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Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainable Development: Applications and Impacts

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2023) | Viewed by 36117

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Dr. Ana Ramos

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Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, 4200 Porto, Portugal
Interests: environment; circular economy; sustainability; waste-to-energy; life cycle assessment; life cycle cost; social LCA
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The continuous and excessive production of goods and the expanded service offer to attend the actual society’s requirements, has lead to an impasse in the environmental reservoirs and the non-renewable resources’ availability. Mass consumption with no restrictions to the end-use has devastating effects, as reflected by the waste arriving in our shores. Indeed, the pollution generated while seeking to satisfy today’s needs, accounts as another factor contributing to an announced devastation scenario, where biodiversity is endangered and social dissimilarities are enlarged. Some of the ongoing changes in the Earth’s climate systems are already considered irreparable, implying a state of planetary emergency.

Nine planetary boundaries have been defined as the safe operating space for humanity, supporting a long-lasting and thriving development for generations to come. More than half of these boundaries have already been crossed, compromising this safety zone and the overall wellbeing on the planet. Currently, two of these planetary boundaries are settled in an “uncertainty zone”, while three are considered at high-risk level, reinforcing the threat for large-scale abrupt and irreversible changes. A catastrophic situation may escalate from a cascade of tipping points, multiple earth systems reaching a point of no return. The loss of the West Antarctic ice sheet and the Amazon rainforest, or extensive melting of permafrost, as well as other key components of the climate system are close to crossing critical thresholds to a steep and irrevocable change, the main responsibilities being attributed to climate change.

These are the main challenges that our biosphere and communities face in the upcoming decades and immediate action needs to be taken to reverse their progression. Hence, it is imperative to act fast, unparalleled changes being taken to limit the climate change catastrophe, guaranteeing a sustainable development from now onwards.

Circular economy appears as a response to the need to create a more balanced society, which guarantees sustainable development and promotes the regeneration of resources. Specific circular strategies include designing longer lasting products, enhanced services and business models among other approaches, calling upon alternative reusable and recyclable options to lower fossil-based resources consumption, within more energy-efficient processes to emit less or no CO₂ emissions. These contribute to limiting the pollution of natural systems and to restore biodiversity, as resource recirculation for instance in value cascades or repurpose routes are applied instead of end-of-life scenarios. Decarbonising the economy and decoupling growth from the intensive consumption are the ultimate goals to achieve sustainability and a more resilient society.

This Special Issue is dedicated to original full length works, reviews or case study applications describing circular economy schemes, as well as their impacts in the environment and in society, as enablers of a healthier environment, a balanced humanity and a successful achievement of sustainable development.

Dr. Ana Ramos
Guest Editor

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Keywords

circular economy
sustainability
environmental assessment
climate change
sustainable development goals
socio-economic impacts
sustainability indicators
energetic efficiency
industrial engineering
innovation

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 161 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Afterword for the Special Issue “Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainable Development: Applications and Impacts”

by Ana Ramos

Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010311 - 29 Dec 2023

Viewed by 644

Abstract

Circular economy (CE) is a holistic approach to sustainable development that aims to minimize waste and make the most of resources [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainable Development: Applications and Impacts)

2 pages, 191 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for the Special Issue “Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainable Development: Applications and Impacts”

by Ana Ramos

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12831; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912831 - 08 Oct 2022

Viewed by 982

Abstract

The severe extraction of fossil resources and the extreme degradation of natural capital to attend to the increasing demands of production and consumption has generated a surplus of waste and emissions, the final destination of which is commonly landfills [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainable Development: Applications and Impacts)

Research

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21 pages, 1556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Restrictive Factors of Vigorous Promotion of Prefabricated Buildings in Yancheng under the Background of “Double Carbon”

by Houchao Sun, Yuwei Fang, Minggan Yin and Feiting Shi

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1737; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021737 - 16 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1903

Abstract

In the field of construction, the promotion of prefabricated buildings has been strongly supported by the state due to its low-carbon, environmental protection and high-efficiency characteristics. The process of design, prefabrication, and installation, is restricted by factors such as unsound policy standards, insufficient technological innovation, lack of professional talents, and high costs, which have led to the slow development of prefabricated buildings in China. The main factors that restrict the development of prefabricated buildings in Yancheng are identified from the researcher’s point of view by literature review and questionnaire survey method. The degree of centrality and cause of each constraint has been analyzed by the decision-making laboratory method (DEMATEL), and the interpretation structure method (ISM) was used to build a multi-level hierarchical structure model of constraints, the logical relationship, hierarchical relationship and relative importance of each constraint are clarified. It is concluded that industry policies, imperfect standards and insufficient government publicity are the fundamental reasons to hinder the development of prefabricated buildings in Yancheng. According to the order of the centrality, the main restrictive factors are determined, which benefits the establishment of the homologous counterplan for the vigorous promotion of prefabricated buildings in Yancheng. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainable Development: Applications and Impacts)

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17 pages, 658 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Central Inspections of Environmental Protection Affect the Efficiency of the Green Economy? Evidence from China’s Yangtze River Delta

by Haisheng Chen and Manhong Shen

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010747 - 31 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1335

Abstract

As an important part of China’s ecological civilization, the impact of the Central Inspections of Environmental Protection (CIEP) on the development of a green economy has been widely recognized. This article uses the first round of the Central Inspections of Environmental Protection (CIEP) and the “look-back” in cities above the prefecture level in China’s Yangtze River Delta as a quasi-natural experiment to construct more scientific green economic efficiency indicators based on OH (2010), and employs a multi-period spatial DID (difference-in-differences) model to empirically investigate the impact of the CIEP on the urban green economic efficiency. This study confirms that: (1) The Central Inspections of Environmental Protection have a significant contribution to the green economic efficiency of cities, and the “look-back” is of great significance to the long-term green development of cities. (2) The Central Inspections of Environmental Protection have had a positive impact on the building of a pro-clear government–business relationship in coastal and riverine areas, promoting the application of green technology research and development, and, thus, improving the green economic efficiency of cities. (3) Under the constraints of the central environmental protection inspection system, the southern Jiangsu region has been effective in promoting the green transformation of enterprises to enhance the efficiency of the city’s green economy due to its location endowment and historical tradition of opening ports and trading in the late Qing Dynasty. (4) Under the pressure of environmental regulation, some enterprises chose to relocate their production to non-inspected areas, which had a negative spillover effect on the green economic efficiency of the cities they moved into. Policy Implications: The impact of central environmental inspections on the efficiency of urban green economies varies from time to time and place to place, and it is important to regulate the use of administrative resources and strengthen inter-provincial coordination to promote synergy and cooperation across provincial environmental inspection systems. This paper provides ideas for understanding the logical starting point for the implementation of the central environmental inspection system, and for better promoting the green transformation and high-quality development of regional economies based on national characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainable Development: Applications and Impacts)

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15 pages, 2002 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Impact Assessment of Circular Construction: Case of Living Lab Ghent

by Nuri Cihan Kayaçetin, Chiara Piccardo and Alexis Versele

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010721 - 31 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2398

Abstract

The construction industry is considered to have a high potential in achieving the sustainable development goals. The circular economy is a promising framework that supports the shift from a linear-construction industry to an environmental-friendly and efficient sector. On the other hand, there is a lack of effort in measuring the impact of construction-related activities on users and society. The gap is greater when the context of social impacts is related to circular and bio-based construction. For this purpose, a social impact assessment framework was developed in the Interreg 2 seas CBCI project and tested on a residential prototype: Living Lab (LL) Ghent. Under 13 impact categories relevant to 4 stakeholder categories, circular and bio-based construction materials and methods were assessed for production and construction phases. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through expert workshops and questionnaires. The results include identification of new indicators (urban mining, social economy, and post-intervention manuals) for several circular construction methods. The social impacts of the LL were discussed depending on each stakeholder category. It was seen that there are several positive impacts related to workers and the local community. Certain recommendations were also provided specifically on a construction-sector basis which may be integrated into existing social impact assessment guidelines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainable Development: Applications and Impacts)

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16 pages, 3883 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Circular Economy Strategies with Social Implications: Findings from a Case Study

by Katherine Mansilla-Obando, Fabiola Jeldes-Delgado and Nataly Guiñez-Cabrera

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13658; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013658 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1981

Abstract

To progress towards sustainable development, more companies are voluntarily committing to move from a linear economy to a circular economy (CE), mitigating resource consumption and waste generation. Despite the commitment of companies, there is a lack of understanding of how stakeholders view reduction, reuse, and recycling (3R), and the social aspects related to them. Stakeholders were asked how they perceive CE strategies, and more specifically, how they perceive that these strategies, observed in the practice of the 3Rs, transcend into social aspects. The objective of this research is to analyse stakeholders’ perception of CE strategies using the 3Rs framework and stakeholder theory. Using a qualitative methodology, we conducted a case study for Green Glass, a company that uses glass as an input to manufacture its products. By analysing the content of 20 interviews, 23 videos, and 24 news items related to the company, we found that Green Glass stakeholders perceive the contribution of the 3Rs towards CE and that these have social implications, such as supplier evaluation with social impact, responsibility for the product, and decent work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainable Development: Applications and Impacts)

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17 pages, 2479 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transforming Linear Production Chains into Circular Value Extended Systems

by Carlos Scheel and Bernardo Bello

Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 3726; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14073726 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2378

Abstract

Different schools of thought, theories, and concepts have been developed to diminish the social and environmental impact that the take–make–dispose linear economic model has produced. Such is the case of industrial ecology (IE) and circular economy (CE). However, the principles and guidelines in IE literature are focused more on resource efficiency without considering the social externalities. In the same sense, CE literature has not brought clear guidance about how to circularize linear businesses and is mainly focused on recycling strategies, which could be the least profitable and attractive option among the circular business models (CBM). Based on the sustainable wealth creation through disruptive innovation and enabling technologies (SWIT) framework and the business model framework, we have developed a roadmap to transform linear value chains into an industrial ecology cluster of zero-waste chains and enabling institutions called a circular value extended system (CVES), which is able to exploit non-usual business opportunities of waste and residue revaluation. This systemic approach opens the possibilities of creating a socially inclusive, environmentally resilient, and economically viable system of capital. A case study is presented to clarify the design process and application of the framework. Our contribution entails guidelines to transform linear value chains into a cluster of circular economy systems capable of producing sustainable increasing returns to benefit multiple regional stakeholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainable Development: Applications and Impacts)

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13 pages, 931 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mechanism of Forming the Strategic Potential of an Enterprise in a Circular Economy

by Aleksandra Kuzior, Olena Arefieva, Zarina Poberezhna and Oleksiy Ihumentsev

Sustainability 2022, 14(6), 3258; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063258 - 10 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2400

Abstract

In the framework of this study, significant features of the formation of the strategic potential of the enterprise in a circular economy are identified. The characteristics and elements of the strategic potential of the enterprise, which can ensure its integrity and continuity of operations, are highlighted. The authors conducted and analyzed a theoretical review of the concept of the “circular economy” and its impact on business and resource conservation and environmental protection. The conditions for the transition to a circular economy at the macro level are formed. The key stages of ensuring the strategic potential of the enterprise, taking into account the internal and external environmental factors, are highlighted. The authors forecast the volume and dynamics of waste until 2027 using the Cobb–Douglas function. The mechanism of the formation of the strategic potential of the enterprise in the conditions of a circular economy is offered. This mechanism provides for the potential compliance with the strategic goals of the enterprise, as well as the rationality and balance of structural elements. Assessing the compliance of strategic potential with the developed strategy allows decisions to be made on the implementation of measures to meet the objectives of the enterprise, or to search for opportunities and reserves to improve its level. A set of measures aimed at the effective implementation of the proposed mechanism and the results of resource-efficient production is developed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainable Development: Applications and Impacts)

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13 pages, 2510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resource Pressure of Carpets: Guiding Their Circular Design

by Virginia Lama, Serena Righi, Brit Maike Quandt, Roland Hischier and Harald Desing

Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2530; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052530 - 22 Feb 2022

Viewed by 2162

Abstract

When designing a product, many decisions are made that determine the environmental impacts that the product will eventually exert on our planet. Therefore, it is paramount to have considered the environmental performance already in the design phase. In this contribution, we showcase the application of the recently developed resource pressure (RP) method to assess the environmental sustainability of various carpet design alternatives. This method consists of qualitative guidelines and a quantitative indicator. With the Earth’s carrying capacity as a reference, the product system is evaluated in relation to its consumption of primary resources and the final generation of waste. Several scenarios are developed by following the design guidelines provided by this method. Those scenarios aim at identifying the most promising circular strategies for reducing the products’ resource pressure. To assess the validity of the RP method, the results are compared to a simplified LCA study. This comparison showed a close correlation for most of the considered impact categories. It confirms that the RP method can effectively predict environmental impacts across a wide range of impact categories, reducing the amount of necessary data and simplifying the calculations. It can therefore support designers in considering the environmental effects easily, from the beginning of the design process onward. Moreover, the simplicity of this method makes it attractive for application by practitioners who are not themselves experts in environmental assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainable Development: Applications and Impacts)

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21 pages, 3040 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Superheated Steam Torrefaction of Biomass Residues with Valorisation of Platform Chemicals Part—2: Economic Assessment and Commercialisation Opportunities

by Baharam Roy, Peter Kleine-Möllhoff and Antoine Dalibard

Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 2338; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14042338 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2481

Abstract

Up to now biorefinery concepts can hardly compete with the conventional production of fossil-based chemicals. On one hand, conventional chemical production has been optimised over many decades in terms of energy, yield and costs. Biorefineries, on the other hand, do not have the benefit of long-term experience and therefore have a huge potential for optimisation. This study deals with the economic evaluation of a newly developed biorefinery concept based on superheated steam (SHS) torrefaction of biomass residues with recovery of valuable platform chemicals. Two variants of the biorefinery were economically investigated. One variant supplies various platform chemicals and torrefied biomass. The second variant supplies thermal energy for external consumers in addition to platform chemicals. The results show that both variants can be operated profitably if the focus of the platform chemicals produced is on high quality and thus on the higher-priced segment. The economic analysis gives clear indications of the most important financial influencing parameters. The economic impact of integration into existing industrial structures is positive. With the analysis, a viable business model can be developed. Based on the results of the present study, an open-innovation platform is recommended for the further development and commercialisation of the novel biorefinery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainable Development: Applications and Impacts)

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12 pages, 2376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improvement of the Crude Glycerol Purification Process Derived from Biodiesel Production Waste Sources through Computational Modeling

by Matheus Oliveira, Ana Ramos, Eliseu Monteiro and Abel Rouboa

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1747; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031747 - 02 Feb 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3767

Abstract

Considering waste as a possible new resource for useful purposes is one of the strategies included in the circular economy principles. In fact, industrial processes are seen as great contributors to the formation of waste streams. With the aim to attain more sustainable and resilient systems, in this study, a process flow chart was elaborated in an Aspen Plus computer simulator, to obtain the production of pure glycerol from crude glycerol (a by-product of biodiesel production). This process occurs through fractional vacuum distillation, the methanol recovery route in the deacidification process and the removal of methanol from the reaction medium. The separation stages of the crude glycerol implemented enabled a degree of purification of 99.77%, meeting the specifications of the pharmaceutical use. The developed model allowed for the optimization of the purification process, raising by 40% the mass flow rate of pure glycerol. A conclusion could be drawn that the use of crude glycerol is an excellent option for the development of new products with greater added-value, contributing to the zero waste principles and to the circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainable Development: Applications and Impacts)

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21 pages, 1996 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Superheated Steam Torrefaction of Biomass Residues with Valorisation of Platform Chemicals—Part 1: Ecological Assessment

by Baharam Roy, Peter Kleine-Möllhoff and Antoine Dalibard

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1212; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031212 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3045

Abstract

Within the last decade, research on torrefaction has gained increasing attention due to its ability to improve the physical properties and chemical composition of biomass residues for further energetic utilisation. While most of the research works focused on improving the energy density of the solid fraction to offer an ecological alternative to coal for energy applications, little attention was paid to the valorisation of the condensable gases as platform chemicals and its ecological relevance when compared to conventional production processes. Therefore, the present study focuses on the ecological evaluation of an innovative biorefinery concept that includes superheated steam drying and the torrefaction of biomass residues at ambient pressure, the recovery of volatiles and the valorisation/separation of several valuable platform chemicals. For a reference case and an alternative system design scenario, the ecological footprint was assessed, considering the use of different biomass residues. The results show that the newly developed process can compete with established bio-based and conventional production processes for furfural, 5-HMF and acetic acid in terms of the assessed environmental performance indicators. The requirements for further research on the synthesis of other promising platform chemicals and the necessary economic evaluation of the process were elaborated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainable Development: Applications and Impacts)

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Review

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26 pages, 2219 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Systematic Review on Seaweed Functionality: A Sustainable Bio-Based Material

by Pranav Nakhate and Yvonne van der Meer

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6174; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116174 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 7980

Abstract

Sustainable development is an integrated approach to tackle ongoing global challenges such as resource depletion, environmental degradation, and climate change. However, a paradigm shift from a fossil-based economy to a bio-based economy must accomplish the circularity principles in order to be sustainable as a solution. The exploration of new feedstock possibilities has potential to unlock the bio-based economy’s true potential, wherein a cascading approach would maximize value creation. Seaweed has distinctive chemical properties, a fast growth rate, and other promising benefits beyond its application as food, making it a suitable candidate to substitute fossil-based products. Economic and environmental aspects can make seaweed a lucrative business; however, seasonal variation, cultivation, harvesting, and product development challenges have yet not been considered. Therefore, a clear forward path is needed to consider all aspects, which would lead to the commercialization of financially viable seaweed-based bioproducts. In this article, seaweed’s capability and probable functionality to aid the bio-based economy are systematically discussed. The possible biorefinery approaches, along with its environmental and economic aspects of sustainability, are also dealt with. Ultimately, the developmental process, by-product promotion, financial assistance, and social acceptance approach are summarized, which is essential when considering seaweed-based products’ feasibility. Besides keeping feedstock and innovative technologies at the center of bio-economy transformation, it is imperative to follow sustainable-led management practices to meet sustainable development goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainable Development: Applications and Impacts)

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