Closing the Loop in the Process of Manufacturing Noise Barriers and Floating Trash Barrier - Case Study

Abstract

The circular economy embodies a contemporary approach centered on sustainability and waste reduction, gradually integrating into production and consumption practices. Nonetheless, it has often remained a theoretical or abstract concept across various economic sectors. This paper focuses on the potential implementation of circularity principles, using the production process of noise barriers, manufactured by the production company based in Prešov, Slovak Republic, as an illustrative example. Through a comprehensive case study, it was determined that reintegrating generated waste into the production cycle is feasible. Moreover, there is potential for a cascading effect, where original waste could be utilized across multiple production processes. This underscores how the circular economy fosters economic efficiency, innovation, and creativity in diverse areas such as design, product diversification, input sourcing, and production planning. The paper's significance lies in its thorough examination of the production process, quantifying various types of waste to uncover innovative methods of converting waste into new input materials. Additionally, it offers insights and actionable guidance towards embracing multicircularity (via a circularity spiral), along with strategies for identifying opportunities to incorporate circularity elements into production schemes. This approach promises extensive economic, environmental, and social benefits, considering product nature and usage.