Circular Economy Action Plan Research Articles

On-Farm Production of Renewable Energy in 2014–2022

The main purpose of this study is to present family farms as consumers and producers of renewable energies which provide them with an opportunity to reduce operating costs. The time scope of the study is 2014–2022, and the Farm Accountancy Data Network is used as the data source. The following research methods were employed: comparative and descriptive analysis, intensity indicators, ranking assignment and panel regression. Based on the values of energy output and energy costs, the rankings revealed a strong position of the Netherlands and Germany. As demonstrated by the study, energy production and consumption volumes depend on the farms’ economic size, but are not impacted by production type. Another finding is that energy production covers only one-third of its costs. Also, both production volumes and costs were on a growth path on a year-over-year basis, with similar growth ratios. The European Union’s leaders in energy consumption and production are the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Slovakia and Sweden. The study included the structuring of panel models for energy output and costs and identified their determinants. Energy output depends on total inputs and grows as they grow. Energy costs, in turn, are related to utilized agricultural area, total output and family farm income. An important limitation of this study is that FADN is a provider of high-level data. Hence, it is impossible to tell what specific sources of renewable energy are used by farms, and how they are affected by such exogenous factors as climate, earmarked subsidies or energy policy. The findings from this study are discussed in the context of the European Commission’s recommendations laid down in the Bioeconomy Strategy of the EU (2013), the Seventh Environment Action Program, the New Innovation Agenda of the European Union, the Report “Transforming Our World: the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” and the Circular Economy Action Plan.

Sustainable integration of insects into European food chains

Abstract The European Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) is a cornerstone of the European Green Deal, aiming for transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy by addressing waste reduction and promoting recycling of low-opportunity cost biomass. The EU Horizon 2020 project SUStainable INsect CHAIN (SUSINCHAIN) aligns with these goals, focusing on the efficient utilisation of insects in the food chain to strengthen sustainable supply chains, enhance consumer acceptance, and create market opportunities. The project, targeted at Technology Readiness Level 6, addresses barriers through comprehensive research, technology demonstrations, and stakeholder collaboration. Results contribute to scaling up the insect sector by overcoming supply and demand challenges, fostering trust, and developing best practices. The opinions generated encompass market opportunities, insect rearing, processing, safety, and sustainability, providing guidelines for stakeholders, public authorities, policymakers, and academia to collectively drive the growth and acceptance of the European insect sector.

THEORETICAL BASIS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

The article reveals the impact of European directives and policies on the development of the circular economy in Ukraine. In particular, the "Circular Economy Action Plan" and the EU Waste Directive, which serve as guidelines for adapting Ukrainian policy to European standards, are considered. The role of the EU in supporting Ukraine on the way to the implementation of circular practices is considered. Possibilities of cooperation with European partners to ensure sustainable development were explored. It is argued that the development of the circular economy contributes to reducing the level of waste and increasing the efficiency of resource use. The connection between European directives and national policy in the field of sustainable development is established. Based on the set goal, the key directions and mechanisms for adapting the principles of the circular economy in Ukraine are considered. The paper examines the impact of Russian aggression against Ukraine and establishes that each community needs the formation of a new management system, which should be aimed at their reconstruction and integration into the European Community on the basis of sustainable development, restoration of critical infrastructure, and energy security. Therefore, the expediency of developing the project of the Strategy for the Green Reconstruction of Territories on the basis of subsidiarity and taking into account the European Green Course is substantiated. The specified strategy must meet the Sustainable Development Goals of Ukraine until 2030 and be based on the planning system: state strategy - regional strategy - community strategies. Examples of successful implementation of circular practices in various countries and enterprises are highlighted. The article calls on the Government of Ukraine to actively implement circular principles in the country's economy in order to achieve greater sustainability, resource conservation and promote environmental responsibility in this important industry. Attention is focused on the fact that when forming a new model of the circular economy, it is necessary to take into account and connect the development of ecological innovations and, accordingly, the ecological economy.

No such thing as waste in primary food sector.

The European Union (EU) circular economy action plan aims to double its use of recycled material by 2030. We argue that waste-centric approach to resources may have adverse consequences to this ambition. The aim of the work was to find out the factors limiting or promoting the use of waste from primary food sector in countries with the same cultural background and similar climate in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Norway. Biomass from the primary food production sector is of good quality and excellent to use, but its use may be limited if given waste status. From numerous management decision trigger clusters, which may affect valorisation of the biomass, we focus on technology and policy. Our semi-structured interviews addressed the analysis and management of waste or by-products and explored the end-of-waste and alternative mechanisms that allowed the biomass to be valorised. However, the interviews revealed that none of the companies regard anything becoming waste, but as raw material or production left-over. Any obstacles hypothesised turned out not to be acknowledged by companies at all. This appears to be a very good example of the use of resources, but the approach is haphazard and may conflict with official understanding and waste reporting requirements. Definition of waste is the same in the EU, and arbitrary treatment can be misleading. There is a need for better management of the material flow to ensure effective biomass circulation avoiding its becoming waste. We recommend that this be addressed by introducing environmental, social, governance and a self-control system.

Circular economy: Extending end-of-life strategies

The transition from linear economy to circular economy (CE) has gained mainstream status in recent times, not only at product and process levels, but also at component level. In order to adopt the CE as common practice, there is a need to reimagine the product end-of-life (EoL) phase to include assessment of individual component health status. Implementation of EoL strategies on products designed based on wear and tear, robustness, and safety concerns is, however, complex. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of designing for CE by applying a visual health-based analysis (VHA) at the component level at the EoL stage. The application of this diagnostic tool is exemplified in a case at a large Swedish outdoor power product manufacturer by analyzing components for reuse, remanufacture, refurbishment, recycling, and recovery strategies. The VHA results in the calculation of a CE potential at the component-product level based on individual component's cost, complexity, health, and diagnostic approach. This study presents a diagnostic tool for practitioners to understand circularity at the component-level in the effort to identify EoL strategies. Furthermore, in supporting the CE principle of maximizing resource recovery, the study potentially contributes to the EU's CE action plan and the UN-SDGs 8, 9, 12, and 13.

Digital product passport for sustainable and circular supply chain management: a structured review of use cases

ABSTRACT Digital product passport (DPP) is a key regulatory element of the latest European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan. By enhancing product traceability and supply chain transparency, its upcoming mandatory implementation aspires to improve resource circularity, cut emissions, and strengthen supply chain governance. However, the extant literature lacks a comprehensive understanding of DPP use cases in the supply chain and how they enable sustainable and circular supply chain management (SCM). To address this knowledge gap, this study first provides an overview of the current state of DPP in policy and practice. Based on a structured review of 82 DPP supply chain use cases in academic literature, we synthesise the functional areas that DPP can add value to improving supply chain sustainability and circularity. Informed by the review findings, we first discuss theoretical and practical implications of DPP-enabled sustainable and circular SCM, and then prioritise research needs in the emerging research domain.

Regulatory changes in waste management following the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan

This study reviews Hungary’s implementation of the European Union’s circular economy action plan and related waste regulations, including amendments to national law. In particular, it outlines the new waste management system, extended producer responsibility, and the binding return fee scheme. Further, this paper highlights the enormous significance of waste management from an environmental perspective and related challenges.

EU environmental regulation for a circular economy in the light of national sovereignty

This paper aims to explore the impact of the latest European Union (EU) circular economy initiatives on the national sovereignty of EU Member States, specifically examining whether new EU measures encouraging a circular economy limit the domain of Member States’ sovereignty. Accordingly, the paper begins with the assessment of the measures laid out in the second Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) adopted in 2020. It analyses the effectiveness and impact of these measures in promoting a circular economy in the EU (Chapter 2). Following this, it reviews the progress made on implementing the actions listed in the CEAP, with a special focus on legislative and non-legislative measures. It highlights the achievements in the implementation process and provides a brief overview of key legislative proposals (Chapter 3). The following section explores how different countries in the EU are developing their own strategies to promote a circular economy (Chapter 4). Lastly, the paper delves into the notion of sovereignty within the EU and the relationship between the EU and its Member States. It analyses how Member States balance their national sovereignty in relation to the EU and investigates the types of instruments and legal basis used for regulating a circular economy (Chapter 5). The final section concludes, noting the current minor impact of the EU’s environmental regulation for a circular economy on national sovereignty (Chapter 6).

Advancing Circular Economy: Czech perspective

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the transition to a circular economy, focusing on the European Union’s (EU) efforts and the Czech Republic’s stance and actions. It elaborates on the urgent need to shift from a linear economy, which burdens Earth’s resources and leads to substantial waste, to a more sustainable circular economy by 2050. The circular economy paradigm is seen as a fundamental shift in managing waste and resource use towards maintaining the value of products and materials for as long as possible and minimising waste generation. The article outlines the EU’s initiatives, policies, and legislation to foster this transition, emphasising the critical role of member states in implementing specific measures. Several EU policies, like the Green Deal and the New Circular Economy Action Plan, aim to transform the economy from linear to circular, covering various waste streams and sectors. Particular attention is given to the Czech Republic’s position and efforts. It delves into Czech waste legislation, policies related to the circular economy, and the nation’s strategic documents like the State Environmental Policy 2030 and the Strategic Framework of the Circular Economy of the Czech Republic 2040; these aim to improve waste management, enhance material supply security, boost business competitiveness, and reduce fossil fuel consumption. The article also discusses the challenges and public opinion in the Czech Republic regarding environmental protection and the circular economy. Despite progress, factors such as inadequate use of economic instruments and public reluctance to pay more for sustainable products hinder a faster transition. Furthermore, the article reviews specific legal instruments, economic tools, and sectoral legislative acts contributing to circularity in the Czech Republic. In conclusion, while the Czech Republic and the EU have made strides towards a circular economy, the journey is ongoing. The transition promises long-term benefits like self-sufficiency, reduced greenhouse gases, and new job opportunities. The EU’s role is crucial in this transition, as it sets legislative and policy frameworks that guide member states towards circularity. This article reflects the complexities and multifaceted nature of transitioning to a circular economy, highlighting the need for continued efforts, policy alignment, and societal support.

Digital Product Passport Implementation Based on Multi-Blockchain Approach with Decentralized Identifier Provider

This paper examines the implementation of a digital product passport (DPP) using Hyperledger Fabric technology to enhance product lifecycle management within the European Union’s circular economy action plan. This study addresses the need for detailed product information on materials, origin, usage, and end-of-life instructions to improve recycling practices and promote sustainable consumption. The approach integrates decentralized identifier (DID) technology for unique product identification using the cheqd.io platform with an enterprise tailored Hyperledger Fabric blockchain network for DPP data management, leveraging their strengths to enhance security and efficiency. This paper details the data model for the DPP, including entities like Product, Manufacturer, Supplier, and Material. Performance tests on the Hyperledger Fabric network demonstrate the system’s efficacy, focusing on CRUD operations and scalability. Future work will extend to the development of client applications and more comprehensive performance evaluations considering scalability and network expansion.

PHBV cycle of life using waste as a starting point: from production to recyclability

Global concern about plastic pollution is forcing new policies and modifications of human consumption as well as promoting new research lines aiming at the replacement of non-degradable plastics with other polymers more environmentally friendly. Addressing food waste and promoting circular economy strategies, among other approaches, are crucial in reducing environmental impacts and fostering sustainability in several sectors like the agri-food industry. The European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan is a significant initiative in this direction. Biotechnological processes, especially the valorisation of agri-food waste to produce highly marketed biomolecules like poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) using microorganisms as cellular factories, offer promising avenues for achieving these goals. PHBV is a biodegradable polymer firstly characterised as an isolated biopolymer from bacterial biomass. This biopolymer shows interesting physicochemical properties making possible immense potential in various applications due to its biocompatibility and sustainability, thus revealing it as a good candidate to replace plastics produced by chemical synthesis from petroleum (which are highly recalcitrant and consequently pollutants). This review critically analyses the PHBV synthesis and end-of-life scenarios from their synthesis using chemical and biological pathways, through the forms of biotechnological operation and production, to the forms described until the moment of recycling.

The “Safe and Sustainable by Design” Concept – A Regulatory Approach for a More Sustainable Circular Economy in the European Union?

Abstract The creation of a more sustainable economy is one of the main targets of the European Green Deal and the new Circular Economy Action Plan. Technological innovation is needed, among other things, to render materials, products, and production processes more sustainable. Given the goals of the European Green Deal, the regulatory concept of “Safe and Sustainable by Design” is increasingly receiving attention. The concept is (arguably) a precautionary and preventative measure that is implemented at the early stages of the design of a technology. Therefore, it is often described as a tool for lowering the risks that follow from efforts to create a more circular economy. The concept was included in the European Chemicals Strategy of the European Commission. The aim of the strategy is to accelerate progress towards the discovery of more sustainable chemicals and towards a toxicity-free environment. In this paper, we will explore the benefits and disadvantages of integrating the “Safe and Sustainable by Design” concept into the regulation of technology. As a form of regulation by technology, this concept can enhance sustainability. We will first describe the origins of the concept and its current use. Then, we will analyse its implications for the circular economy.

Designing Environmentally Sustainable Furniture Products: Furniture-Specific Life Cycle Design Guidelines and a Toolkit to Promote Environmental Performance

As awareness of the serious environmental impact of the furniture sector increases, design is increasingly recognized as a crucial lever for innovating towards sustainable furniture products. This acknowledgment was emphasized by the European Union in the Circular Economy Action Plan in 2020 and is further emphasized in the forthcoming Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation in 2024. To address the environmental issues stemming from the life cycle of furniture products, which constitute the fundamental part of the furniture system, specific design knowledge and know-how are developed within this study. Although Life Cycle Design (LCD) is a systematic approach to reducing environmental impacts, its application within the furniture system remains limited. This paper adopts a design-based research approach with three research stages and employs various methods including a literature review, case study, workshops, interviews, questionnaires, and a focus group to develop furniture-specific LCD guidelines and a toolkit. As a result, this paper presents furniture-specific LCD guidelines (comprising 7 strategies, 21 sub-strategies, and 154 guidelines), 41 environmentally sustainable furniture case cards, and a toolkit (comprising 4 tools). These guidelines provide comprehensive principles for designers to address environmental impact throughout the furniture’s life cycle. The toolkit guides sustainable furniture LCD, promoting low environmental impact and high design efficiency. These outcomes address the existing gaps in knowledge and tools in this field.

REDUCING FOOD WASTE WHEN EATING OUT – RESEARCH ON THE PERCEPTIONS OF BULGARIAN STUDENTS

Food waste is a critical global challenge with far-reaching environmental and social consequences. Addressing this issue requires understanding consumer behaviours, habits, and knowledge related to food waste. Research on food waste in eating out covers various aspects, including factors that contribute to food waste, consumer behaviour and potential solutions. Key to understanding the problem of food waste and to finding and implementing effective solutions is research into the knowledge and behaviour of young people, and students in particular, regarding dietary choices, eating habits, food waste and their attitudes towards food in general. This paper delves into the urgency of reducing food waste, encompassing its definition, stages in the food supply chain, and its relevance to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The European Union's efforts and Bulgaria's initiatives provide context to the broader discourse on food waste reduction. Тhe European Commission has set out a number of policies and instruments aimed at reducing food loss and waste as part of the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Farm to Fork Strategy. In line with EU objectives, a National Programme for the Prevention and Reduction of Food Loss (2021-2026) has been developed in Bulgaria, which sets out the framework for joint action to reduce food loss and waste and for society to rethink its attitudes to food consumption and value. However, food waste problems at the consumer level in Bulgaria are understudied. The aim of the current study is to explore the personal perceptions and behaviours of Bulgarian students towards food waste when eating out. Information was collected through a structured online questionnaire. The survey was conducted during the academic year 2022/2023 among Bulgarian students of the University of National and World Economy in Sofia, Bulgaria. There were 123 participants between the ages of 18 and 35. The main findings of the study showed that over 50% of the respondents were of the opinion that the largest amount of food waste is generated when eating out. The majority of the respondents have stated that they throw away less than 5% of their food when eating out and they take the leftovers home „often“ or „sometimes“, which indicates that Bulgarian students eat most of the food they order when eating out and throw away a small portion of it. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of food waste patterns and encourages targeted interventions to promote sustainable consumption among students and beyond. Key words: food waste, eating out, students, Bulgaria JEL codes: Q18, Q53

Disposable Plastic Waste and Associated Antioxidants and Plasticizers Generated by Online Food Delivery Services in China: National Mass Inventories and Environmental Release.

China's online food delivery (OFD) services consume enormous amounts of disposable plastics. Here, we investigated and modeled the national mass inventories and environmental release of plastics and chemical additives in the plastic. The extra-tree regression identified six key descriptors in determining OFD sales in Chinese cities. Approximately 847 kt of OFD plastic waste was generated in 2021 (per capita 1.10 kg/yr in the megacities and 0.39 kg/yr in other cities). Various additives were extensively detected, with geomean concentrations of 140.96, 4.76, and 0.25 μg/g for ∑8antioxidants, ∑21phthalates, and bisphenol A (BPA), respectively. The estimated mass inventory of these additives in the OFD plastics was 164.7 t, of which 51.1 t was released into the atmosphere via incineration plants and 51.0 t was landfilled. The incineration also released 8.07 t of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and 39.1 kt of particulate matter into the atmosphere. Takeout food may increase the dietary intake of phthalates and BPA by 30% to 50% and raise concerns about considerable exposure to antioxidant transformation products. This study provides profound environmental implications for plastic waste in the Chinese OFD industry. We call for a sustainable circular economy action plan for waste disposal, but mitigating the hazardous substance content and their emissions is urgent.

Institutional Quality, Trust in Institutions, and Waste Recycling Performance in the EU27

This paper addresses the role of institutional quality and trust in institutions for the performance in waste recycling of the EU27 countries. While survey-based works have highlighted the role of these factors for waste recycling attitudes and performance at the micro level, econometric analyses of recycling in Europe at country and regional levels have mostly looked into the role of waste policies, and not the role of institutional factors, in driving progresses in waste recycling. This paper tries to fill this gap through a panel econometrics analysis of recycling rates of municipal solid waste at the national level for the EU27 countries for the period 2005–2020. The proxies for institutional quality and trust in institutions, as the variables of interest, are introduced into a model that includes controls on a set of socio-economic variables, and on a set of EU waste policy variables, in particular the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) and its revision, and the first Circular Economy Action Plan of 2015 (CEAP 2015). Our results support the hypothesis that the quality of institutions can influence waste recycling performance. Moreover, our results provide evidence on the negative role of institutional trust on recycling rate at country level. Similarly, we find that the EU WFD and CEAP 2015 have been significant in driving recycling performances; the latter finding, however, is a necessary condition in appropriate institutional and socio-economic environments at the national level.

Comparative Analysis of Policy Innovations in Circular Economy Models Across EU Member States

The aim of the paper to conduct a comparative analysis of policy innovations in the circular economy models of various EU member states. The European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), adopted in March 2020, serves as a comprehensive framework to transition from a linear to a circular economy, which decouples economic growth from resource use and reduce environmental impact. While the CEAP offers a unified strategy, majority of EU countries have implemented additional policies and innovative practices adapted to their unique socio-economic and environmental contexts.

Business model development concept for SMEs in the era of twin transition

The urgent need to act against climate change is emphasized in many initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the European Green Deal, and the Circular Economy Action Plan. The role of the industrial sector is crucial. Companies, however, have to operate in a very complex environment driven by digitization and are supposed to be more sustainable. This paper explores how companies can implement the ecological transformation, with a focus on the role of digital technologies and data in enabling the twin transition. This paper proposes an approach to support SMEs in the twin transition through a combination of digital and sustainable business model development. The concept includes an interdisciplinary methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches, focusing on the latter. The suggested method collection includes adaptations of the business model canvas, value proposition analysis, data-driven decision-making, and the integration of environmental and economic considerations using the system of environmental-economic accounting. In particular, approaches to define the quantification of economic as well as ecological value will be key levers for sustainable implementation. By leveraging these approaches, SMEs can navigate the challenges of digital transformation and sustainability and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Summer School on Circular Economy for Sustainable Manufacturing: A Case Study and Lessons Learned

The Circular Economy Action Plan is the main building block of the European Green Deal, Europe's new agenda for sustainable growth. Businesses need new technologies, new methods and new industrial organization either to create new businesses or to transform their products, processes and business models. They also need new talents to innovate, create businesses and new jobs, and transform society into a more sustainable one. Circular economy has grown significantly in recent years as a topic taught in engineering curricula. The purpose of this paper is to present the design, implementation and evaluation of a summer school program dedicated to the development, transformation and implementation of circular economy systems and new business models in manufacturing. The program was designed in collaboration with three university partners during a European project and relied on contributions from industrial companies, including start-ups and innovative companies. At the end, some lessons are drawn in order to show the main added value based on the evaluation of this summer school and to identify recommendations for the design and implementation of similar summer schools.

CLUSTER GROUPING OF EU MEMBER STATES ACCORDING TO SOME ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE AND CIRCULAR ECONOMIC INDICATORS

In the next few years, the EU economy must go through a big change that will lead to a greener and more sustainable Europe. The goal is to use natural resources less, which will help protect biodiversity and cut down on waste, both of which are important parts of being sustainable. The EU Commission has been publishing reports, decisions and plans for the transition to a circular economy since 2015, with the primary aim of helping European countries to make the transition and accelerate progress. In 2020 the European Commission adopted a new Circular Economy Action Plan, and measuring the transition to a circular economy is part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under SDG 12, Sustainable Production and Consumption. All EU Member States now aim to monitor their progress towards the SDG targets. After 2017, the problem of measuring the circular economy has also seen a surge in the literature, with an increasing number of experts exploring the issue. The circular economy concept covers many sectors, so it is clear that it cannot be captured by a single indicator. However, each country measures this using different national indicators, depending on the country's weaknesses and what it considers important to measure. Today, the issue of the transition to a circular economy (CE) in the EU has gained momentum. In recent years, the shift towards a circular economy has become increasingly visible in EU Member States. In their statistical records, they try to provide indicators to show the extent of this change. In other words, EU countries are increasingly focusing on measuring their progress at a macro level. At the same time, Member States are using different approaches to measuring sustainable consumption and production, and thus different indicators to measure the circular economy, and the shift towards the circular economy has become more pronounced in both less developed and developed EU Member States. The difference between Member States in this respect lies in their different levels of development and the fact that they have their own strategies and indicators. All the indicators under SDG 12 on achieving sustainable consumption and production measure the achievement of this objective. The difference between countries is that the indicators against which the SDGs are measured are not uniform. The indicators and their corresponding values can be found in the statistical systems of the Member States. The following study brings together the relevant information and aims to provide a general picture of the similarities and differences in this area, and to divide the EU countries into two distinct clusters using the indicators of the circular economy.