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

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