Search Results (271)

The increasing production of fruit and vegetable by-products from the food processing industry presents both environmental challenges and opportunities for valorisation as sources of bioactive compounds. These by-products, including peels, seeds, pomace, and leaves, are rich in polyphenols, carotenoids, dietary fibres, glucosinolates, phytosterols, and essential oils, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and prebiotic activities. Recent advances in green extraction technologies, including ultrasound-, microwave-, supercritical fluid-, and cold plasma-assisted extraction, allow for an efficient and sustainable recovery of these compounds, while preserving their bioactivity. Incorporation of by-product-derived extracts into functional foods and nutraceuticals offers health-promoting benefits and supports circular bioeconomy strategies. However, challenges remain in standardisation, safety assessment, and regulatory approval, among others. This review summarises current progress and outlines future directions for the sustainable utilisation of fruit and vegetable by-products in health-oriented applications. Full article

The construction industry is one of the most resource-intensive and environmentally impactful sectors, responsible for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, over one-third of energy consumption, and a significant share of raw material depletion. These figures underscore the urgent need to transform conventional approaches to project delivery and resource management. Integrating construction management with environmental engineering offers a comprehensive pathway to enhance efficiency, mitigate environmental pressures, and align the sector with international sustainability commitments. This paper presents a systematic review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025 to evaluate sustainable practices that connect these two domains. The review focuses on five thematic areas: project delivery and management strategies with sustainability goals, environmental engineering tools such as pollution control and life cycle assessment, green certification frameworks, waste reduction and circular economy practices, and the integration of emerging digital and material technologies. Together, these areas illustrate how managerial systems and engineering solutions can jointly foster sustainable outcomes. The review indicates notable progress in fields such as green certification adoption, the use of Building Information Modeling for resource efficiency, and advanced recycling technologies. However, persistent challenges remain. These include the uneven uptake of sustainable practices between developed and developing economies, limited application of digital innovations such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, and insufficient policy coordination to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By synthesizing dispersed insights across disciplines, this review contributes an integrated perspective that clarifies current achievements, highlights unresolved gaps, and suggests directions for future research and practice. The analysis is intended to support policymakers, industry professionals, and scholars in accelerating the transition toward a more resource-efficient and environmentally responsible construction sector. Full article

The rising amount of food industry waste has sparked interest in its valorization as a source of bioactive compounds. This study combines bibliometric analysis and a systematic review to map the scientific literature on the recovery of bioactive compounds from food byproducts, focusing on green extraction strategies and their alignment with the principles of the circular economy. A total of 176 documents, published between 2015 and 2025, were analyzed. The analysis shows significant growth after 2020 and highlights bioactive compounds, extraction, and the circular economy as the primary research themes. Italy, Spain, and Brazil emerged as the leading countries in scientific production. The systematic review covers green extraction techniques, including ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), and natural deep eutectic solvent extraction (NADES). UAE- and NADES-based processes were the most frequently applied extraction techniques, mainly targeting phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Significant progress has been observed, particularly in the advancement of extraction technologies, in the recovery of key bioactive compounds, and in their industrial applications. These methods recover phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and other compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective properties, which have potential applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biodegradable packaging. Nutraceuticals and functional foods represent the main application areas, followed by cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Despite progress, challenges remain, including scalability, equipment costs, solvent recovery, and process standardization. The green extraction of bioactive compounds from food byproducts shows promise and can support the goals of the 2030 Agenda. Full article

As the global 3D printing market continues to grow, the consumption of plastic products produced by 3D printers is also increasing. The role of 3D-printed products in both daily use and industrial applications has been progressively reinforced. Plastic materials undergo physical and chemical changes when exposed to environmental conditions such as temperature, light, and humidity. Consequently, they are subjected to aging during use, which shortens their service life. With the expanding use of 3D printing technology in various sectors such as healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and defense, it has become increasingly important to understand the changes (potential decreases or losses) in the performance of these materials after long-term exposure to environmental conditions. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of potential changes in 3D-printed ABS Plus material by examining the phenomenon of aging induced by exposure to radiation from a xenon arc lamp. ABS Plus samples of different colors (yellow, purple, red, green, and blue) were subjected to aging for 0, 112, 225, 337, and 450 h using a xenon arc lamp. To investigate the effects of aging, the mechanical (tensile, flexural, and hardness) and optical (color and gloss variations) properties of the samples were compared before and after aging. Following the mechanical tests, the fracture modes of the specimens were also examined. In addition, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images were obtained to further discuss the effects of aging. The results revealed that the mechanical properties of the reference samples varied depending on color. The highest tensile strength was observed in the yellow samples (33.46 MPa), while the highest flexural strength was recorded in the green samples (58.46 MPa). After aging, the lowest tensile strength was found in the purple samples aged for 337 h (24.63 MPa), whereas the lowest bending force was measured in the red samples aged for 450 h (45.27 N). Overall, the mechanical properties of the samples varied with aging duration, with the blue and green specimens being the least affected. For the blue specimens, after 112, 225, and 337 h of aging, an increase in tensile strength was observed (2.77%, 10.54%, and 9.58%, respectively), while a decrease occurred after 450 h of aging (−6.22%). For the green specimens, after 112, 225, and 337 h of aging, the tensile strength remained similar to that of the reference sample (−2.97%, 0.23%, and 0.05%, respectively) but decreased after 445 h of aging (−8.09%). In terms of optical properties, the most significant color change (−23.51) was observed in the purple samples. Gloss measurements indicated that the impact of aging increased with exposure time. Full article

Background/Objectives: Orange peels (OP), a major by-product of the juice industry, are rich in bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, pectin, carotenoids, and essential oils). Its valorization represents a promising route to reduce food waste and foster a circular bioeconomy. This review aimed to map scientific progress in OP upcycling, focusing on the extraction of bioactive ingredients for human nutrition and integrated biorefinery approaches aligned with zero-waste principles. Methods: A bibliometric analysis and a scoping review were conducted covering studies published between 2003 and 2023. Scopus database and VOSviewer was usedto identify research trends, hotspots, and gaps. Conventional and emerging green extraction methods were critically compared, and integrated biorefinery strategies for maximizing OP valorization were systematically assessed. Results: The analysis revealed an exponential rise in OP research over the past decade, reflecting growing interest in sustainable food waste valorization. Polyphenol- and pectin-rich extracts are currently the focus of research and applications, driven by their high economic and nutritional value. Innovative multi-extraction and zero-waste biorefinery models have emerged, yet most remain at low technological readiness levels. Carotenoids and other bioactive compounds remain underexplored, and challenges persist regarding standardization and scalability. Conclusions: OP valorization is shifting towards integrated green extraction and biorefinery frameworks that address clean-label demands, promote circular economy goals, and align with the Sustainable Development Goals. Future research should prioritize (i) standardized protocols, (ii) scalable green extraction technologies, (iii) the inclusion of underutilized compounds such as carotenoids, and (iv) regulatory pathways to accelerate industrial translation. Full article

This work develops a replicable method for designing the optimal renewable hydrogen production facility, applicable to any site and based on technical parameters and actual equipment costs. The solution is based on the integration of photovoltaic (PV) energy with lithium-ion battery storage systems, which maximizes electrolyzer operating hours and significantly reduces the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH). This study shows that increasing the inclination of the photovoltaic modules reduces the need for storage, optimizing operation and extending the electrolyzer’s annual operating hours. In the Seville case study, with current costs and efficiencies, a minimum LCOH of €4.43/kg was achieved, a value well below market benchmarks, opening the door to a potentially competitive industrial business. The analysis confirms that electrolyzer efficiency—particularly specific power consumption—is the most important factor in reducing costs, while technological progress in photovoltaics, storage, and equipment promises further reductions in the coming years. Overall, the proposed methodology offers a practical and scalable tool to accelerate the economic viability of green hydrogen in a variety of contexts. Full article

Carbon emissions from the manufacturing sector have long been a critical environmental concern. New quality productive forces (NEP), which integrate advanced technologies and innovative practices to enhance production efficiency while reducing environmental impact, provide robust support for the green and sustainable development of manufacturing. However, previous studies have not established empirical evidence linking NEP to manufacturing carbon emission intensity (CEI), nor have they identified the underlying transmission channels. This study makes a methodological innovation by explicitly differentiating technological innovation into disruptive and progressive categories to examine their distinct mediating roles. Using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2012 to 2021, we investigate the direct, heterogeneous, and spatial effects of NEP on CEI, along with the mediating effects of different innovation types. The results demonstrate that NEP significantly reduces CEI, and this finding remains robust after addressing endogeneity concerns and conducting comprehensive robustness checks. Mechanism analysis reveals that NEP achieves emission reduction primarily through promoting disruptive innovation—fundamental shifts in operational paradigms that substantially reduce environmental footprints. Heterogeneity analysis indicates the strongest emission reduction effect in central China. Based on these findings, we propose targeted policy recommendations: cultivating NEP as a fundamental driver, accelerating green technology industrialization, establishing a three-dimensional policy framework integrating innovation incentives, market regulation, and supervisory safeguards, and implementing regionally differentiated strategies. These approaches provide actionable pathways for achieving China’s dual-carbon goals and promoting sustainable manufacturing development. Full article

Addressing climate change and achieving carbon neutrality are urgent global responsibilities, with China’s “dual carbon” goals presenting a significant challenge and opportunity for its energy sector. Green finance, as a pivotal driver for fostering low-carbon and high-quality development in the energy industry, significantly accelerates its green transition. Employing an integrated micro-macro framework, this study first develops a tripartite evolutionary game model involving government, local energy enterprises, and external energy enterprises to analyze the micro-mechanisms of corporate low-carbon decision-making under green finance policies. Subsequently, utilizing panel data from 30 Chinese provinces (2013–2021), it empirically examines the macro impact of green finance on the industry’s low-carbon, high-quality development using a spatial Durbin model (SDM). Key findings include the following: (1) Game analysis reveals that local enterprises’ low-carbon transition propensity and emission reduction returns increase with R&D investment but are negatively moderated by the tax rate level within green finance policies. (2) Spatial econometric results demonstrate that green finance significantly facilitates local energy industry low-carbon transition via technological progress, confirming a significant negative spatial spillover effect on neighboring regions, with notable regional heterogeneity. (3) The effectiveness of green finance policy exhibits significant regional disparity, being markedly stronger in eastern China compared to central and western regions. The findings provide a theoretical and practical foundation for improving market mechanisms and regional coordination in China’s green finance policies, offering a valuable reference for the design of green finance systems in other major emerging and developing economies. Full article

Balancing the development of agricultural cold chain logistics with ecological conservation remains a critical challenge for green cold chain logistics in China’s three northeastern provinces. This study evaluates the efficiency of green cold chain logistics to promote synergy between logistics development and ecological sustainability. Using CiteSpace for keyword co-occurrence analysis and literature extraction, an evaluation index system comprising eight input and output indicators was constructed. The super-efficiency Slacks-Based Measure (SBM) model and the Malmquist–Luenberger (ML) productivity index were employed to assess efficiency from static and dynamic perspectives, respectively. Kernel density estimation was used to examine spatial distribution patterns, and the Dagum Gini coefficient was applied to decompose regional disparities. The results indicate that (1) overall efficiency remains relatively low, with ML index changes primarily driven by technological progress; (2) substantial regional differences exist among the three provinces in terms of distribution location, shape, and degree of polarization; and (3) inter-regional disparities are the main source of variation. A Tobit model further identified the key influencing factors, indicating that the level of economic development, growth of the tertiary industry, and informatization are the main drivers. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing regional green cold chain logistics and promoting sustainable agricultural development. Full article

In an era defined by the imperative for sustainable, high-performance materials, this review examines the development and utility of key ester and ether derivatives from both cellulose and hemicellulose sourced from lignocellulosic biomass, with a special emphasis on waste feedstocks. Our findings indicate that these derivatives exhibit tunable physicochemical properties, enabling their broad use in established industrial sectors while also fueling the emergence of novel technological applications in nanotechnology, controlled delivery, tissue engineering, environmental remediation, electronics, and energy fields. This dual-polysaccharide platform demonstrates that underutilized biomass streams can be repurposed as valuable feedstocks, promoting a circular supply chain and supporting more sustainable solutions, thereby aligning with the goals of eco-friendly innovation in materials science. Future progress will likely depend on integrating green chemistry synthesis routes, optimizing waste-to-product conversion efficiency and scalability, and engineering derivatives for multifunctional performance, thus bridging the gap between commodity-scale use and high-tech material innovation. Full article

Green hydrogen has the potential to contribute to the decarbonization of the fossil fuel industry, and its development is expected to increase in the coming years. The social dynamics among the various actors in the green hydrogen sector are studied to understand their public perception. Using the technological innovation system research approach for the stakeholder analysis and the qualitative thematic analysis method for the interviews with experts, this study presents an overview of the actors in the green hydrogen sector and their relations in Luxembourg. As a central European country with strategic political and geographic relevance, Luxembourg offers a timely case for analyzing public perception before the large-scale implementation of green hydrogen. Observing this early stage allows for future comparative insights as the national hydrogen strategy progresses. Results show high expectations for green hydrogen in mobility and industry, but concerns persist over infrastructure costs, safety, and public awareness. Regional stakeholders demonstrate a strong willingness to collaborate, recognizing that local public acceptance still requires effort, particularly in areas such as clear and inclusive communication, sharing knowledge, and fostering trust. These findings provide practical insights for stakeholder engagement strategies and theoretical contributions to the study of social dynamics in sustainability transitions. Full article

Amid growing environmental challenges associated with self-driving tourism, this study explores destination-level factors beyond the traditional 6A framework that influence tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior (ERB). Using a grounded theory approach supported by expert interviews, this study conducted 20 + 5 (theoretical saturation test) interviews with local government officials, academics and researchers, local tourism industry professionals, and local community representatives. The interview data underwent a three-stage coding process—open, axial, and selective coding. As a result, three additional drivers of ERB were identified: (1) governance capacity for sustainability, (2) green innovation practices, and (3) community-based environmental empathy. Together with the 6A framework, these drivers form a multi-layered, progressive model that explains how destinations shape ERB through three pathways: product and service experience, institutional regulation and technological enablement, and emotional connection as the deepest driver. The study enriches destination behavior theory by integrating tangible, managerial, and cultural mechanisms, offering theoretical advancement and practical strategies for promoting sustainable self-driving tourism. Full article

To achieve carbon peak and neutrality goals and promote sustainable development, the power sector, as China’s largest source of carbon emissions, is the first industry to implement the national carbon emission trading scheme (ETS). A differences-in-differences model is employed on firm-level data to assess the causal impact of China’s national ETS, launched in 2017, on the sustainable technology progress of power generation enterprises. This study employs green patents and total factor productivity as measures for sustainable technology progress and then explores mechanisms and heterogeneity of the impact. Results show that: (1) The national ETS has a positive effect on green innovation capability and efficiency in the power industry, and the increasing causal effect is mainly achieved through research and development expenditure. (2) The national ETS exerts a more significant positive effect on power generation enterprises that are non-state-owned, have smaller asset scale, demonstrate superior environmental performance, and are located in the eastern region. However, there is no significant difference in total factor productivity across power enterprises. (3) Green innovations are predominantly concentrated in new energy and hybrid power generation enterprises. This study contributes to the literature by providing novel empirical evidence from China’s national ETS, highlighting its dual impact on innovation and productivity within a unified framework. The findings not only offer targeted recommendations for China’s power sector but also serve as an important reference for other high-emitting industries and other regions worldwide facing the same challenges in their pursuit of sustainable development. Full article

Sustainable agricultural development requires ensuring food security while preserving essential ecological conditions. This study incorporated ecosystem service value and carbon emissions as the positive and negative ecological outputs of agriculture, respectively, to account for the AGEE of 31 Chinese provinces from 2012 to 2021 and to analyse its spatiotemporal characteristics. The Malmquist Index was employed to calculate the green total factor productivity (GTP) as a quantitative indicator of AGEE dynamics, providing further insights into the sources and equilibrium of AGEE growth, as well as provincial-level improvement paths. Furthermore, the Spatial Durbin Model was applied to systematically analyse the influencing factors and their associated spatial spillover effects. The results show the following: (1) AGEE demonstrated steady improvement, with a mean value of 0.576, and was spatially concentrated along a northeast–southwest axis, exhibiting regional disparities and polarisation. (2) GTP consistently exceeded 1, indicating overall AGEE growth, primarily driven by technological scale expansion. Regional imbalances in AGEE growth had emerged, with heterogeneous causes across economic regions. Three identified AGEE improvement paths—technological catch-up, green innovation, and technological progress—varied by province, with green innovation being the most common priority. (3) AGEE exhibited spatial autocorrelation, with rural income, adequate irrigation, and cropping structure promoting AGEE. Effective irrigation also exhibited a positive spatial spillover effect, whereas industrial structure hindered AGEE. These findings provide valuable insights for advancing green agricultural practices and sustainable regional development. Full article

As global climate change progresses and the “dual carbon” strategy advances, market-based carbon emission trading systems are of great theoretical and practical importance for green technology innovation. In this paper, A-share listed advanced manufacturing enterprises in pilot regions from 2010 to 2023 are taken as samples, and a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) method is employed to probe into the mechanism by which this policy influences green technology innovation in China’s advanced manufacturing enterprises. Empirical analysis reveals that carbon emission trading exerts a remarkable promoting impact on green technology innovation in China’s advanced manufacturing enterprises. The study indicates that the policy’s influence on enterprises is indirect; specifically, government policies encourage enterprises to raise their R&D investment, thus facilitating green technology innovation to some degree. Moreover, carbon emission rights prices play a positive moderating role, which is vital for maintaining the policy’s incentive function in long-term green transition—within a reasonable range, carbon prices can enhance the policy’s promoting effect. In addition, enterprise-specific features like company size and asset-liability ratio have certain effects on enterprises’ green technology innovation behaviors. The research findings will offer a theoretical foundation and practical reference for optimizing China’s carbon market mechanism in advanced manufacturing and advancing the green transformation of China’s advanced manufacturing industry. Full article