Topic Editors

1. Department of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Cracow University of Technology, ul. Warszawska 24, 31-155 Kraków, Poland
2. Interdisciplinary Center for Circular Economy, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Kraków, Poland
1. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, Al. Jana Pawła II 37, 31-864 Krakow, Poland
2. Interdisciplinary Center for Circular Economy, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Kraków, Poland
1. Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics, Cracow University of Technology, Jana Pawła II 37, 31-864 Cracow, Poland
2. Interdisciplinary Center for Circular Economy, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Krakow, Poland
1. Department of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Kraków, Poland
2. Interdisciplinary Center for Circular Economy, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Kraków, Poland
Dr. Tomasz Zdeb
1. Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, 31-155 Cracow, Poland
2. Interdisciplinary Center for Circular Economy, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Kraków, Poland
Department of Industrial Engineering (DIIN), University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy

Circular Economy in Interdisciplinary Perspective: Valorization of Raw Materials, Sustainable Products, and Pro-Ecological Industrial Developments

Abstract submission deadline
31 December 2025
Manuscript submission deadline
30 March 2026
Viewed by
932

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Circular Economy (CE) system is the opposite of the dominant linear economy model, which is based on the principles of "take from the environment, produce, consume and throw away". Due to limited raw material resources and the frequently increasing difficulty in procuring them, the linear economy model is gradually being replaced by a circular economy model assuming the reuse of products (waste) through their recovery and recycling. Product design (eco-design) plays an important role in ensuring the least possible impact is had on the natural environment during products’ life cycles and after their use. CE models described in the literature also include stages of raw material acquisition, effective chemical, biological and material recycling (including intra-production recycling), activities to extend the life of products and possibly repair them, as well as more effective production methods for products using recycled materials. A modern circular economy requires interdisciplinary cooperation between industry and science in order to develop new environmentally friendly materials and practical technological solutions that meet current requirements, e.g., energy efficiency goals. It is worth pointing out that the concept of cleaner production contributes to the development of CE, and it is supported by the results of modeling and experimental verifications performed in academia and non-academic research centers. The determined structure–property relationships help considerably in designing advanced materials and technologies complying with the CE rules.

In this context, this Topic Issue aims to collect research and review papers devoted to up-to-date Circular Economy approaches from an interdisciplinary perspective, including those pertaining to the valorization of raw materials, development of sustainable products, and advancement of pro-ecological industrial solutions. Publications in the broad field of technological development and economic assessments of production, the application and re-use of materials, and products designed with CE in mind are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Pielichowski
Prof. Dr. Piotr Duda
Dr. Michał Łach
Dr. Tomasz Mariusz Majka
Dr. Tomasz Zdeb
Dr. Giovanni De Feo
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • circular economy
  • raw materials
  • Sustainable development
  • eco-design
  • composites
  • recycling

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Energies
energies
3.0 7.3 2008 16.8 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Materials
materials
3.1 6.4 2008 13.9 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Recycling
recycling
4.6 8.9 2016 20.9 Days CHF 1800 Submit
Sustainability
sustainability
3.3 7.7 2009 19.7 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Waste
waste
- - 2023 34.1 Days CHF 1000 Submit

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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16 pages, 2185 KiB  
Article
Maximizing Energy Recovery from Waste Tires Through Cement Production Optimization in Togo—A Case Study
by Mona-Maria Narra, Essossinam Beguedou, Satyanarayana Narra and Michael Nelles
Waste 2025, 3(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/waste3020019 - 8 Jun 2025
Viewed by 38
Abstract
The cement industry faces increasing energy costs and environmental pressures, driving the adoption of alternative fuels derived from waste materials. In Togo, approximately 350,000 t of end-of-life tires (ELT) are generated annually, creating significant environmental and health hazards through uncontrolled disposal and burning [...] Read more.
The cement industry faces increasing energy costs and environmental pressures, driving the adoption of alternative fuels derived from waste materials. In Togo, approximately 350,000 t of end-of-life tires (ELT) are generated annually, creating significant environmental and health hazards through uncontrolled disposal and burning practices. This study investigated the technical feasibility and economic viability of incorporating waste tires as an alternative fuel in cement manufacturing. Tire-derived fuel (TDF) performance was evaluated by comparing pre-processed industrial tires with unprocessed ones, focusing on clinker production loss, elemental composition, heating values, and bulk density. The results demonstrate that TDF exhibits superior performance characteristics, with the highest heating values, and meets all the required specifications for cement production. In contrast, whole tire incineration fails to satisfy the recommended criteria, necessitating blending with conventional fuels to maintain clinker quality and combustion efficiency. The investigation revealed no significant adverse effects on production processes or clinker quality while achieving substantial reductions in nitrogen and sulfur oxide emissions. The experimental results were compared with the theoretical burnout times to optimize the shredding operations and injection methods. However, several challenges remain unaddressed, including the absence of streamlined handling processes, limited understanding of long-term ecological and health impacts, and insufficient techno-economic assessments. Future research should prioritize identifying critical aging points, investigating self-rejuvenating behaviors, and quantifying long-term environmental implications. These findings provide a foundation for developing computational models to optimize the mixing ratios of alternative and fossil fuels in cement manufacturing, offering significant environmental, economic, and societal benefits for the cement industry. Full article
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25 pages, 5651 KiB  
Article
Kinetic and Thermodynamic Analysis of Fried Tilapia Fish Waste Pyrolysis for Biofuel Production
by Mohamed Koraiem M. Handawy, Ik-Tae Im, Gyo Woo Lee and Hamada Mohamed Abdelmotalib
Recycling 2025, 10(2), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling10020061 - 1 Apr 2025
Viewed by 446
Abstract
Converting food waste into biofuel resources is considered a promising approach to address the rapid increase in energy demand, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and decrease environmental hazards. In Egypt, large quantities of fried tilapia fish waste are produced in restaurants and households, [...] Read more.
Converting food waste into biofuel resources is considered a promising approach to address the rapid increase in energy demand, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and decrease environmental hazards. In Egypt, large quantities of fried tilapia fish waste are produced in restaurants and households, posing challenges for proper waste management due to its decaying nature. The current study investigates the kinetic triplet and thermodynamic parameters of fried tilapia fish waste (FTFW) pyrolysis. Kinetic analysis was carried out using four iso-conversional models, Friedman, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), and Starink, at heating rates of 10, 15, and 20 °C/min. The study findings indicate that FTFW decomposes within the temperature range of 382–407 °C. The estimated activation energy using the Friedman, FWO, KAS, and Starink methods ranged from 43.2 to 208.2, 31.3 to 148.3, 22.3 to 179.3, and 24.1 to 181.3 kJ/mol, respectively, with average values of 118.4, 96.7, 109.7, and 100.5 kJ/mol, respectively. The average enthalpy change determined using the Friedman, FWO, KAS, and Starink methods was 113.45, 91.78, 95.58, and 104.73 kJ/mol, respectively. The average values of Gibbs free energy change for the Friedman, KAS, FWO, and Starink, methods were 192.71, 171.04, 174.83, and 183.99 kJ/mol, respectively. Full article
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