Circular Products Research Articles

Multiple Sums of Circular Binomial Products

Multiple Sums of Circular Binomial Products

Product Service System in Circular Economy: A Bibliometric Analysis

As global attention to sustainable development increases, more and more works of literature emphasise the application of a circular economy-oriented product service system (PSS).The Circular economy aims to achieve economic and environmental sustainability through efficiency of resources and minimisation of waste. Meanwhile, product service systems are an emerging business model with the potential to facilitate product life extension and recycling. However,despite the growth of this field of study, there are relatively few bibliometric analyses of its application in the circular economy. Therefore, this study aims to use the method of bibliometrics,and with the help of VOS viewer visualisation software, to analyse the relevant literature the application of product-service systems under the guidance of circular economy in Scopus database from 2014 to 2023, and to discuss the publication types and trends, source distribution of publications, the most highly cited articles, and research hotspot keywords analysis. Thisstudyfound that keyword analysis identified four main topic clusters, in which significant hotspots focused on the Internet of Things, Industry 4.0, consumer behaviour, and reverse logistics.Therefore, this study may benefit researchers who wish to understand relevant academic results circular economy-oriented PSS applications.

A Review of the Information Technology and Operational Technology Convergence Using Internet of Things within the Circular Economy

Abstract The historical separation of Information Technology and Operational Technology in organizations, particularly in the industrial sector, is being challenged by the digital transformation. This shift towards a converged platform is driven by technological advancements, market pressures, and environmental and regulatory considerations. This paper explores the convergence of Information Technology and Operational Technology through the Internet of Things within the Circular Economy. A comprehensive overview of the current scientific literature is provided using a systematic review method. Initially, the evolving landscape of the Information Technology and Operational Technology integration is reviewed, then Internet of Things and Circular Economy are presented. The findings of this study include the challenges of the converged solution implementation, such as the technical integration complexities, cybersecurity risks, organizational and cultural barriers, and workforce skills gap. Furthermore, the role of the Internet of Things is demonstrated using novel smart circular loops, products, and applications showcasing innovative ideas such as product-as-a-service models, digital circular practices, products with embedded sensors, energy harvesting, and modular and upgrade capabilities as well as novel digital factory use cases such as smart manufacturing and industrial symbiosis networks. The key findings also outline the best practices and recommendations for a successful implementation of this converged infrastructure, highlighting the importance of a strategic implementation and cross-domain collaboration to achieve operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. The insights provided in this paper are valuable for academics, practitioners, and policymakers aimed to understand and harness the digital technologies for advancing sustainable practices towards a smart circular economy.

A critical analysis of circular product attributes and limitations of product circularity assessment methods

The Circular Economy (CE) has been proposed as a strategy to promote the efficient use of resources, maximizing the benefits derived from materials and products through value recovery strategies, and minimizing waste generation. However, ambiguity remains in defining what makes a product circular and its characteristics when adapting the CE concept for application at the product level. More clarity about the constitutive characteristics of Circular Products (CPs) is also vital to facilitate their design. To address this challenge, and with the intention to increase the adoption of CE concept within the industry, the descriptions and attributes of a Circular Product (CP) were examined through a scoped literature review and analysis. Findings were then synthesized to establish a preliminary framework of CP attributes. These attributes were used to review the existing product circularity assessment methods. The results highlight limitations in the coverage of CP attributes in the existing methods and research opportunities for their improvement. The findings from this study will contribute to the development of a comprehensive and accurate product circularity assessment method.

Assessing the peer effects of college students' engagement in the circular economy: Survey evidence from textbook reuse and recycling in China

In the face of escalating environmental impacts caused by human activities, the development of a circular economy is widely regarded as a crucial sustainable solution. Identifying pivotal enablers driving the transition gains increasing significance. Scarce research has focused on how to improve public engagement in the circular economy and acceptance of circular products, especially for developing countries. Based on an interview of 2912 Chinese college students conducted in 2021, and the instrumental variable method, this paper innovatively documents positive associations of circular practices among peers. Specifically, it is found that: (1) individuals exhibit positive responses when their fellow classmates actively adopt used textbooks; (2) the impact is more pronounced among students majoring in energy and environmental fields, and for cohorts with higher participation in voluntary activities advocating sustainable lifestyles; and (3) the spillover effect is also manifested in engagement in second-hand book recycling. Given the potential of peers' beneficial influence as a promising instrument for driving circular economy practices, it is recommended that public policies consider its catalytic role.

Developing a circular design framework: Co‐creation and validation of a circular product and service design tool

AbstractSustainable products are at the core of the circular economy, which is gaining momentum in scientific, economic, and policy fields. However, existing research in the field of circular product design remains fragmented. The literature has generally tended to focus on material or resource efficiency, while other complex issues related to product ecosystem also exist, such as the needs of the ecosystem (non‐human) and human user, circular challenge, and circular business model. By using a co‐creation approach, this study aims to create and validate a circular product design framework (CD‐Framework) and a self‐assessment tool for circular product design (CD‐Tool) that facilitates an understanding of how product circularity can be improved from the product ideation. The proposed CD‐Framework consists of 10 interconnected categories: circular challenge; circular business model; production; digital fabrication technologies; materials; branding and communication for circularity; packaging, distribution and logistics; user; usage; and after usage. The CD‐Tool was designed as a tool to aid product developers from various industry sectors in the self‐assessment of the circularity of product design. We contribute to developing tools that accelerate integration of circularity into product design through product‐level and ecosystem‐level considerations.

Digitally enabled business models for a circular plastic economy in Africa

In recognition of the need for an economic logic that complements and reinforces the ecological imperative for the circular plastic economy, this paper explores the importance and impact of digitally enabled circular plastic business models across retailing and distribution systems. The paper draws from 16 focus group discussions, complemented by 17 semi-structured interviews of frontline organisations incorporating digital innovations in their businesses to enable the management of plastic waste in Africa. The study finds that, across African countries, the transition to a circular plastic economy has been hampered by the limited uptake of circular products by consumers. In order to accelerate the transition, innovative business models are required to invigorate the ecosystem and simplify the logistics of retailing and distribution systems. The paper proposes a new conceptual framework that explicates the impact of digital innovations in the processes of value creation and value capture across a whole spectrum of circular economy reverse logistics activities: recycling, redistribution, and remanufacture. The study also highlights two important social and policy implications of digitally-enabled circular business models: Firstly, the creation of new employment opportunities through the empowerment of a new labour force for the circular plastic economy; secondly, the heightened opportunity to enact an innovative sharing economy in typically resource-constrained contexts in which otherwise idle products and resources are more efficiently used in a process of collaborative consumption.

Circularity in product engineering – towards a forward-looking approach across product generations

AbstractTo enable a truly circular economy in product engineering, the development of products in generations must be considered. Thus, we strive to enable a forward-looking circularity approach, proposing the integration of system generation engineering (SGE) with circular economy principles. By analysing the qualitative interrelations among product generations driven by distinct value preservation strategies on various value creation tiers ("R-strategies"), we extend prior SGE research to advance model theory and support practical application of circular product engineering.

Creating a sustainable future through Industry 4.0 technologies: Untying the role of circular economy practices and supply chain visibility

AbstractThe intersection of Industry 4.0 technology (I4.0‐Tech) with sustainability (SUS) remains largely unexplored, particularly due to its interactions with supply chain visibility (SCV) and circular economy practices (CEP). To fill this gap, our study empirically examines I4.0‐Tech's impact on SUS through SCV and CEP. We utilized structural equation modeling to test the hypothesized relationships using data from a survey of 344 medium and large Chinese firms. The empirical findings support the indirect role of I4.0 through SCV, and CEP. I4.0‐Tech enables real‐time material and product tracking for SCV. Optimizing material utilization, fostering closed‐loop supply chains, and allowing circular product design enhance CEP. Furthermore, our findings show a positive relationship between SCV, CEP, and SUS. This highlights the need for robust supply chain capabilities in enabling I4.0‐Tech to drive SUS. This paradigm emphasizes recalibrating approaches to SCV and CEP‐focused frameworks to easily include and exploit I4.0‐Tech. This study contributes to the literature and gives actionable insights for managers and policymakers wanting to synergize I4.0‐Tech, SCV, and CEP in industrial processes to promote sustainability goals and a sustainable future.

The design and servitization of products according to the circular economy principles: An ecosystem perspective in the building industry

The transition from linear to circular economy is still far from being completed, particularly in the building industry. Indeed, its specific characteristics – such as the fragmentation of its business ecosystem – hinder the implementation of circular economy practices, and, particularly, circular product design and servitization practices. This paper analyses the collaborations among the companies involved in the design and servitization of one of the major elements of a building, the building façade, and it leverages on an action research methodology based on the “Envelope for Service” research project. The role of companies involved in the design and servitization of the circular building façade has been investigated. A novel research framework has been developed to match the circular practices implemented by the ecosystem of involved companies along the useful life phases of the building façade. The research framework highlights the paramount importance of collaborations within the business ecosystem of the building façade and shows how the interactions among companies take place and facilitate circular product design and servitization. We argue and provide evidence that the engagement of the whole business ecosystem is needed in fragmented industries, like the building industry, to implement circular product design and servitization practices. Finally, a hint of the relevance of digital technologies in enabling the implementation of circular practices in such industry is provided.

Modeling stock, material and environmental impacts of circular economy product policies. Trade-offs between early replacement and repair of electric motors

New modeling challenges are accompanying the shift in EU product policy toward an increased focus on circular economy aspects. Combined material flow analysis and life cycle assessment can play an important role in assessing the impact of such policies. A flexible model has been developed that is suitable for the ex-ante impact assessment of the material flows and environmental impacts of a range of circular economy product policies, extending an established approach. The model uses a layered approach, in which material and environmental impacts are derived from product flows via a product database that defines physical properties for product variants. Combined with a stock model, the impact of policy interventions on the whole market can be assessed over time and per life cycle stage. We apply this model in a theoretical case study on electric motors, which compares early replacement of inefficient motors and motor repair with a base case.

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.

Abstract LB198: The PAX5 oncogene encodes circular RNA products involved in B cell cancer processes

Abstract Introduction: B-cell cancers represent some of the most prevalent hematological lesions in adult and children. B-cell cancers are also notable for their malignancy and resistance to drug therapies. Our group studies B-cell oncogenes and recently discovered that the prominent PAX5 oncogene, which usually encodes transcription factors, also generates non-coding circular RNA transcripts. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a new class of gene products involved in many biological processes and cancer disease. Due to their innate ability to bind and modulate co-interacting proteins and microRNAs (miRs), circRNAs represent new signaling avenues in cancer biology. Hypothesis: Given that products from the PAX5 oncogene are important regulators of B-cell cancers, we hypothesized that PAX5 circRNAs (circPAX5) are also involved in B-cell oncogenesis. Objective: We therefore set out to study circPAX5 products, and their co-interacting miRs, in B-cell cancers. Results: Using a series of B-cell cancer models and clinical samples, we first profiled the expression of circPAX5 products and found that B-cell leukemias overexpress circPAX5 where its predominant circRNA isoform consisted of exons 2 to 5 sequences of the PAX5 locus. To establish a functional role of circPAX5 on cancer processes, we evaluated B-cell proliferation and chemosensitivity in cancer models expressing conditioned levels of circPAX5. Interestingly, we found that the suppression of circPAX5 levels resulted in the alteration of cancer growth rates, which were dependent upon B-cell differentiation state and population subtype. Mechanistically, we also found that circPAX5 interacts with specific miRs, which were profiled by circRNA precipitation and deep sequencing. Selected sponged miRs were then studied by bio-informatic analyses and mapped to downstream mRNA targets and B-cell cancer pathways. Conclusions: Altogether, our findings uncover PAX5 circular products, which are involved in B-cell cancer processes and could potentially represent a new cancer pathway targeted for therapeutic and/or diagnostic strategies in B-cell cancer lesions. Citation Format: Danick Martin, Brandon Hannay, Farrah McGraw, Alexis Martin, Vanessa Veilleux, Nicholas Finn, Gilles A. Robichaud. The PAX5 oncogene encodes circular RNA products involved in B cell cancer processes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB198.

Detection of the phosphorothioate oligonucleotide fomivirsen using a ligase detection reaction with polymerase chain reaction.

This study aimed to develop a simple and sensitive detection method for fomivirsen, a 21-nucleotide phosphorothioate oligonucleotide used as a nucleic acid medicine, using a ligase detection reaction. A ligation probe was designed to hybridize with fomivirsen and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers, with a deoxyuridine part between the primer binding sites. The probe was ligated to a circular product by Taq DNA ligase, and the resulting product was converted to a linear form through the removal of the uracil base using uracil DNA glycosylase. The linear product was then quantified using real-time PCR. The developed method could detect 0.025-6.4nM of fomivirsen in water and HeLa genomic DNA solutions and 0.6-160nM of fomivirsen in mouse serum in combination with an extraction method based on alkalinization and neutralization. This method could be useful for not only detecting fomivirsen but also other functional oligonucleotides composed of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides. In summary, this study presents a practical and effective approach to the detection of the nucleic acid medicine fomivirsen.

Sustainable strategies based on the social responsibility of the beverage industry companies for the circular supply chain

Circular supply chain management (CSCM) offers a fresh approach to enhancing supply chain sustainability and minimizing waste. A significant amount of waste is generated daily in the beverage industry, primarily due to the extensive production of beverages. The increasing waste amount causes the destruction of the environment and many problems for human life. The social responsibility of the beverage industry dictates that social and environmental performances are combined with the company’s economic performance to benefit society and the environment. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effective factors and provide sustainable solutions for waste management in the CSCM of beverage industry companies based on their social responsibility. So in this regard, six sustainable strategies are suggested and evaluated based on the circular design, biodegradable packaging, product and manufacturer’s responsibility, critical success factors, and corporate social responsibility criteria, and theirs 24 sub-criteria for improving CSCM in the beverage industry. A novel group decision-making approach is proposed by developing the base-criterion method (BCM) and multi-attribute border approximation area comparison (MABAC) under fuzzy Z-extended numbers in order to evaluate the criteria weights and the rank of the strategies. A comprehensive managerial sensitivity analysis was performed better to understand the impact of different criteria for each strategy. The results show that cooperation with charities to return the waste and spend the added value created to help the needy fulfill the company’s social responsibility is one of the most important strategies specified by decision-makers and experts for improving the CSCM of beverage industry.

Abstract 2393: Development of a novel implantable drug-eluting product for the local treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Abstract Background Local control of non-metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a major challenge. Therapies with reduced systemic toxicity are needed as intravenous (IV) infusions are limited by patient tolerance with only small amounts reaching the tumor. PanTher created PTM-101, a novel absorbable drug formulation containing paclitaxel, designed to be locally applied via minimally invasive surgery to provide chemotherapy precisely to the peritumoral area in PDAC. Methods A study was conducted using 3 cadaveric abdomens to evaluate surgical feasibility of delivering PTM-101 via laparoscopy. Prior to insertion of PTM-101 into the peritoneum, the surgeons prepared each product by suturing a 3-0 Vicryl SH (Ethicon) at four evenly spaced locations around the edge of the flat circular product. A periumbilical 10mm Hasson port was placed to insufflate the abdomen, followed by placement of 3 additional working ports (5mm). The liver capsule was carefully surveyed to exclude metastatic disease. The surgeons opened a window into the lesser sac through the greater omentum, lifting the stomach up from the transverse colon to expose the pancreas. PTM-101 (a 1mm thick and 6cm diameter film) was rolled into a tubular shape, inserted through the cannula, and affixed to the peri-pancreatic fat with existing vicryl stitches. Results The estimated total operative time from placement of the first trocar to removal of all equipment was 45 minutes, for the 3 procedures. The operations included 25 minutes for entry, port placement, exposure of the simulated pancreatic tumor location and 20 minutes to place and suture PTM-101. PTM-101 was easy to fit through the cannula and was sutured without difficulty to the peri-pancreatic fat that surrounds the capsule of the pancreas. To simulate a tumor with hepatic artery involvement, the implant was sutured towards the hepatoduodenal ligament in one specimen, near the area of the gastroduodenal artery takeoff, proper hepatic artery, and proximal portal vein. PTM-101 covered the entire head/neck area of the simulated tumor locations without requiring disruption of the tumor area or dissection of the tunnel under the pancreatic neck. Conclusion PTM-101 is flexible and conforms easily to the underlying topography, both in a concave (i.e., with the tumor intact) and convex (i.e., after resection) scenario. Although human anatomy does not allow for PTM-101 to completely wrap around the pancreas, the size and flexibility of the product enables it to “drape” over the edges covering areas near the superior mesenteric vein and artery (SMV/SMA). This placement could hypothetically increase the amount of drug reaching the area behind the pancreas to target tumors which abut or encase the mesoportal vasculature. A decrease in the tumor-vessel interface could downsize pancreatic tumors, with the goal of increasing resection rates and post-resection local control. Citation Format: Margaret Lashof-Sullivan, Leslie S. Sloan, Michael P. Kim, Laura Indolfi, Ching-Wei D. Tzeng. Development of a novel implantable drug-eluting product for the local treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2393.

Design and fabrication of circular sheet metal shearing machine

The growing use of sheet metal in various industries such as automotive, packaging, medical appliances, cylinder production, Apparatus construction, Tank construction, Aircraft bodies, Missile production, Satellite dishes, road building and road signs, and household appliances, is attributed to its ease of manufacturing, handling, and use. To meet customer demands, sheet metal product manufacturing industries are working towards producing circular feature products of good quality at a large scale and low cost. To this end, this research emphasis the design, analysis, and fabrication of an electric circular sheet metal shearing machine, this would replace the punching and blanking operations and reduce scrap value from the stock material. The research includes concept design, detail design and analysis, assembly, 3D modelling, and fabrication of the Machine.

Circular product design challenges: An exploratory study on critical barriers

AbstractDespite the recognition that the adoption of the circular economy depends on aligning the new product development process with the principles of circularity, there are still few studies on the barriers to circular product design. This article aims to contribute to this topic by developing an exploratory study to identify and analyze these barriers in the Brazilian context. In addition to a theoretical analysis, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process was utilized to evaluate the significance of various hindrances and obstacles to circular product design. To gain a better understanding of these barriers, semi‐structured interviews were also conducted. Experts in areas such as sustainability, marketing, and R&D from companies that develop products participated in this research. The results of the study reveal that the difficulties supply chains have in providing circular economy‐based products and reverse logistics systems are among the main barriers. Challenges such as low consumer valorization of these products and a lack of knowledge and technologies were also identified as relevant. By investigating a set of barriers to circular product design, this study extends knowledge about the difficulties companies face in the transition to circular business models.

Role of Higher Education Students’ Environmental Awareness and Environmental Concern in the Purchase Intention of Circular Economy Products

A circular economy is a concept of sustainable development that enhances a company’s image and influences consumers’ attitudes toward the corporation. Trust, commitment, and identification in relationship marketing are key factors for fostering long-term relationships. This study aimed to examine the relationship quality and attitudes between higher education students’ personal environmental perspectives and circular economy products, further investigating their impact on the purchase intention of circular economy products. Therefore, this research proposed and tested a theoretical framework that combined variables, including environmental concern, environmental awareness, relationship quality with circular economy products, and attitudes, to determine the influencing factors on higher education students’ purchase intention of circular economy products. This study adopted a survey design method and employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data from 443 higher education students from Taiwan and Thailand. The results indicated that environmental awareness and environmental concern are critical antecedent factors for attitude and relationship quality (trust and identification) in circular economy products. In addition, trust and attitude in circular economy products have a significant impact on commitment. Furthermore, trust, commitment, and identification with circular economy products are crucial determining factors for the purchase intention of circular economy products. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing higher education students’ purchase intention of circular economy products, thereby achieving the goal of environmental sustainability.

Plastic recycling stripped naked - from circular product to circular industry with recycling cascade.

This perspective combines various expertise to develop and analyse the concept of technology cascade for recycling waste plastics with the goal of displacing as much fossil crude oil as possible. It thereby presents archetype recycling technologies with their strengths and weaknesses. It then combines them in various cascades to process a representative plastic mix, and determines how much (fossil) naphtha could be displaced and at which energy consumption. The cascades rely on a limited number of parameters that are fully reported in supplementary information and that were used in a simple and transparent spreadsheet model. The calculated results bust several common myths in plastic recycling, e. g. by prioritizing here recycled volume over recycling efficiency, and prioritizing circular industry over circular products . It unravels the energy cost of solvent-based recycling processes, shows the key role of gasification and the possibility to displace up to 70 % of the fossil feedstock with recycled carbon, a recycling rate that compares well with that aluminium, steel or paper. It suggests that deeper naphtha displacement would require exorbitant amount of energy. It therefore argues for the need to complement recycling with the use of renewable carbon, e. g. based on biomass, to fully defossilise the plastic industry.