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

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

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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All Energies Materials Recycling Sustainability Waste

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16 pages, 2185 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

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

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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

(This article belongs to the Topic Circular Economy in Interdisciplinary Perspective: Valorization of Raw Materials, Sustainable Products, and Pro-Ecological Industrial Developments)

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25 pages, 5651 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

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

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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

(This article belongs to the Topic Circular Economy in Interdisciplinary Perspective: Valorization of Raw Materials, Sustainable Products, and Pro-Ecological Industrial Developments)

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