Application Of Circular Economy Research Articles

Smart product platforming powered by AI and Generative AI: Personalization for the circular economy

The interlocks between smart product platforming (SPP) powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI, big data analytics, and machine learning are still in their infancy. Modern technology-driven SPP promotes personalized product design and manufacturing suited to support environmentally friendly products for the circular economy. In this study, we develop a framework pertaining to the interlinks between SPP, big data analytics, machine learning, and the circular economy. To test our framework, we apply structure equation modeling based on data collected from more than 200 automotive industry professionals operating in China. Our results demonstrate that SPP and big data analytics are the central determinants for manufacturing environmentally friendly products, ultimately promoting circular economy applications. SPP plays a pivotal role in innovative product design and in facilitating the relevant manufacturing procedures. Big data analytics significantly feed into SPP applications. Machine learning and flexibility in SPP perform moderating roles in strengthening environmentally friendly outcomes. The mediating role played by SPP between big data analytics and environmentally friendly products for the circular economy is partially encouraging. As SPP powered by AI and Generative AI is an emerging phenomenon, our study contributes to this new knowledge dimension. We conclude this paper by discussing the theoretical and practical implications of our study, its limitations, and directions for future research.

Inherent photocatalytic activity of luminescent multi-doped carbon dots manufactured from expired medicine and its application for efficient water remediation and nanosensing

A fast and green synthesis of multi-doped carbon dots (multi-doped CDs) has been accomplished within 6 min of microwave treatment of a mixture of expired medicine, Vitamin B1, and phosphate salt as a feedstock. Characterization of the prepared quantum dots revealed multi-doping with nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, sodium, and chlorine. The prepared multi-doped CDs were applied for dual functions as an efficient photocatalyst and a sensitive fluorescence nanosensor that are not restricted by toxicity, cost, or stability. The efficient light absorption, electron transfer, and separation of photogenerated charge carriers within the multi-doped CDs enabled their use as an effective photocatalyst for remediation of organic dye-polluted water. Efficacious degradation of eriochrome black T dye (≈88 %) was accomplished within 80 min under visible light irradiation. Radical scavenging experiments demonstrated that the active species are hole, superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals. Furthermore, the multi-doped CDs were applied as a nanosensor for sensitive determination of the muscle relaxant drug thiocolchicoside (TCC) via fluorescence switch-off mechanism mediated by inner filter effect and dynamic quenching. The nanosensor was applied for the determination of TCC in its tablets with mean recovery % of 99.95 ± 1.55 and excellent selectivity. The present approach is a further step for circular economy applications hence it converts valueless chemical waste into valued products with useful applications.

Optimising construction waste management in Sri Lanka through Circular economy strategies: a focus on construction and renovation and use and operate stages

PurposeConstruction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Management (WM) poses significant challenges in Sri Lanka, contributing to environmental degradation and resource depletion. To address these issues, this study explores the application of Circular Economy (CE) strategies in minimising waste generation and optimising resource utilisation in Sri Lankan construction industry. The research focuses on the construction and building renovation and use and operate stages of the building project life cycle, recognising their significance in waste generation and resource consumption.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed a qualitative approach, utilising the Delphi technique through three rounds of expert interviews. Seventeen experts were involved in the first round, followed by fifteen in the second round, and twelve in the final round. The collected data was analysed using manual content analysis methods.FindingsThe research findings revealed fifteen C&D WM issues in the construction and building renovation stage in Sri Lanka, along with suitable strategies to overcome each of them. Similarly, eight C&D WM issues were identified for the use and operate stage of the building, and corresponding strategies were provided to address each issue. By adopting CE strategies such as modular design and material reuse, construction projects can optimise the project's timeline, cost, and quality factors. These strategies enable efficient resource allocation, reduce waste generation, and contribute to the overall sustainability of the project. The impact of CE strategies on mitigating these issues within the project management iron triangle was also discussed.Originality/valueThis paper entails delving into how construction, building renovation, and operation stages of a building's life cycle intersect with CE strategies, which profoundly influence operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. By incorporating principles such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and circular product design, the paper illuminates how these strategies facilitate decreased energy usage, enhanced resource management, and diminished waste production throughout the building's lifespan.

Systematic literature review based on the descriptive, bibliometric, and content analysis of renewable energy supply chain for a circular economy

Recently, the renewable energy supply chain has gained momentum as a vital component for clean energy, contributing to a sustainable future for the world. The development of the renewable energy supply chain is directly linked to circular economy targets and practices. This paper presents a systematic literature review of studies that analyze the roles, functions, and application objectives of the circular economy in the renewable energy supply chain. The aim of this review is to investigate key elements of renewable energy supply chains in the circular economy, shedding light on the state of research on the progress of sustainability in renewable energy supply chains, and guiding future research. Mainly, the systematic literature review demonstrates its findings by identifying and mapping the collated literature to reviews and applied studies that support and drive the renewable energy supply chain under the circular economy. This review paper is handled with a systematically descriptive, bibliometric, and content analysis hybrid approach, framed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis methodology on the research topic. Findings show that circular economy applications have gained momentum in the renewable energy supply chain; nonetheless, some deficiencies persist. Redesign-based applications and design for recycling concepts encompass a significant gap in the renewable energy supply chain. Moreover, the current literature lacks outcomes on the applicability of circular economy 10R targets and the interrelationship and scalability of sustainable development goals in the renewable energy supply chain.

Electrospun PCL Filtration Membranes Enhanced with an Electrosprayed Lignin Coating to Control Wettability and Anti-Bacterial Properties.

This study reports on the two-step manufacturing process of a filtration media obtained by first electrospinning a layer of polycaprolactone (PCL) non-woven fibers onto a paper filter backing and subsequently coating it by electrospraying with a second layer made of pure acidolysis lignin. The manufacturing of pure lignin coatings by solution electrospraying represents a novel development that requires fine control of the underlying electrodynamic processing. The effect of increasing deposition time on the lignin coating was investigated for electrospray time from 2.5 min to 120 min. Microstructural and physical characterization included SEM, surface roughness analysis, porosity tests, permeability tests by a Gurley densometer, ATR-FTIR analysis, and contact angle measurements vs. both water and oil. The results indicate that, from a functional viewpoint, such a natural coating endowed the membrane with an amphiphilic behavior that enabled modulating the nature of the bare PCL non-woven substrate. Accordingly, the intrinsic hydrophobic behavior of bare PCL electrospun fibers could be reduced, with a marked decrease already for a thin coating of less than 50 nm. Instead, the wettability of PCL vs. apolar liquids was altered in a less predictable manner, i.e., producing an initial increase of the oil contact angles (OCA) for thin lignin coating, followed by a steady decrease in OCA for higher densities of deposited lignin. To highlight the effect of the lignin type on the results, two grades of oak (AL-OA) of the Quercus cerris L. species and eucalyptus (AL-EU) of the Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh species were compared throughout the investigation. All grades of lignin yielded coatings with measurable antibacterial properties, which were investigated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, yielding superior results for AL-EU. Remarkably, the lignin coatings did not change overall porosity but smoothed the surface roughness and allowed modulating air permeability, which is relevant for filtration applications. The findings are relevant for applications of this abundant biopolymer not only for filtration but also in biotechnology, health, packaging, and circular economy applications in general, where the reuse of such natural byproducts also brings a fundamental demanufacturing advantage.

Incidence of circular refurbishment measures on indoor air quality and comfort conditions in two real buildings: Experimental and numerical analysis

The application of Circular Economy to construction sector is a key to attain carbon neutrality, since it is responsible of 40 % of natural resource consumption. In this frame the importance of an efficient building refurbishment process throughout recycled material and renewable energy is fundamental. From an overview about building refurbishment emerges the need to investigate aspects related to Indoor Environmental Quality and the comparison between in-field measurements with output of dynamic simulation models. The present study aims to fill these two gaps by means an energy renovation of two real buildings in Greece. The work develops within the European project “Drive 0″, born to promote deep environmentally friendly retrofitting by means of circular renovation concepts. The methodological approach involves on-site monitoring of a series of parameters describing the energy, microclimate environmental and air quality, before and after the energy requalification. In addition, a numerical model developed in Building Energy Simulation program is calibrated and a Computational Fluid Dynamics is developed. From the in-field measurements emerges that, on one hand, the refurbishment of heating system shows a great improvement of indoor thermal conditions, with Total Volatile Organic Compounds concentration that sometimes exceed 3.0 mg/m3; on the other hand an integrated thermal insulation reduces infiltrations and changes the envelope behaviour, with a global energy saving of 30 % during winter and autumn periods.Another result of the study shows that a numerical model developed in Building Energy Simulation program and calibrated on energy consumption can greatly fit the local thermal comfort distribution of the occupant zone and predict the indoor air quality, if it outputs are used as input data in a Computational Fluid Dynamics study. These results can be beneficial to decision makers and designers for evaluating emitters positioning, opening design and mechanical ventilation strategies, aimed at reducing energy costs.

Sintesis Zeolit-Karbon Aktif Berbasis Abu Boiler Pabrik Kelapa Sawit Sebagai Adsorben Asam Lemak Bebas dan Karoten pada Crude Palm Oil

The application of palm shells and fibers as boiler fuel in palm oil mills is highly recommended to maintain a sustainable utilization cycle. The combustion of palm oil shells and fibers producing non-optimally utilized and managed ash generates a high potential for environmental pollution. This research aims to utilize palm oil mill boiler ash (ABKS) as raw material for zeolite/activated-carbon (ZKA) composite synthesis. ZKA composite uses as free fatty acids and carotenes adsorbent in the bleaching process of crude palm oil (CPO). Based on the results of characterization with EDX and XRD, ABKS contains Si; Al; C of 40.71%; 6.10%: 0.66% and indicates to contain quartz and cristobalite minerals. The calcination process with NaOH followed by a hydrothermal process at a temperature of 100 °C for 24 hours produces ZKA which is known from the results of characterization using XRD and EDX where the composite is indicated to contain analcime zeolite and carbon. Based on SEM characterization results, the morphology of the ZKA composite is porous and have good particle size distribution. Based on the results of analysis of free fatty acids and carotenes from CPO before and after bleaching, ZKA composite reduces 15.67% of free fatty acids and 16.34% of carotenes. The resulting composite has good adsorption capabilities for free fatty acids and carotenes and may be a solution for utilizing biomass waste as a circular economy application in the palm oil industry.

Circular Economy Implementation in Dutch Agriculture: Assessing Sustainable Practices and Economic Impact

The implementation of circular economy principles in Dutch agriculture is a critical endeavor, requiring a thorough assessment of sustainable practices and economic impacts. This paper explores the landscape of circular agriculture, emphasizing principles such as resource efficiency, closed-loop systems, biodiversity conservation, and circular design in farming practices. It investigates the current sustainable practices in Dutch agriculture, providing insights into the adoption rates, successes, and challenges associated with these practices. A literature synthesis navigates global research on circular economy applications in agriculture, with a specific focus on Dutch practices, highlighting gaps and challenges in the existing literature. The methodological framework details the research design, criteria for evaluating sustainable practices, and a comprehensive approach for assessing economic impacts. In-depth analyses unveil specific circular practices in Dutch agriculture, assessing their adoption rates and exploring potential synergies with traditional farming methods. The economic impact section delves into a comprehensive evaluation of circular practices, considering short-term and long-term benefits and costs, job creation, market competitiveness, and sector resilience. Identifying challenges inhibiting circular agriculture adoption, including policy limitations, technological constraints, and cultural factors, precedes actionable strategies for seamless integration. Recommendations for policymakers, farmers, and stakeholders aim to address these challenges, fostering a balanced transition towards circularity. This paper provides a holistic perspective on circular agriculture in the Netherlands, contributing insights into sustainable practices, economic implications, and strategies for overcoming barriers. It underscores the importance of aligning environmental and economic dimensions for the successful advancement of circular agriculture.

Analysis of the concept of circular economy application by small and medium industries in West Java province (a case study: Padamukti and Cibodas villages, Solokan Jeruk district, Bandung regency)

Although small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have played an important role in Indonesia’s economic growth, they bring various environmental problems. SMEs in the manufacturing sector, also known as small and medium industries (SMIs) are the majority of business entities in Indonesia and are one of the most significant polluters. This study focused on several SMIs located within two villages (i.e. Padamukti and Cibodas) alongside the Citarik River, which is one of the Citarum River tributaries. The study aimed to identify the concept of circular economy application by SMIs in West Java Province consisting of an understanding of (1) the circular economy concept and (2) internal and external factors of the circular economy application. In this study, we applied the snowball technique, closed questionaries, strengths-weakness-opportunities-threats (SWOT), and quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM). There were 10 selected respondents, including 4 respondents who were waste generators, while 6 respondents were classified as waste beneficiaries. The study found that 100% of the involved respondents had never heard or understood the concept of the circular economy even though they had partially applied the 5R principles. By using SWOT, driving and barrier factors were identified. The reprocessed waste became a strength factor, while the lack of knowledge and expertise in waste management were two major weaknesses. Meanwhile, there was attention and encouragement from the government for SMIs that implement environmentally friendly businesses as an opportunity factor, and insufficient market availability or consumers are part of the external analysis. Sequentially, using QSPM we suggest that socialization of the circular economy concept needs to be carried out in the wider community as the priority strategy and policy recommendations, followed by policymaking and guidelines for effective circular economy implementation.

A review of circular economy models and success factors on public-private partnership infrastructure development

PurposeThe application of circular economy (CE) has received wide coverage in the built environment, including public-private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects, in recent times. However, current studies and practical implementation of CE are largely associated with construction demolition, waste and recycling management. Few studies exist on circular models and success factors of public infrastructures developed within the PPP contracts. Thus, the main objective of this article is to identify the models and key success factors associated with CE implementation in PPP infrastructure projects.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review of the literature was undertaken in this study using forty-two (42) peer-reviewed journal articles from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and PubMed.FindingsThe results show that environmental factors, sustainable economic growth, effective stakeholder management, sufficient funding, utilization of low-carbon materials, effective supply chain and procurement strategies facilitate the implementation of CE in PPP infrastructure projects. Key CE business models are centered around the extension of project life cycle value, circular inputs and recycling and reuse of projects.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the study presents relevant findings and gaps for further investigations, it has a limited sample size of 42 papers, which is expected to increase as CE gain more prominence in PPP infrastructure management in future.Practical implicationsThe findings are relevant for decision-making by PPP practitioners to attain the social, economic and environmental benefits of transitioning to circular infrastructure management.Originality/valueThis study contributes to articulating the key models and measures toward sustainable CE in public infrastructure development.

Where engineering meets biology: The Computational Fluid Dynamic analysis of a stacked duckweed bioreactor

The necessity for sustainable farming practices, wastewater valorisation and circular economy applications have prompted increased interest in duckweed cultivation. As floating plants, duckweed species show rapid growth and can be cultured agri-food industry wastewater. Further, the resulting plant biomass is a valuable high-protein livestock feed and a biofuel feedstock. The development of multitiered (i.e., vertically stacked) indoor bioreactors enable reliable, high-capacity growth irrespective of seasons. Here, a Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) approach was applied to a pilot-scale duckweed cultivation system to provide insight into wastewater hydrodynamics to support further development and optimisation. CFD modelling and validation indicated that the pilot-scale system behaved non-ideally, with 60.1 % of the volume considered stagnant, and with surface channelling also identified. Analysis of the aspect ratio and inlet/outlet port positions of the cultivation tray enabled a 24.3 % decrease in stagnation, as well as a significant reduction in channelling, when the number of tray inlet/outlet ports was increased from two to three. Thus, the current study highlights the value of in-depth evaluation of the fluid flow using CFD, as a strategy to improve design of duckweed cultivation systems. This strategy can be further expanded to incorporate local and temporal nutrient depletion and predict duckweed growth rates.

Strategies for optimizing biovivianite production using dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing bacteria.

Vivianite (Fe3(PO4)2·8H2O), a sink for phosphorus, is a key mineralization product formed during the microbial reduction of phosphate-containing Fe(III) minerals in natural systems, and also in wastewater treatment where Fe(III)-minerals are used to remove phosphate. As biovivianite is a potentially useful Fe and P fertiliser, there is much interest in harnessing microbial biovivianite synthesis for circular economy applications. In this study, we investigated the factors that influence the formation of microbially-synthesized vivianite (biovivianite) under laboratory batch systems including the presence and absence of phosphate and electron shuttle, the buffer system, pH, and the type of Fe(III)-reducing bacteria (comparing Geobacter sulfurreducens and Shewanella putrefaciens). The rate of Fe(II) production, and its interactions with the residual Fe(III) and other oxyanions (e.g., phosphate and carbonate) were the main factors that controlled the rate and extent of biovivianite formation. Higher concentrations of phosphate (e.g., P/Fe = 1) in the presence of an electron shuttle, at an initial pH between 6 and 7, were needed for optimal biovivianite formation. Green rust, a key intermediate in biovivianite production, could be detected as an endpoint alongside vivianite and metavivianite (Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2.(OH)2.6H2O), in treatments with G. sulfurreducens and S. putrefaciens. However, XRD indicated that vivianite abundance was higher in experiments containing G. sulfurreducens, where it dominated. This study, therefore, shows that vivianite formation can be controlled to optimize yield during microbial processing of phosphate-loaded Fe(III) materials generated from water treatment processes.

An industry 4.0 adoption in the circular economy application hierarchical model: driver, enable and barrier aspects

PurposeThis paper aims to contribute significantly to the empirical investigations on adopting Industry 4.0–circular economy in the Malaysian palm oil industry. The paper also aims to theorise and empirically assess a comprehensive model incorporating three aspects and 51 criteria.Design/methodology/approachA two-stage methodology is proposed using the fuzzy Delphi method and the fuzzy-based analytical network process. Twenty-seven criteria on adoptability of industry 4.0–circular economy were selected for the first-stage methodology, followed by identifying each criteria's intersection with the overall objectives.FindingsThe findings indicate that financial constraints, the lack of a collaborative I4.0–CE model, laws and policy, low management support and the training of dedicated employers in I4.0–CE-application are the top five criteria requiring critical attention from the POI.Practical implicationsThe overall sustainability advantages of the POI are identified and discussed in depth to establish criteria for industry 4.0–circular economy applications.Originality/valueThis study fills the previous research gap by theoretically explaining POI's industry 4.0 adoption–circular economy from the perspective of two underpinning theories. Due to the pressure towards sustainability, the industry must be ready to adopt industry 4.0–circular economy applications, and resources must be managed appropriately and effectively by sharing and integrating. Advanced industry 4.0 technologies and pragmatic practices such as a circular economy are needed to achieve optimal sustainable development while retaining commercial success.

A Bibliometric Analysis on Cooperatives in Circular Economy and Eco-Innovation Studies

Cooperatives address societal challenges embracing values beyond mere profit-oriented production. Considering the ongoing shift to achieve efficient use of resources and increased circularity, cooperatives should be better equipped to incorporate circular economy (CE) and eco-innovation (EI) into their strategies (compared to regular enterprises). This paper reviews the scholarly literature focusing on the application of CE and EI within cooperative studies with the aim to understand the relationships between these topics, identify the existing scholarly communities, and to observe salient research themes. This study refined the method of van den Hoven and Rubalcaba (2016) to conduct a two-step bibliographic review of documents: a thematic analysis of citation data from Scopus (including a manual review of 16 papers) was followed by a bibliometric analysis of 101 documents from Web of Science (using R-Studio’s Biblioshiny). Our results identified three intellectual clusters of cooperative studies focusing on the downstream of CE: (1) industrial ecology; (2) recycling; and (3) waste management. Our study also revealed an emerging scholarly field focused on cooperatives and CE, and with little attention to EI. These findings aim at catalyzing the integration of cooperatives more effectively into scholarly discussions, suggesting that environmental sustainability should be recognized as an additional principle of the cooperative identity—providing a wider perspective that enhances interest in the research of these topics and their interconnections.

Circular economy in aquaculture: the perspectives of aspiring future operators

PurposeThis study investigates the views of Italian aquaculture production science students, in their role of future operators, on the application of circular economy strategies.Design/methodology/approachA key step in the development of professional knowledge is to solicit the opinions of the future operators in the aquaculture sector. The authors used the Q methodology to assess the perceptions of the students on four different knowledge dimensions of the CE: operations, culture and organization, products and services, and ecosystem.FindingsFour discourses emerge from the results, representing the respondents' views on the CE. The first discourse considers CE as business strategy applicable to products and services, the second a corporate mission and the fourth an operational efficiency strategy. Finally, the third discourse views CE as a multidimensional concept.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the scientific and institutional debate on how to accelerate the aquaculture's circular transition. First and foremost, it offers insights to guide policy makers in the development of appropriate knowledge and information systems. Second, it offers the opportunity to improve training programmes to enable current students to be prepared for the future challenges.Originality/valueThe results reflect a different perceived knowledge of CE among future operators, whose opinions are little explored in the literature.

Reverse logistics and circular economy: A literature review

The application of circular economy (CE) principles in reverse logistics (RL) processes involves the recovery, recycling, reuse and remanufacturing of materials that return from the consumer to the producer. This literature review assesses whether the manufacturing sector, technology, supply chain (SC) structure, customers’ preferences, and policy makers influence the diffusion of circular RL, highlighting the strategies adopted by companies. The results show different levels of circular RL implementation in different industries. Technology is an enabler but also an obstacle, as it requires large financial resources and a skilled workforce. The involvement of all SC stakeholders proves to be a critical factor in the successful implementation of circular RL, although the likelihood of success depends significantly on producers being the initiators. Policymakers also play a key role in guiding business investment in circular RL projects. This article summarizes the literature on CE and RL on analytical dimensions rarely studied together, providing researchers, companies and public decision makers with an overview of the most critical factors influencing the management of RL within circular processes. Controversial findings, open questions, and promising lines of future research are also outlined.

Exploring circular shipbuilding: A systematic review on circular economy business models and supporting technologies

Nowadays sustainability is receiving increasing attention, and particularly circular economy (CE) principles’ applications within industrial sectors. However, a comprehensive exploration of CE-oriented applications – i.e., circular business models (CBMs) and circular supply chains (CSCs), – in the shipbuilding sector is actually missing, differently from other engineering-to-order industries, such as constructions. Considering the relevance of the sector, this study proposes a first step in filling up this gap through the systematic analysis of recent engineering and management literature on CE strategies within shipbuilding. As main result, we present applicable CE-oriented strategies and related supporting technologies, mainly referable to circular design, end-of-life, operations and inventory management oriented to product-life extension through effective disassembling. In addition, sustainability-oriented resource management represent essential activities in supporting the transition by focusing on eco-materials and waste reduction. Lastly, we highlight that the CE application is facilitated by dedicated supporting technologies, underscoring the importance of sustainability-oriented digitalization for the creation of social, environmental, and economic value for this strategic sector. The proposed solutions might orient shipbuilding companies in activating the transition towards circularity, even though predominantly focused on economic and environmental sustainability/circularity than social aspects. The presence of limited examples of applied circular solutions reduce the exploration of all possible solutions related to shipbuilding, asking for more applied studies and on-field exploration of the topic.

An evaluation of the application of the circular production model in agriculture: case study of Nyanza district, Rwanda

IntroductionThis research explored the status of the application of circular economy (CE) principles in the agricultural sector in the Nyanza district of Rwanda.MethodsA multi-methodological approach was used to collect mixed data from farmers and key stakeholders operating in two selected sectors of Muyira and Busasamana to evaluate the solid waste management value chain, assess the adoption of ecological latrines and explore farmers' perception on human waste fertilizers as a CE principle. Quantitative data was collected through interviews with a sample of 1244 farmers randomly selected from Busasamana (n = 598) and Muyira (n = 646). The data were interpreted according to the research questions and analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics.FindingsThe results indicated that waste management is still at a rudimentary stage in the localities studied, with a waste sorting rate of 2.2% and 1.1% but with a willingness of 96.9% in Busasamana and 99.5% in Muyira sector to sort waste from organic to non-organic at source. The majority of participants, represented by 80.3% of the surveyed farming households in Busasamana and 97.5% of their counterparts in Muyira generate between 1-2 sacks of household waste per week. Food-related waste was the most predominant in Busasamana households, accounting for 99.5% while Muyira farmer households generate both food and yard wastes in proportions of 58% and 41.6% respectively. It's worth knowing that waste is dumped in the domestic rubbish pits in the two sectors, with 88% and 77.9% in Busasamana and Muyira sectors. Furthermore, the research revealed the absence of a waste collection and transport provider and a landfill in the Muyira sector, while waste collection facilities are available in Busasamana. Low adoption rates of eco-friendly latrines were observed, as farmers trick to the use of traditional pit latrines at 98.2% of the households in Busasamana and 100% in Muyira sector. Muyira being far ahead of its Busasamana counterparts in toilet dislodging (67% vs. 33%).Conclusion and recommendationsGreater involvement of all actors in the system to ensure the success of the application of CE practices and initiatives was recommended as well as awareness raising and capacity building on the use of ecological latrines.

The circular economy of electric vehicle batteries: a Finnish case study

AbstractThe automotive industry faces challenges because of the electrification of vehicles and the rapidly increasing need for electric vehicle batteries (EVBs). Raw materials availability is limited; however, there will also be a significant number of end-of-life (EOL) batteries. This creates various circular economy (CE) business opportunities for EVB manufacturers, third-party providers, and other stakeholders. However, not all CE solutions are sustainable or economically feasible. In this study, through the use of case studies, expert interviews, and a survey, we determined the current state of the EVB CE in Finland, the possible options for utilizing EOL vehicle batteries, and the greatest barriers for the EVB CE. We found that some EVB-related CE applications are not supported by the government and legislation, for example environmental regulations and building standards. CE opportunities include a shorter lead time for some components, which makes them attractive for EOL applications.

Guidelines for disassembly and adaptation in architectural design compared to circular economy goals - A literature review

The application of Circular Economy (CE) in architectural practice is limited, despite the urgent need to reduce environmental burdens of the construction sector that CE offers. Design for Disassembly and Design for Adaptability (DfD/A) are recognised as key design strategies supporting CE. However, with further development of life-cycle assessment (LCA) or circularity factors (CF) that enable more life-cycle evaluations, the rationale for applying specific DfD/A guidelines needs to be revised. This paper aims to establish which DfD/A guidelines foster environmental benefits expected of the implementation of CE in architectural practice and under which conditions. Also, it is of interest whether quantification of environmental impact is consistent in guiding designers in CE compliant material choices and detailing. This literature review covers papers published before August 2022, with analysis of 2652 titles, 2031 abstracts and 70 full-texts, focusing on material choice, construction strategies, circular options and the related assessment methods (LCA, circularity assessment). The results indicate that only a few DfD/A guidelines unconditionally support CE goals in architectural design. The rationale for the application of most of the DfD/A guidelines requires a case-by-case analysis, both in terms of broader context assumptions and the related environmental impact. Furthermore, a multitude of scoring schemes and focus areas hinders practical comparison of materials and leads to divergent conclusions. Based on the findings, a design process framework is proposed, linking general CE and specific DfD/A guidance. In conclusion, policy and design community recommendations and further research needs are identified. A systematisation of LCA-methods and impact categories associated with specific industrial and business models is needed to avoid contradictory design recommendations.