Circular economy – From review of theories and practices to development of implementation tools

Yuliya Kalmykova,Madumita Sadagopan,Leonardo Rosado

doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.10.034

Yuliya Kalmykova, Madumita Sadagopan + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.10.034

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Abstract

The paper provides an overview of the literature on Circular Economy (CE) theoretical approaches, strategies and implementation cases. After analyzing different CE approaches and the underlying principles the paper then proceeds with the main goal of developing tools for CE implementation. Two tools are presented. The first is a CE Strategies Database, which includes 45 CE strategies that are applicable to different parts of the value chain. The second is a CE Implementation Database, which includes over 100 case studies categorized by Scope, Parts of the Value Chain that are involved, as well as by the used Strategy and Implementation Level. An analysis of the state of the art in CE implementation is also included in the paper. One of the observations from the analysis is that while such Parts of the Value Chain as Recovery/Recycling and Consumption/Use are prominently featured, others, including Manufacturing and Distribution, are rarely involved in CE. On the other hand, the Implementation Levels of the used Strategies indicate that many market-ready solutions exist already. The Scope of current CE implementation considers selected products, materials and sectors, while system changes to economy are rarely suggested. Finally, the CE monitoring methods and suggestions for future development are also discussed in this paper. The analysis of the theoretical approaches can serve as an introduction to CE concept, while the developed tools can be instrumental for designing new CE cases.

Highlights

The topic of circular economy (CE) is high on the political agenda and in particular in Europe (EC, 2014a,b, 2015a), it is expected to promote economic growth by creating new businesses and job opportunities, saving materials’ cost, dampening price volatility, improving security of supply while at the same time reducing environmental pressures and impacts
This is due to the early adoption of circular economy as the nationwide development strategy in China
The circular economy in China was to be implemented at 3 function levels: individual businesses, eco-industrial parks and eco-cities/municipalities

Summary

Introduction

The topic of circular economy (CE) is high on the political agenda and in particular in Europe (EC, 2014a,b, 2015a), it is expected to promote economic growth by creating new businesses and job opportunities, saving materials’ cost, dampening price volatility, improving security of supply while at the same time reducing environmental pressures and impacts. In the UK, it is has been estimated that a circular economy could help generate 50,000 new jobs and €12 billion of investment (ESA, 2013), while in the Netherlands the potential benefits of a circular economy have been estimated to amount to €7.3 billion a year in market values, leading to 54,000 jobs and numerous environmental benefits (TNO, 2013). Following this prospects, the European Commission (EC) and member states governments are developing agendas, policy documents and investment strategies, which will promote circular economy. The Dutch government, together with facilitator stakeholders, is currently executing Realization of Acceleration of a Circular Economy (RACE) project launched in 2014, with the goal of making Netherlands a “circular hotspot”

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