises located in the eastern regions of China. The SCPP facilitates green technological innovation by promoting green finance development, advancing digital transformation within enterprises, and strengthening environmental regulations. Moreover, the business environment serves as a positive moderator in enhancing the policy’s effectiveness, with favorable conditions in government, market, and legal frameworks further amplifying the policy’s positive influence on green technology innovation in enterprises. Full article
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Review

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37 pages, 927 KB  
Review
Circular Economy Pathways for Critical Raw Materials: European Union Policy Instruments, Secondary Supply, and Sustainable Development Outcomes
by Sergiusz Pimenow, Olena Pimenowa and Włodzimierz Rembisz
Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020562 - 6 Jan 2026
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2082
Abstract
Achieving sustainable development in the low-carbon transition requires securing critical raw materials (CRMs) while reducing environmental burdens and strengthening industrial resilience (SDGs 7, 9, 12, 13). This review synthesizes 2016–2025 evidence on how the European Union’s policy package—the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), [...] Read more.
Achieving sustainable development in the low-carbon transition requires securing critical raw materials (CRMs) while reducing environmental burdens and strengthening industrial resilience (SDGs 7, 9, 12, 13). This review synthesizes 2016–2025 evidence on how the European Union’s policy package—the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), the Batteries Regulation, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) with Digital Product Passports (DPPs), and the recast Waste Shipments Regulation (WSR)—shapes markets for secondary supply in battery-relevant metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, aluminum, and rare earths. We apply a structured scoping review protocol to map the state of the art across policy instruments (EPR, ecodesign/DPP, recycled content mandates, recovery targets, shipment controls) and value chain stages (collection, preprocessing, refining, manufacturing). The analysis highlights benefits, including clearer investment signals, improved traceability, and emerging opportunities for industrial symbiosis, but also identifies drawbacks such as heterogeneous standards, compliance costs, and trade frictions. Evidence gaps remain, especially in causal ex post assessments, price pass-through, and interoperability of MRV/DPP systems. The paper contributes by (i) providing an integrative framework linking policy instruments, value chain stages, and investment signals for secondary CRM supply, and (ii) outlining a research agenda for rigorous ex post evaluation, improved MRV/DPP data architectures, and better alignment between EU trade rules, circularity, and a just energy transition. Full article
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