Circular Bioeconomy Concepts—A Perspective

Bacillus genus industrial applications and innovation: First steps towards a circular bioeconomy

Biomass and organic waste potentials towards implementing circular bioeconomy platforms: A systematic bibliometric analysis

Circular Urban Metabolism Framework

Do forest biorefineries fit with working principles of a circular bioeconomy? A case of Finnish and Swedish initiatives

Sustainable food waste management towards circular bioeconomy: Policy review, limitations and opportunities

Aims: To analyze welfare and sustainability concepts framed by United Nations 2030 Agenda highlighting its commitment towards poverty and hunger; to discuss the concept of circular economy exploring the dimensions of sustainability to which it is associated; to analyze the relationship between the circular economy and the social economy, and to distinguish practices based on the assumptions of the circular economy with an inclusive impact at the level of confronting situations of vulnerability/poverty in Portugal. Method: This is a theoretical reflection based on a review of current literature, documentary analysis and searching on websites, on the opportunities of the social economy embedded in solidarity sector to foster welfare (social) sustainability by pursuing circular economy principles. Findings: The issues of poverty and hunger are central to understand the welfare concept and occupy a pole position in the agenda of human sustainability. The circular economy approach has been distinguished mainly as an alternative philosophy of growth (focusing on business) and (environmental) sustainability. Social economy anchored in solidarity organizations reveals the (neglected) social dimension of circular economy due to circular economy principles that they adopt connected to their mission. Conclusions: The opportunities of circular economy to address welfare sustainability, especially for responding to multiple social needs (e.g., basic needs) coming from the circular social economy stakeholders must be reinforced in discourses and political agendas. Also, that opens space to reconfigure the concept of circular economy widening its scope and focus on a complete approach committed to sustainability, being this a direction, that research can deepen.

The article is devoted to the issues of world experience of transition to models of circular economy on the basis of use of waste-free technologies in agro – industrial complex. The main differences of the circular model of the economy from the linear (traditional) one are determined. The ecological, economic and social advantages of the circular economy both at the entrance and at the exit from the circular model of economy are singled out. The evolutionary development of R-principles of formation of the concept of circular economy from 3R to 10R is investigated, which proves the dynamism and complexity circular economy. It is substantiated that the circular economy covers issues of energy efficiency, reduction of pollutant emissions, creation of in-novative and efficient methods of production and consumption, optimization of waste management on a cyclical basis. The na-tional peculiarities of the transition to the model of circular economy in some countries of the world are analyzed, in particular, in all cases the concept of circular economy is related to the recycling of waste by environmental impact on the environment. It is proposed to use the concept of “circular bioeconomy” when using waste-free agro-industrial technologies, which should be considered as a combination of the concepts of “circular economy” and “bioeconomy”. By circular bioeconomy we mean a strategy aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the transition to renewable energy sources and ensuring sustainable economic development through the use of waste-free technologies. It is established that the most promising model of circular bioeconomy based on the use of waste-free agro-industrial technologies is the production of biogas from agricultural waste. The current state of development of biogas technologies in some countries of the world is determined and the advantages for agricultural enterprises from the introduction of environmentally friendly waste-free technologies for biogas production from waste are determined. Based on the research of world experience in implementing a circular economy model using waste-free agro-industrial technologies, a potential scheme for biogas production from agricultural waste to ensure energy security of the industry and characterized the environmental effects of its implementation.

The concept of the circular economy has gained traction among scholars, governments, and businesses alike who advocate it as a remedy to the grand sustainability challenges of our time. These challenges include the enormous increase in resource use, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions from increasing production and consumption. Through its linkage with these sustainability challenges, the circular economy concept was transferred to an entirely renewed scale and scope of application within a short period of time. This PhD dissertation responds to calls in the scientific circular economy literature to better conceptualize and measure the circular economy. First, in its new context of application, the circular economy has often been criticized as a melting pot of concepts lacking consensus across scholars and other societal stakeholders. Second, circular economy measurement has thus far mostly been focused on technical aspects of the circular economy, quantitative performance measures and final sustainability impacts, rather than the progress of the transition to a circular economy. As a contribution to circular economy conceptualization, this dissertation synthesizes conceptual foundations of the circular economy into a new circular economy definition and it creates a comprehensive framework of a key circular economy principle, the circular economy value retention options (also called R-strategies). The definition includes the basic principles of circular economy (systems and value retention options), enablers (businesses models and consumers), and aims (sustainable development and an intact resource based for future generations). The framework of circular economy value retention options emerges from a qualitative analysis of 69 academic articles and comprises a 10R hierarchy (R0—Refuse, R1—Reduce, R2—Reuse/Resell, R3—Repair, R4—Refurbish, R5—Remanufacture, R6—Repurpose, R7—Recycle, R8—Recover Energy, R9—Remine). Circular economy measurement in the dissertation focuses on better understanding the circular economy transition in the formative phase through system-oriented measurement of circular economy processes. Two different frameworks are constructed in leaning on the “technological innovation systems” approach and its “seven functions of innovation systems”. The first framework focuses on the analyses of multiple, diverse circular economy solution trajectories emerging in parallel. To assess progress of solution trajectories, the 10R framework is utilized, and two additional innovation system functions are employed (coordination, regime change) to better capture their progress. An empirical mixed-methods study on the “Dutch circular textiles mission” serves to apply the framework. The second system-oriented framework developed is termed “AMOR”. It combines the original seven functions of innovation systems with the “Abilities, Motivations, Opportunities–AMO” framework and the 10Rs framework into a new framework (AMOR) with nine lead indicators. In the dissertation, a macro-level and a micro-level framework are introduced, and results are obtained based on government data from the Netherlands (macro-level) and through corporate sustainability reports from multinational corporations (micro-level). Overall, the dissertation derives advances on the circular economy concept and its measurement combined with empirical insights. It presents further avenues for conceptualization by academics and proposes that practitioners may use the circular economy definition, the 10R framework, and the measurement frameworks as a guideline for circular economy implementation and monitoring.

Earth as a planet has limited natural resources and current levels of extraction and consumption are not sustainable. The organizational model for the production of goods and services in society is predominantly linear: resources are extracted, passed through the production process, used by society, and then discarded, ignoring external effects. While the linear economy was very successful in creating material wealth in industrialized countries until the 20th century, it has proven to be unsustainable in the new millennium, as such an approach depletes natural resources, piles up waste, contributes to climate change, and increases other forms of pollution and environmental degradation. environment. In contrast to the conventional linear economic model, where resources are extracted, used and discarded, the concept of circular (circular) economy is increasingly developing in the world, conceived as an ideal and instrumental model of development determined by the responsible and cyclical use of resources, in order to maintain their value in the economy, minimized the pressures on the environment and contributed to the improvement of socio-economic well-being. The collection of concepts that make up the circular economy enables the reduction of waste by incorporating the reuse of goods components by design through closed loop and cascade approaches, increasing the resilience of the economic system, preserving the environment, meeting the growing demands of an increasingly populated planet and increasing the operability and profitability of production. The application of circular economy principles brings cleaner air through the application of measures to reduce air pollution, encouraging the use of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency; cleaner water through the implementation of measures to prevent water pollution; regulated waste management system; addressing climate change and a number of other measures that ultimately bring a positive impact on people's health and the preservation of resources for future generations. Eco-innovations are one of the key tools for the transition from a linear to a circular economy and the fight against climate change. The circular economy reduces the pressure on natural resources, and is a prerequisite for achieving the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 and stopping the loss of biological diversity. Implementation of CE worldwide appears to be still in its early stages, mostly focused on recycling rather than reuse. Evidence suggests that CE has numerous advantages as it represents a unique policy strategy for avoiding resource depletion, energy conservation, waste reduction, land management and integrated water resources management. The transition to a system based on a circular economy represents an advantage not only for the market, by stimulating competitiveness and innovation, but also for the environment, reducing resource dependence and waste problems. On the other hand, challenges include lack of clear, standardized quantitative measurements and targets, data quality, lack of advanced technology, weak law enforcement, weak economic incentives, poor governance and lack of public awareness. The advantages are undeniable, and such innovative models lead to a reduction of dependence on raw materials by strengthening the relationship between the company and its customers, offering products with a high degree of customization, the emergence of a participatory economy based on digital technologies, etc. Despite widespread recognition of its benefits, implementation has been slow. Attempts tend to focus on short-term, immediately feasible actions rather than transformative, structural changes. The category of highly circular strategies targets processes such as the creation, design and development of products or services and involves significant investment in research, development and innovation. The lesson learned from successful experiences is that the transition to CE comes from the involvement of all actors of society and their capacity to connect and create appropriate patterns of cooperation and exchange. Previous research shows that the transition to a circular economy represents a systemic shift that contributes to the long-term resilience of society and local communities to climate change and economic shocks, creates business opportunities and jobs, and has lasting positive effects on the environment and society. The government should play a leading role in drawing up a macro-development plan, raising public awareness of the circular economy, establishing a system of laws and regulations, encouraging key industries, investing capital and providing technical support for the development of the circular economy. The circular economy research field still has a long way to go to create positive global, political, economic, scientific, social and environmental impacts. There is a need for studies in different sub-fields to highlight potential impacts in the present and future, as well as research to find ways to accelerate the economic transition towards a circular economy.

Transition in the Finnish forest-based sector: Company perspectives on the bioeconomy, circular economy and sustainability

Urbanization and building production that accelerate with globalization, cause excessive resource consumption and waste generation. The circular economy concept which is a contemporary economy approach, has been developed to solve this environmental and economic problem. The construction sector and architectural practice that provide building production need innovative solutions through the circular economy concept, as they consume different resources and produce waste crises. The circular economy concept is applied with the "adaptive reuse" approach in the field of architecture. One of the important applications of the concept of adaptive reuse is the reuse of architectural elements and materials. However, the relationship between the concept of circular economy and the reuse of architectural elements can be developed by examining several recent projects and its advantages. In this article, it is aimed to examine the relationship of this architectural reuse approach with the circular economy concept and to emphasize its importance. For this purpose, the theoretical perspectives and effects of circular economy were examined in the first part of the article, and the reflections of the circular economy concept on architecture were given in the second part. This section continues with description of the comparative analysis methodology that relates the building life cycle and circular economy principles to examine the architectural projects built as an example of circular economy paradigm. In the third chapter, two architectural sample projects built in China and France were selected and introduced. Being pioneers in their countries in circular economy approaches and the different environmental policies of countries have been effective in the selection of examples from different geographies. The fourth part consists of analyzing the projects according to circular economy parameters using comparative analysis method. In the last section, analysis results show that although China is one of the pioneers in adopting circular economy principles with architectural design and building life cycle, it has been found that France considers circular economy design from a broader perspective. Also, the design approach with circular economy criteria in different stage of building life cycle is gaining momentum over the years through national and local governments and collaborations. It is recommended that technological design systems such as BIM can be developed as integrated cloud systems that can share information from other sectors. Because the building life cycle is not only related to the architecture and construction sector. It is a cyclical system and economy that works with different sectors such as supply and waste management.

In recent years, exploring business models (BMs) within the circular bioeconomy (CBE) framework has gained increasing prominence in academic discussions, driving transformation across various industries. This research focuses on the textile-fashion (T-F) industry, a sector with significant environmental impact, to examine how innovative BMs can enhance sustainability. By aligning with circular economy (CE) principles - emphasizing resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable development - and leveraging the pathways of CBE, pathways that prioritize renewable biological resources such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, the study explores the potential of green circular business models (GCBMs). Using a qualitative research approach, we review key studies on BMs to assess their alignment with the CBE vision and identify models suitable for implementation. Additionally, we propose and refine a conceptual managerial model through case study analysis within the T-F industry, offering actionable insights for industry stakeholders. This study contributes to BMs research highlighting a significant role for innovative BMs in driving sustainable practices, particularly through the adoption of green circular business models (GCBMs) that align with the green and circular principles. The findings underscore the role of CBE-aligned BMs in fostering competitive advantage, promoting responsible industry practices, and advancing global sustainability goals. This research provides a practical guide for managers and industry leaders seeking to embed circularity and sustainability into their strategies within the CBE framework. • Contex : The circular bioeconomy (CBE) integrates circular economy (CE) and bioeconomy principles to enhance sustainability. CE minimizes resource use and extends product life cycles, while the bioeconomy utilizes renewable biological resources and biotechnology. Despite their synergy, integration remains underdeveloped, particularly in textiles and fashion (T-F), which face environmental challenges. Innovative business models (BMs) aligning with CBE are essential, with business model innovation (BMI) enabling sustainable value creation. However, implementing green circular business models (GCBMs) is complex due to definitional ambiguities and adoption barriers. This study explores effective GCBM integration in T-F to foster circularity and sustainability. • Literature: Existing literature emphasizes the role of CE and bioeconomy in sustainable industries, yet a unified framework integrating both is lacking. Carus and Dammer (2018) note their shared goals but distinct domains. Research on BMI shows circular and bio-based approaches enhance sustainability (Santa-Maria et al., 2022; Guo et al., 2022), though GCBM implementation in T-F remains underexplored, particularly in economic feasibility and scalability. Scholars highlight the need for deeper theoretical insights on BMI in CBE (Salvador et al., 2023) and the lack of consensus on green business model definitions (Trapp & Kanbach, 2021). This study addresses these gaps by structuring BMI integration within CBE for T-F sustainability. • Contributions - What are the main scholarly and practical contributions of your study? This study advances the understanding of CBE-aligned BMs in promoting sustainability in the T-F industry. It fills a key literature gap on the intersection of CE and bioeconomy, refining the concept of GCBMs and contributing to BMI research by identifyng factors influencing sustainable business adoption. The study also strengthens leadership and change management models within CE transition. Practically, it provides industry leaders and policymakers with actionable strategies for circular and bio-based integration. By proposing a roadmap for circularity, it offers guidance for companies adopting sustainable practices. Additionally, it underscores the role of managerial innovation in fostering environmental and social responsibility, emphasizing collaboration among businesses, governments, and stakeholders. Finally, it enriches academic discussion and several ad a strategic resources for sustainability-driven practitioners.

This study aims to analyze research trends on the circular economy and supply chain sustainability using a bibliometric approach and to develop a conceptual model that can guide the implementation of circular economy practices. Data were obtained from the Scopus database and analyzed to identify publication trends, scientific contributions, and collaborations among researchers. The results show a significant increase in research related to the circular economy since 2020, especially in the manufacturing and technology sectors, with a primary focus on recycling, reuse, and remanufacturing as key elements of supply chain sustainability. The developed conceptual model emphasizes the importance of integrating technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and Big Data, alongside the Triple Bottom Line approach, that includes economic, environmental, and social aspects. Collaboration among stakeholders, governments, and consumers is also identified as an important factor in accelerating the adoption of the circular economy. This study contributes to the development of circular economy implementation strategies across various sectors and highlights future research opportunities, such as circular bioeconomy and green innovation. The proposed model is expected to serve as a guide for companies and policymakers in strengthening supply chain sustainability.

Towards a bio-based circular economy in organic waste management and wastewater treatment – The Polish perspective

PurposeIdea of circular economy defies the classical “make-use-dispose” approach of linear economic model. In the context of health-care industry, it relies heavily on the supply chain practices implemented by industry stakeholders. The purpose of this study is to explore such relationships, study their structure and put it across for attaining sustainability at large.Design/methodology/approachThis study is an empirical research conducted on 145 health-care firms. The collected data is analysed to develop structural and measurement model. The five constructed hypotheses are examined and tested through structural equation modelling.FindingsThe study illustrates the latent relationships that exist among the stakeholders involvement, sustainable supply chain practices, sustainable performance and circular economy for health-care industry. It is found that the adoption of sustainable supply chain practices improves health-care performance, which, in turn, have positive influence on circular economy.Research limitations/implicationsThe structural and measurement model is developed in the context of circular health-care economy. It can be validated or improvised by conducting similar research in other industry using different methods. This research work fulfils the long existing gap in research by offering a linkage between various constructs to achieve health-care circular economy. Based on the research results, future researchers can build theories of circular economy and sustainability for health-care industry.Originality/valueThe study attempts to study the supply chain ways to achieve circular economy for Indian health-care sector. It considered latent relationships among the set of constructs, which are needed for theory building at later stage.