Circular Economy Practices Research Articles

Resilience for Sustainability: The Synergistic Role of Green Human Resources Management, Circular Economy, and Green Organizational Culture in the Hotel Industry

This research explores the extent to which Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices in the Egyptian hotel sector contribute to the adoption of Circular Economy (CE) practices and, eventually, organizational resilience. Using a sample of 402 employees from green-certified Egyptian hotels, the current study applied Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) on the data collected. The results show the positive effect of GHRM on the adoption of a circular economy that significantly enhances both internal and external organizational resilience. In addition, high Green Organizational Culture (GOC) strengthens the positive relationship of GHRM with the adoption of a circular economy. From this work, some empirical evidence is provided to show that circular economy practices can play a partial mediating role between GHRM and organizational resilience. These findings also present valuable insights for hotel managers and policymakers on how to achieve sustainability and resilience by means of integrated GHRM and circular economy strategies.

Circular economy adoption in MSMEs: unveiling enablers and barriers

Purpose The study aims to explore the enablers and barriers to the adoption of circular economy (CE) practices in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and examine how these factors differ between developed and developing countries. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology to identify key enablers and barriers to CE adoption in MSMEs. The SLR process involved a detailed search and analysis of relevant academic articles from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure transparency. Findings The study identifies 19 enablers and 16 barriers to CE adoption in MSMEs. Technological upgrades are the key factor helping MSMEs successfully implement CE practices, while financial constraints are the main challenge they face, according to studies from both developed and developing countries. Originality/value This research contributes to the existing body of literature by not only identifying the primary factors that either support or impede the implementation of CE by MSMEs but also by classifying them according to developed and developing countries to provide policymakers and MSME stakeholders with valuable insights on enhancing the implementation of CE in both countries by taking into account the particular barriers and enablers faced by each group individually.

Driving circular economy adoption through top management commitment and organisational motivation: a quantitative study on small- and medium-sized enterprises

Purpose This paper aims to influence top management commitment and organisational motivation on small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) adoption of circular economy practices in the United Arab Emirates. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 438 middle- and higher-level managers, owners, directors and chief executive officers of SMEs through an online survey. The theoretical model was tested using structural equation modelling. Findings The results reveal positive relationships between top management commitment, organisational motivation and circular economy adoption. Furthermore, organisational motivation partially mediates the impact of top management commitment on adoption, highlighting the importance of both direct and indirect influences of leadership. Originality/value This study contributes to the emerging discourse on circular economy adoption in emerging markets by offering insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders and SMEs aiming for sustainable growth amidst resource constraints.

The influence of blockchain technology on circular economy implementation in the automotive sector: From a GMM model to a new machine learning algorithm

AbstractThis investigation explores the integration of blockchain technology (BCT) with circular economy (CE) principles within the automotive sector, leveraging a dataset from the years 2011 to 2019. Employing advanced analytical techniques, including machine learning models and the system generalized method of moments (GMM), the study meticulously assesses BCT's impact on CE practices over the specified period. The dataset, curated from esteemed sources such as CSRHub, Thomson Reuters, and Bloomberg, enhances the reliability and validity of our analysis. Results indicate a positive influence of BCT on the adoption and effectiveness of CE practices in the automotive industry, suggesting that CE practices can bolster firm performance. Notably, the analysis reveals that support vector machines (SVM) and neural networks (NNs) exhibit superior efficacy over the random forest (RF) model in capturing the nuances of the BCT‐CE interplay. This is evidenced by their lower root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE), signifying greater predictive accuracy. The findings illuminate BCT's potential to revolutionize CE practices, optimize resource use, and foster sustainability in the automotive field.

Trends in the dynamic evolution of blockchain and circular economy: A literature review and bibliometric analysis

AbstractThe intersection of blockchain technology and circular economy (CE) practices holds significant potential for enhancing sustainability, transparency, and efficiency. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to explore the current research landscape in this domain. Key findings indicate a rapid growth in publications, highlighting a burgeoning interest in leveraging blockchain for CE initiatives. The analysis identifies critical approaches such as enhancing supply chain transparency, improving resource management, and facilitating product lifecycle tracking. However, the integration of blockchain into CE practices presents challenges, including technical complexities, scalability issues, and regulatory hurdles. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary and cross‐sectoral collaboration, as well as continuous research and innovation. Future research should focus on the integration of emerging technologies with blockchain, longitudinal studies on long‐term impacts, socio‐economic implications, and the development of regulatory frameworks. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing unique insights and outlining potential research directions at the intersection of blockchain and CE.

Developing a circular economy framework for e‐commerce packaging materials: A study on behavioural intentions of online consumers

AbstractThe exponential growth of e‐commerce brings the need for sustainable business models to address the negative environmental impacts of packaging. This study used a bibliometric analysis, the theory of planned behaviour and stakeholder theory to explore the behavioural intentions of consumers in adopting a circular economy model for e‐commerce packaging materials. Surveying 362 respondents in the Indian market, our findings revealed e‐commerce users were likely to participate in a closed‐loop system, with environmental concern and attitude emerging as pivotal factors. The study's novelty lies in examining consumers' willingness to engage in circular economy practices, using an extended model of the theory of planned behaviour. We propose leveraging existing reverse logistics networks for e‐commerce packaging that incorporate circular economy principles for packaging sustainability. The study contributes to the theory by emphasising the primacy of environmental concerns over financial incentives in motivating consumer participation in the emerging economies context. We advance the prioritisation of environmental considerations by e‐commerce consumers, which necessitates a focus on education and knowledge development on the circular economy. Building upon our findings from the Indian market context, we propose key recommendations for practice and policy, which could be applicable to other emerging markets and contribute to their CE adoption.

Evaluating the challenges to circular economy implementation in the apparel accessories industry: Implications for sustainable development

The recent global shift toward sustainability has compelled businesses, particularly in emerging economies like Bangladesh, to adopt circular economy practices. The apparel accessories sector, which plays a crucial role in Bangladesh’s economy, faces significant environmental challenges, including inefficient resource consumption and waste generation. However, there is not much research on addressing the barriers that are hindering this industry’s adoption of circular economy practices. This study aims to fill this gap by identifying and analyzing key challenges using an integrated Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory framework. This approach offers a novel methodological contribution by effectively handling complex interrelationships among the barriers and addressing the uncertainties related to decision-making. Data were gathered through a comprehensive literature review and relevant expert feedback, ensuring a robust analysis of the most pressing challenges. Thirteen critical challenges were finally identified and analyzed using the proposed evaluation framework. After evaluation, ‘inadequate leadership and top management commitment’, ‘lack of expertise and resources’, and ‘insufficient enforcement of environmental regulations’ emerged as the most significant barriers. The analysis further uncovered complex interrelationships between these challenges, revealing how they reinforce one another and hinder circular economy adoption. The findings offer broader implications for emerging economies by providing valuable insights for policymakers and industry leaders, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to address the significant barriers. This way, this study is expected to facilitate the industry’s transition to a circular economy, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainable growth.

Circular economy efficiency improvements contribute to achieving Net-Zero: Empirical evidence from China

In response to the pressing challenges of climate change and resource scarcity, the circular economy (CE) has gained recognition as a vital strategy for reducing carbon emissions while sustaining economic growth. Despite its potential existing studies often lack clarity in measuring Circular Economy Efficiency (CEE) and in elucidating the mechanisms by which CE drives carbon reduction and contributes to Net-Zero. This study employs the Epsilon-Based Measure (EBM) to assess CEE and uses a two-way fixed effects model to evaluate its impact on carbon emission reduction across 285 Chinese cities from 2010 to 2020. Our findings indicate that improvements in the CE significantly reduce both carbon emissions and carbon intensity. Notably, the CE effectively reduces emissions in cities in eastern and western China, whereas central cities experience an increase in emissions, reflecting spatial disparities in CE practices. The mechanism analysis identifies green technology innovation, production structure rationalisation, and reduced resource dependence as critical pathways driving these reductions. The robustness checks confirm that the results are consistent and reliable. These findings underscore the importance of enhancing the CE to decrease carbon emission and emphasise the need for targeted CE strategies tailored to the specific characteristics of urban areas to effectively decarbonise cities and support Net-Zero.

Sustainable management of end of life crystalline silicon solar panels in Australia: Advancing circular economy practices

The worldwide adaptation of Photovoltaic (PV) technology as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, has experienced exponential growth in recent years. However, the lack of effective waste management policies has hindered efficient PV panel disposal and recycling practices. In the absence of effective policies, the worldwide End-of-Life (EoL) PV module accumulation is predicted to reach a critical stage in the early 2030s. This study examines the environmental impacts of different EoL management practices using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), based on a comprehensive database generated from both literature and industrial data. Five different EoL scenarios were considered for 1000 kg of Crystalline Silicon (c-Si) PV modules with a focus on Australia as a case study, while considering the energy recovery options and emphasizing the economic benefits. From a comprehensive LCA study, it is found that upcycling options reduce the environmental impacts significantly compared to downcycling, while chemical treatment emerges as a preferred option, demonstrating a reduced environmental burden. Nevertheless, the utilization of toxic chemicals during chemical treatment-based PV recycling needs to be reconsidered. Additionally, the usage of chemicals during the metal recovery process of PV module recycling caused the highest environmental burden, necessitating the importance of moving to greener treatment practices. This research study will enable the identification of optimum EoL c-Si module recycling options, contributing to sustainable waste management.

How does the use of cryptocurrency affect circular economy practices in manufacturing companies?

How does the use of cryptocurrency affect circular economy practices in manufacturing companies?

Sustainable and Environment-Friendly Management of Shrimp Processing Waste through High-Quality Chitosan Production

The shrimp processing industry generates substantial waste, including shells, heads, and tails, which, if not properly managed, can contribute to significant environmental issues, such as pollution and disease transmission. This study explores the conversion of shrimp waste into chitosan, a valuable biopolymer with applications across multiple industries, by utilizing its chitin, protein, and mineral content. The extraction process involved demineralization with 1M HCl, deproteinization with 3.5% NaOH, and deacetylation with 60% NaOH. The resulting chitosan exhibited high quality, characterized by a crystal structure, white color, odorless powder form, 73.7% degree of deacetylation (DD), 64% yield, solubility in acetic acid, and water content of 1.5%. This research highlights an environmentally responsible approach to shrimp waste management, providing a method for repurposing waste into a high-value material that meets industry standards, supporting environmental sustainability and circular economy practices.

Toward a collaborative circular ecosystem within the built environment

The built environment has drastically transitioned toward the circular economy (CE) to reduce carbon footprint, waste emission, and resource consumption. The circular ecosystem with close collaboration between diverse actors is critical to the sector's CE transition success. However, a holistic perspective on the circular ecosystem of the built environment remains lacking. This paper provides new insights into the complex and intricate dynamics of actor collaborations in the circular building ecosystems on the niche and regime levels. Moreover, this study shows the orchestrating roles of the municipalities and developers as the ‘keystone’ actors in the circular ecosystem. It also stresses the increasingly significant roles of new actors as the driving forces for the socio-technical paradigm shift toward CE in construction. The actor collaboration in the circular building ecosystem has been shifted to more collaborative and multi-dimensional (i.e., top-down, bottom-up, and horizontal). We also map the actor networks using CE principles and explain the importance of addressing incentives for stronger actor collaborations. Finally, this paper provides policy and managerial implications to reinforce collaboration dynamics and CE practices in the built environment.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT: ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN POPULATION, HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR WASTE AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN ALGERIA (2010-2023)

Objective: The objective of this paper is to analyze the relationships between total population (POP), household and similar waste (DMA), and greenhouse gas emissions (GES) in Algeria from 2010 to 2023. The study explores trends in these variables and employs the Granger causality test to assess causal relationships between population growth, waste production, and emissions. Findings provide insights into the interdependencies among these factors. Recommendations for improving waste management through circular economy practices are also discussed. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework is based on the interrelationship between population growth, waste production, and greenhouse gas emissions. It posits that as population increases, household waste generation rises, which subsequently contributes to GHG emissions. This framework underpins the use of the Granger causality test to explore causal links among these variables in Algeria. Method: The study employs a descriptive analysis of the variables—total population, household waste (DMA), and greenhouse gas emissions (GES)—over the period 2010-2023. The Granger causality test is applied to examine causal relationships between total population and DMA, and between DMA and GES emissions. Data is analyzed to identify unidirectional causal links at a 5% significance level. Results and Discussion: Population growth directly impacts household waste (DMA) and greenhouse gas emissions (GES). Waste management is crucial for controlling emissions. Algeria needs to implement circular economy practices like recycling and waste sorting to mitigate environmental impact. Research Implications: Population growth in Algeria leads to increased waste production and emissions, necessitating improved waste management strategies and adoption of circular economy practices for sustainable development. Originality/Value: The study explores the link between population growth, household waste production, and greenhouse gas emissions in Algeria, offering insights for policymakers and sustainable waste management strategies.

Circular Economy Practices in Biomass-Fired Power Plants in Brazil: An Assessment Using the ReSOLVE Framework

This study aimed to identify the adoption of circular economy (CE) practices at thermoelectric power plants (TPPs) fueled by forest biomass in Brazil and determine the degree of implementation; social, environmental, and economic impacts; motivations; challenges; and facilitating factors for the adoption of such practices. Data were collected through a questionnaire applied to a sample of 32 TPPs in Brazil employing the ReSOLVE framework from October 2023 to January 2024. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, with the assignment of scores, and principal component analysis. The results indicate that optimization practices are the most widespread (6.7) and sharing practices were the least adopted (4.0). The greatest motivators for adopting CE practices are promoting sustainability (9.5) and enhancing corporate image (9.5). One of the most relevant positive impacts of such practices is the improvement in social relations between companies and the community (9.1). A major challenge to CE adoption is government neglect, whereas certification systems constitute one of the major facilitators (with 20 indications). This study provides indicators for decision-makers in the private sector and public managers interested in promoting sustainable practices in the renewable energy industry.

Natural resource management in Vietnam: Merging circular economy practices and financial sustainability approach

This study provides circular economy principles in natural resource management (NRM) in Vietnam when merging financial sustainability. Prior studies have neglected NRM in terms of utilizing circular economy principles (CEP) with the support of financial sustainability (FS). The main goal is to improve CEP in NRM utilizing the FS. This study employs the novel hybrid method to explore the multi-hierarchical NRM structure, address the interrelationships among CE and NRM attributes, and identify the attributes for improvement with the support of FS. This study proposes 85 criteria across 13 aspects base on the natural resource-based view. The results reveal a valid set of 20 criteria spanning six aspects. The aspects comprise operational digitalization, Fintech application and environmental strategy. The practical criteria include digital ecosystem collaborations, automation and robotics operations, compliance with environmental standards and laws, blockchain adoption, and data security. The FS is indicated as the decisive perspective for improving the CEP in NRM.

Industrial Symbiosis and Circular Economy Practices Towards Sustainability in Forest-Based Clusters: Case Studies in Southern Brazil

This study aimed to investigate how Industrial Symbiosis (IS) built around thermoelectric power plants (TPPs) located in forest-based clusters in the southern plateau region of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, can stimulate the adoption of circular economy (CE) practices. Data were collected to identify the presence of forest-based clusters and the purchase and sale of logs, processed wood, and forest residues from companies within the clusters, and to investigate CE practices using the ReSOLVE framework adopted in two TPPs, which used residues and black liquor as fuel. The results indicate that the nature of the forest-based activities enhances the formation of clusters, especially when TPPs use forest residues for energy production with IS intensified in this process. Brazil has 140 TTPs that use forest biomass with the capacity to generate 5.5 million wK. Three clusters were identified in the study region with purchase and sale, respectively, of logs (78.6 and 100%), processed wood (75 and 66.7%), and wood residues (45.5 and 83.3%) within the region. The case studies indicated the strong occurrence of CE practices in the cases analyzed that contribute to four of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) proposed by the United Nations (7, 8, 9, and 12).

The effects of global product design on supply chain efficiency and natural resources management

The significance of global product design as a primary factor in determining supply chain efficiency and natural resource management. This study examines the impact of global product design changes on process and supply chain practices. Specifically, it seeks to understand in promoting sustainable practices across global supply chains. This study, utilizes the fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods to evaluate the criteria, sub-criteria, and various significant opportunities influencing sustainable product design and supply chain management. The fuzzy AHP method is used to assess the key criteria and their respective sub-criteria. The fuzzy TOPSIS method is used to rank the opportunities in driving sustainable practices across global supply chains. The results of fuzzy AHP show that innovation and product differentiation (C4), economic viability (C1), and supply chain efficiency (C5) are the crucial criteria. While the results of fuzzy TOPSIS present that supply chain transparency (O2) is the most suitable opportunity, followed by circular economy practices (O1) and policy advocacy and compliance (O6) in adopting global product design on supply chain efficiency and natural resources management. Thus, this study is highly relevant to the governments, industry specialists, and policymakers who aim at enhancing the dynamic business environment and sustainable development.

Enabling sustainable circular economy in Indian municipal solid waste management system: an ISM and fuzzy MICMAC approach

PurposeMismanagement of municipal solid waste (MSW) has led to resource depletion, ecosystem degradation and socio-economic risks, emphasizing the necessity to promote sustainable circular economy (SuCE) practices. This article identifies relevant enablers and unveils their interconnected roles in facilitating a municipal solid waste management (MSWM) system aligned with the principles of SuCE.Design/methodology/approachTo identify pertinent enablers for MSWM systems based on SuCE principles, the study conducted a literature review and engaged experts from waste management sectors and academia to consolidate the final list of enablers. Following this, the study investigated the inter-relationships among these enablers using both Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) integrated and fuzzy Matrix Impact Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification (fuzzy MICMAC) with MATLAB.FindingsThe study identified a comprehensive set of 23 enablers and categorized them into four control measures instrumental for the effective integration of SuCE principles in the context of the Indian MSWM system. Notably, the analysis highlighted that “authoritative pressure” and “policy transformation” are the highly influential enablers.Practical implicationsThe study emphasizes actionable implications for stakeholders in the Indian MSWM sector. Policymakers and governmental bodies can enforce “authoritative pressure,” “policy transformation” and “budget allocation”. Meanwhile, managers can focus on “promotion of SuCE awareness”, “formalizing the informal workforce”, “infrastructure modernization”, “stakeholder engagement and alignment”, “segregation strategy”, “disruption preparedness”, and “local-based strategy”.Originality/valueThis study proposed a unique ISM diagraph and cluster of enablers to enhance the novelty of the study.

Stakeholders’ perceptions of and willingness to pay for circular economy in the construction sector

Adopting Circular Economy practices in the construction industry can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, many barriers exist to adoption, and current perceptions of and willingness to pay for circularity have yet to be quantified. This study seeks to understand the various perceptions of circularity in the construction industry, characterize uncertainties and risks, and identify economic incentives and opportunities that could accelerate circular adoption via an industry survey of three stakeholder groups. 58 stakeholders filled out part of the survey, and 42 stakeholders completed the majority of questions. Real estate developers are willing to pay an average premium of 10% for construction costs if there’s a minimum embodied carbon reduction of 53%. Design and construction professionals and material suppliers were also surveyed. Reasons for adopting circular practices were primarily driven by client, design team, and net zero goals. The results of this survey begin to characterize the economic landscape of what is needed for a circular transition in the built environment.

Economic geography’s contribution to understanding the circular economy

Abstract This article explores the role of evolutionary economic geography in enhancing understanding and implementation of the circular economy (CE). By incorporating spatial and territorial dimensions into CE research, this study emphasizes the significant influence of geographical factors on achieving economic and environmental objectives. The research highlights the importance of localizing CE practices and emphasizes the contributions of proximity theory and territorial governance in promoting collaborative networks that are crucial for CE success. Furthermore, the article introduces the concept of Territorial Circular Ecosystems, which provides a framework for analyzing regional variations and the interplay between local actors, resources, and institutional support in the deployment of the CE. The findings offer fresh insights for policymakers and researchers, advocating for place-based policies to address CE challenges and optimize sustainability strategies.