Abstract
In a circular economy (CE) environment, it is important to make good and efficient use of resources and consider that the waste generated in production processes can be a valuable resource. However, the tools and methodologies conventionally used to analyze and evaluate production systems are based on techniques focused on linear production management models, where the primary purpose is to reduce the treatment and management of waste as much as possible and where productive and environmental efficiency are not evaluated simultaneously. Changing the paradigm from a linear to a circular economy requires that a new strategy for production systems be defined, one that makes production processes simultaneously circular and efficient (in terms of quality and productivity). In this context, a holistic vision is needed when implementing CE strategies. Therefore, the main aim of this paper is to provide evidence, through two real case studies in the use of water, that the management of this resource without considering systemic thinking may not be the most circular solution. Main results showed that improvements based on the traditional approach of reducing resource use cannot provide the best results if they are supported only by current process consumption without considering the circularity of resources.
Highlights
No one doubts any longer that organizations must contribute directly to a more sustainable world
This impact is studied from the two approaches described in the paper: a traditional approach from a linear economic (LE) perspective and a holistic approach which considers impacts according to the circular economy (CE) framework
Economic and environmental sustainability in industries is based on a circular economy, both in the use of raw materials and production processes and in the management and treatment of the waste generated
Summary
No one doubts any longer that organizations must contribute directly to a more sustainable world. This new paradigm has been useful to understand how resources can be managed most efficiently [1]. The term “circular economy” was first coined in 1990 [2]. The ECoPYME project, led by TECNUN (DPI2015-70832-R (MINECO/FEDER)), defined circular economy to include different sensitivities: “an economic system that represents a change of paradigm in the way in which human society is interrelated with nature and seeks to avoid the depletion of resources, close energy and material ties and facilitate sustainable development through its implementation at the micro level (businesses and consumers), meso level (economic agents integrated in symbiosis) and macro level (cities, regions and governments)” [4].
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