Mapping waste generation and supporting the green transition: A waste input-output model for Italy's circular economy

Toward a circular economy: The role of digitalization

Living in a society where plastic has become a necessity, the over-reliance on these materials is quite disturbing as they have social and economic effects, especially in waste disposal and resource management. Such issues have introduced the circular plastics economy (CPE), which aims to eliminate plastic waste by focusing on reducing, recycling, and reusing (3R) and designing biodegradable plastic products. Owing to these facts, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to analyze the existing literature on circular economy principles and plastic waste management systems in terms of 3R initiatives. Also, this study showcases the CPE by investigating how it is possible to manage plastic within a circular economy instead of a linear system. Additionally, system dynamics modeling (SDM) was applied to examine the inter-relationships between key elements such as plastic production, waste generation, recycling rates, and regulatory actions, along with the cognizance phase of waste diversion and advanced sorting technology to minimize landfill dependency and environmental pollution initiatives, including producer responsibility programs and zero-landfill targets. This study accumulated that zero waste strategies, such as plastic circularity, national waste management, and high-quality recycling, have achieved recycling rates ranging from 30% to 81% across various countries, significantly reducing plastic waste and enhancing resource efficiency. However, the added strategies in countries that are related to policy-driven initiatives can prospectively be useful for increasing recycling capacity to eliminate plastic waste in landfills, promoting a circular economy and sustainable waste management practices. This study also involved the critical stakeholders of the CPE who will make the utilization of plastic waste a reality. Ultimately, this research contributes to the fast-growing knowledge base on plastic waste management by presenting an interdisciplinary framework based on model synthesis and mathematical modeling, which is crucial for decision-makers, industries, and researchers.

Circular Urban Metabolism Framework

Recently, there is a new European Union commitment to the potential of the social economy which is a pioneer in job creation linked to the circular economy that will be further leveraged by the mutual benefits of supporting the green transition and strengthening social inclusion. Considering this general context, we propose in this paper an exploratory research aiming to investigate the potential of the Romanian social economy sector as part of a circular economy approach that could advance the green transition in the following years. Our paper is based on the findings of preliminary systematic content analysis for the identification of the social enterprises in Romania which include circular economy and/or green economy in their business model, and on qualitative research based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with the social economy organizations’ managers. We have highlighted five good practice examples (Recicleta, Atelierul de Pânz?, Educlick/Reconect, Remesh, and Bio&co Farm), which clearly show that combining the principles of social economy with the ones of circular/green economy is a strategy that might lead to overcoming the current challenges of the society. Our investigations represent the first approach to this topic, aiming to understand the specific challenges of the circular or green economy and social economy models when joining forces together for sustainable development in the context of an emerging social economy, as is the case of Romania.

Leveraging blockchain concepts as watermarkers of plastics for sustainable waste management in progressing circular economy

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.

Idea of the circular economy in sustainability has received attention worldwide in recent years. Ensuring sustainability in each sector is vital for humans and every other life form on Earth. With 1.4 billion people, India can soon become a global leader in the circular economy and has a huge role to play in promoting sustainability. One of the major sectors where sustainability must be ensured is agriculture. Declining productivity, diminishing soil fertility, limited land resources, massive waste generation and irregular weather patterns due to climate change are major challenges to achieving sustainability in agriculture. India, being an agrarian country and with the key resources for the sustainable agro economy deteriorating day by day, the need for transition into a circular economy becomes inevitable. The present study examines the gaps in existing agricultural policies and explores the possibilities of creating positive change in the agriculture sector. In this setting, this paper proposes the Circular Agro-Economy Policy (CAEP) framework in the Indian context for its implementation to promote sustainable transformation of agriculture in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The proposed framework provides a comprehensive approach to mapping the policy environment related to the Indian circular agro economy with recommendations to adopt best practices for circularity in Indian agriculture.

This study aims to evaluate the Brazilian production of açaí, focusing on its waste generation and addressing mass and energy balances arising from its cultivation, extraction, processing, and waste disposal. A new technological route for açaíʼs waste management was introduced for bioenergy recovery based on the circular economy concept. In 2018, Brazil produced 1.7 million tons of açaí fruit for an income of 1.07 billion USD, and the associated waste generation (seeds) was estimated at 85%. Due to the high production of waste, an innovative approach was developed for a system boundary (conceptual line that divides the system), including the management of solid and liquid wastes through anaerobic digestion (AD). The results showed that, from 1 ton of açaí fruit fed into the facility for processing, 1.2 ton of solid waste and wastewater was generated. This waste was submitted to AD and produced 2.77 m3 of biogas, with a methane composition of 50%. The complete industrial process demands 25 kWh per ton of frozen pulp. The local energy produced by the biogas burning could be recycled and used by the process, establishing a circular energy economy for this sector. With the adoption of AD waste management, about 61% of the external electricity requirement for the açaí fruit processing can be replaced from the biogas produced. The adoption of this technology can be contribute to decarbonization. Furthermore, the implementation of AD could support the transition to a circular economy, with environmental, social, and economic benefits for local and regional sustainable development. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Circular economy strategies in the ASEAN region: A comparative study

<p>Circular economy (CE) strategies have emerged as a key solution for mitigating climate change and addressing critical environmental challenges, including resource depletion, waste generation, and pollution. The CE concept highlights the value of prolonging product life cycles through reuse recycling remanufacturing and sharing all of which promote economic growth in addition to environmental sustainability. This research examines several CE tactics that can be used to mitigate other environmental problems and fight climate change. It emphasizes how important it is to minimize waste lower carbon footprints and encourage the wise use of natural resources. Additionally, the study assesses how CE affects industries like waste management manufacturing, and energy. CE strategies provide a thorough response to global sustainability issues by integrating business models policy frameworks and technological advancements. The operationalization of CE across industries is the main focus of the study which also looks at how these tactics can help achieve carbon neutrality and lessen environmental deterioration. Policymakers’ corporations and other stakeholders can use the practical advice in this paper to adopt CE practices that support the objectives of the global climate. Moreover, the study assesses the opportunities and difficulties of implementing CE practices and provides helpful suggestions for attaining both financial and environmental gains. The study’s overall findings highlight CEs' capacity to address the intricate relationships between environmental problems and climate change while promoting a sustainable future for future generations.</p>

Circular economy scenario modelling using a multiregional hybrid input-output model: The case of Belgium and its regions

The circular economy(CE) is a key player in transforming production systems and consumption habits in Western Balkans (WB) countries to tackle the challenges of climate change in a region that includes some of the most polluted capital cities in the world, such as Skopje and Pristina. The circular economy roadmap is one of the main priorities of the Green Transition in the region. Although circular economy practices in the WB countries are still in the early stages of development, there is potential for growth, primarily through the 5Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Recycle). The contributions of the circular economy and social entrepreneurship to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are well recognised, as they provide solutions to social, environmental, and economic challenges. However, there is a need to pair these two concepts more effectively and integrate them. While the circular economy focuses on financial and environmental solutions, social entrepreneurship compensates by offering social solutions. Social enterprises create an inclusive approach to the circular economy. On the other hand, social enterprises that adopt the principles of the circular economy can reduce their operational costs, add value, and create further opportunities for jobs and training. Social enterprises also offer more inclusive business models that prioritise the needs of local communities. Additionally, the transition to a circular economy presents opportunities for social entrepreneurship and social enterprises, including upskilling and reskilling the workforce, developing collaborative business models that target consumers, fostering innovative partnerships, and promoting advocacy opportunities. In the context of WB countries, social entrepreneurship and the circular economy are often studied separately, although research interest in both fields is increasing. Social entrepreneurship has been a crucial driver of social and economic development in these countries. However, the circular economy ecosystem in the WB region remains fragmented. This paper aims to investigate how social entrepreneurship can contribute to building a circular economy ecosystem in the WB region. The approach of this study is qualitative, based on case study methodology, focusing on one particular WB country, Albania. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with various stakeholders, including government representatives, academics, NGOs, and social entrepreneurs, between October and November 2024. The study presents a conceptual framework for the circular economy ecosystem, integrating aspects of social entrepreneurship, including social orientation, market orientation, innovation, opportunity recognition, and community orientation. The main contribution of this study is in linking social entrepreneurship with the circular economy. Received: 27 May 2025 / Accepted: 20 July 2025 / Published: 01 August 2025

Current state and barriers to the circular economy in the building sector: Towards a mitigation framework

The transition from a linear economy (LE) to a circular economy (CE) is not just about mitigating the negative impacts of LE, but also about considering changes in infrastructure, while leveraging the power of technology to reduce resource production and consumption and waste generation, and improve long-term resilience. The existing research suggests that digital technologies (DTs) have great potential to drive the CE. However, despite the exponential growth and increasing interest in studies on DTs and the CE from year 2016 onwards, few systematic studies on the application of DTs to enable the CE have been found. In addition, the current status and development direction of the DT-driven CE is unclear, and the potential of DTs to support CE implementation is under-researched. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explore the potential of DTs to drive the CE. This paper set out to analyze the current status and development of the DT-driven CE and examine future development trends in the field. Using a systematic literature review approach, this paper is the first attempt to use a mixed method, i.e., to combine macro-quantitative bibliometric methods with a micro-qualitative content analysis method to explore the DT-driven CE. The results, which include the research background, co-occurrence clusters, research hotspots, and development trends of keyword co-occurrence network visualization and keyword burst detection, are presented from a macro perspective using two bibliometric analysis softwares. In addition, the use of 13 specific DTs in the CE is analyzed according to seven disciplinary areas (Environmental Sciences and Ecology, Engineering, Science and Technology and Other Topics, Business Economics, Computer Science, Operations Research and Management Science, and Construction and Building Technology) of greatest interest from a micro-qualitative point of view. Further, future trends and challenges facing DT-driven CE development are explored and feasible directions for solutions are proposed.

The pressure that the human species exerts on the natural environment through the extraction of materials and generation of wastes is widely recognised. Circular economy has emerged as a potential solution to make better use of resources. Positioned as a technology-focused concept that can generate economic gains while alleviating pressure on the environment, circular economy enjoys a positive reception by organisations in public, private and civic sectors and, increasingly, academia alike. However, concerns have been raised regarding some purported circular economy practices being promoted as ‘sustainable’ yet resulting in detrimental impacts on environment and society. We briefly revisit the systems ecology literature that construed the context for both circular economy and sustainable development. Values and principles in core sustainable development literature are analysed to offer a foundation against which circular economy can be discussed. We then analyse and critically reflect upon the strengths, shortcomings and theoretical flaws within the values and principles that emerged from the evolving circular economy literature. We propose a value framework and set of ten principles for the design, implementation and evaluation of a sustainable circular economy. We finish with a call for action for both practitioners and a research agenda for academia.