Development Of Circular Economy Research Articles

Efficacy of DAP coated with bacterial strains and their metabolites for soil phosphorus availability and maize growth

Phosphorus (P) use efficiency in alkaline/calcareous soils is only 20% due to precipitation of P2O5 with calcium and magnesium. However, coating Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) with phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is more appropriate to increase fertilizer use efficiency. Therefore, with the aim to use inorganic fertilizers more effectively present study was conducted to investigate comparative effect of coated DAP with PSB strains Bacillus subtilis ZE15 (MN003400), Bacillus subtilis ZR3 (MN007185), Bacillus megaterium ZE32 (MN003401) and Bacillus megaterium ZR19 (MN007186) and their extracted metabolites with uncoated DAP under axenic conditions. Gene sequencing was done against various sources of phosphorus to analyze genes responsible for phosphatase activity. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) gene amplicon of 380bp from all tested strains was showed in 1% w/v gel. Release pattern of P was also improved with coated fertilizer. The results showed that coated phosphatic fertilizer enhanced shoot dry weight by 43 and 46% under bacterial and metabolites coating respectively. Shoot and root length up to 44 and 42% with metabolites coated DAP and 41% with bacterial coated DAP. Physiological attributes also showed significant improvement with coated DAP over conventional. The results supported the application of coated DAP as a useful medium to raise crop yield even at lower application rates i.e., 50 and 75% DAP than non-coated 100% DAP application which advocated this coating technique a promising approach for advancing circular economy and sustainable development in modern agriculture.

Synthesis of solid sodium silicate from waste glass and utilization on one-part alkali-activated materials based on spent oil filtering earth.

Alkali activated materials (AAMs) commonly known as geopolymers are considered ecofriendly substitutes for Portland cement. However, these materials still have a significant environmental impact, owing mainly to the use of activators based on commercial chemical products. In this sense, this research focuses on the production and use of waste glass-derived activators AAMs as an alternative to commercial activators. Using a thermochemical synthesis method, activator compositions were systematically designed to achieve predefined activator modulus (Ms = SiO2/Na2O = 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5). These alternative activators were studied by XRD, FTIR and SEM techniques. Additionally, one-part AAMs were manufactured using spent oil filtration earth (SOFE) as precursor and activator with optimum modulus Ms = 1.0. The influence of the Na2O dosage was studied (10; 20 and 30g of Na2O per every 100g of SOFE) as well as the influence of the activator modulus maintaining the optimum dosage of 20g Na2O per 100g of SOFE. As a control, two-part AAMs were also synthetized with the optimum dosage and modulus employing commercial activators (NaOH + Na2SiO3 solution). Results indicate that the modulus of the alternative activator and especially the Na2O dosage have a significant influence on the technological properties of AAMs based in SOFE, with an optimum compressive strength (35.8MPa) for the addition of 20g of Na2O per every 100g of SOFE using activator with modulus Ms = 1.0. This research embodies a sustainable approach to AAM production and suggests waste glass as a valuable raw material for sodium silicate synthesis intended for the one-part activation of spent filtering earth from the agri-food industry, aligning with the principles of circular economy and sustainable development goals.

Ecologically Friendly Building Materials: A Case Study of Clay–Ash Composites for the Efficient Management of Fly Ash from the Thermal Conversion of Sewage Sludge

The European Union’s initiative to reduce carbon dioxide emissions has paved the way for the exploration of innovative building materials that are environmentally friendly and meet all requirements of durability and strength. These criteria can be met by combining natural resources used in the production of building materials with waste materials that would otherwise be landfilled, having a negative impact on the environment. This study focuses on such materials and presents the results of recent research conducted at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. The aim was to develop a new generation of materials fully compliant with the principles of the circular economy and sustainable development. Simultaneously, these materials should have no adverse effects on human health and be strong enough to carry the required loads. This study proposes the combination of a natural raw material—in the form of clay—with fly ash from the incineration of sewage sludge to produce a new generation of materials. Several samples were prepared using fly ash from two sources and then were fired at 950 °C. The resulting composites underwent physico-chemical and strength tests. These tests not only confirmed the high strength and durability of the obtained product but also the neutralization of the heavy metals originally present in the fly ash.

Examining the Challenges for Circular Economy Implementation in Construction and Demolition Waste Management: A Comprehensive Review Using Systematic Methods

The construction industry accounts for approximately one-third of the total waste generation globally. With the United Nations projecting a population increase of 2 billion within the next three decades, there is a heightened demand for building stock, generating unprecedented volumes of construction and demolition waste (CDW). To combat this, circular economy strategies are purported to help alleviate the prevailing situation. But a number of challenges are jeopardizing their implementation in the construction industry and preventing from achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, net zero carbon and zero avoidable waste targets. This paper systematically analyzes 54 research articles, published in the past decade within major peer-reviewed English-language scholarly publications in the form of a systematic research review. In doing so, it aims to identify and classify the challenges that prevent improved CDW management by assimilating previous research results in support of a circular economy. The classification and analysis using a PESTLE model offers insights into gaps and differences between categories, as well as regions and countries. This initial step could contribute to a better understanding of these barriers, along with associated solutions, which could result in a significant reduction on the impact of construction activities, therefore facilitating the development of an effective circular economy in the sector.

Chitosan-derived carbon sphere with self-activating behavior for stable oxygen reduction reaction in acid and alkaline media

Utilizing shrimp waste-derived Chitosan as biomass source, we developed metal-free nitrogen and sulfur-doped porous carbon (NSPC) with a high specific surface area of 609.53 m2/g as a remarkable electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), surpassing benchmark Pt/C with half-wave (0.8574 V) and onset (0.9573 V) potentials in alkaline (0.1 M KOH) media. Besides high electrocatalytic activity, NSPC-800 showed excellent methanol tolerance ability and significantly low hydrogen peroxide yields (H2O2) of 5 % and 8 % in 0.1 M KOH and 0.5 M H2SO4, which is comparably lower than the previously reported chitosan based non-precious catalysts. Interestingly NSPC-800 displays robust stability in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte, improving the current retention rate from 89.17 % to 95.18 % over an increased operation period, evidencing its self-activating characteristics. This self-activating stability is also mirrored in 0.5 M H2SO4 where both fresh and recycled (after 5000 CV cyles) NSPC-800 catalysts retained more than half of their initial current. Additionally, to identify the nature of the active sites, the ORR measurements were correlated with ex-situ spectroscopy for post-stability of fresh and recycled NSPC-800 catalysts revealed dynamic reconfiguration of nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen active sites evidenced compared to the pre-stability elemental surface, indicating an adaptive response of the catalyst to the harsh operating environment. In the future, our biomass-derived NSPC-800 will pave the way to develop cost-effective and highly efficient catalysts from waste to energy devices promising a twin-goal approach, contributing to the circular economy and sustainable development goals.

Structural characteristics of organics released from sludge pretreatment and their performance in the synthesis of biomass plastics

The conversion of organics from sludge into high-value added products is essential for achieving circular economy and sustainable development in wastewater treatment processes. Currently, research focuses on promoting the release of organics from sludge, but there is a lack of in-depth understanding of the properties and structures of the released organics. To find out a suitable sludge pretreatment method (ultrasound, alkaline, thermal, ultrasound-alkaline, alkaline-thermal hydrolysis) for biodegradable plastic synthesis, the composition, properties and structures of the released organics from sludge were studied. Alkaline treatment (pH 12) resulted in the highest surface charge with Zeta potential of –23.53 mV. The release concentration and the radius of rotation (17.79 nm) of proteins were maximized after pH 12 + 150 °C pretreatment. Ultrasound treatment disrupted the extracellular polymeric substances of sludge, releasing organics with the highest thermal stability and hydrophobicity indices (20,313). Simultaneously, β-sheets was the main secondary structure of proteins. Random coils were the main proteins secondary structure after the other pretreatments instead. Meanwhile, small-angle scattering calculations showed that the released proteins tended to be discoidal for all pretreatment methods. In addition to proteins, polysaccharides, and humic acids, small organic compounds were also produced, such as amino acids (D-alanine), aromatic compounds (pyridine), alcohols, sugars (pyranose), fatty acids (oleic and palmitic), small molecule acids (acetic), etc. Furthermore, pretreatment with pH 12 + 150 °C was more efficient for the whole process of sludge synthesis into plastics. Correlation analysis shows that the radius of rotation of proteins is the main factor affecting the tensile strength and elongation at break of synthetic plastics. This study conducted an in-depth analysis of the structure and properties of organics after different pretreatments and provided a new pathway for the resource utilization of sludge through the synthesis of plastics using sludge organics.

New data and descriptor for crowdfunding and renewable energy

AbstractThis work exhibits an extensive panel dataset and data descriptor on the crowdfunding-renewable energy nexus. This new source of data may find large use in energy economics, econometrics and policy, as well as financial and microfinance analysis. The referred dataset is made of 4704 observations to related to crowdfunding campaigns from 2009 to 2021. Data can be used for diverse energy econometrics studies and data analysis, especially for socioeconomic and environmental aspects of energy innovation and efficiency investigations. The contribution offered by this paper is the correlation between two salient aspects for the first time. We have cross-referenced the data related to crowdfunding campaigns with the sustainable orientation of the countries. The extrapolated data from two datasets—i.e., Zephyr Bureau Van Dijk and the World Bank’s World Development Indicators—form a new dataset that serves as a tool, as well as a guide, for future studies related to renewable energy, fintech, economic, innovation and entrepreneurship issues. Moreover, this contribution may stimulate the development of new policies and strategies aimed at supporting the transition towards the circular economy and sustainable development by creating positive externalities on a large scale by increasing social welfare and resilience applications.

A Comprehensive Review on Reductive Recycling of Cathode Materials of Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries.

The prosperity of the lithium-ion battery market is inevitably accompanied by the depletion of corresponding resources and the accumulation of spent batteries in a dialectical manner. Spent lithium-ion batteries are harboring the characteristics of hazardous waste and high-value resources, so efficient recycling is of great significance. The cathode material is considered as an interesting target for repurposing. Despite some important reviews give commendable emphasis to recycling technologies, there is still a dearth of exploration of recycling mechanisms. This deficiency of awareness highlights the need for further research and development in this area. This review aims to systematically review and thoroughly discuss the reduction reaction mechanism of each method regarding different cathode materials. And systematically digest the selection of reducing agent and the effect of reduction reaction on material regeneration are systematically digested, as well as the impact of the reduction reaction on the regeneration of materials. This review emphasizes the importance of balancing efficiency, economic and environmental benefits in reuse technologies. Finally, the review proposes an outlook on the opportunities and challenges facing the reuse of key materials for next-generation spent batteries aimed at promoting the green and sustainable development of lithium-ion batteries, circular economy and ecological balance.

Food-Energy-Water Nexus in compliance with Sustainable Development Goals for integrating and managing the core environmental verticals for sustainable energy and circular economy

Food, energy, and water resources are intricately interconnected, and nexus provides a holistic approach for addressing these complex links to minimize inefficiencies and waste. Nexus approach and circular economy are considered as effective solutions for sustainability. Quantification of these relations is the first step towards incorporating nexus modeling which helps sustainable production and consumption. For achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, understanding and effectively managing the FEW nexus becomes imperative. With an integral performance perspective, there is a need to address the interdependencies and trade-offs among food, energy, and water systems and challenges of economic, social and environmental sustainability. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the FEW nexus, identify key opportunities and challenges, and propose integrated strategies for managing these core environmental verticals sustainably. The study addresses the accomplishment of these goals through nexus approaches and outlines the need for technological advancements for shared benefits among resources, contributing to conceptual development of nexus and circular economy. The results highlight the critical importance of adopting a nexus approach to advance sustainable development goals, enhance resource efficiency, and promote synergistic solutions across food, energy, and water systems.

The Impact of Climate Change on the Development of Circular Economy in China: A Perspective on Green Total Factor Productivity

<p>In the process of China's transition to high-quality development, the circular economy, as a key strategy for achieving green growth, is of significant importance in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. This study employs the SBM-GML model to analyze the Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP) of 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2019, exploring the influence of climate change on the development of the circular economy. The research finds that although China's GTFP shows an overall upward trend, indicating some achievements in the circular economy, the performance in the eastern region significantly outperforms other regions, with technological progress being the primary driver of growth. The impact of climate change on GTFP varies with temperature changes and exhibits differentiated characteristics in different regions. Based on these findings, this paper puts forward a series of policy recommendations aimed at strengthening the practice of the circular economy, enhancing resource utilization efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and addressing the challenges of climate change through promoting green low-carbon development, optimizing industrial structure, and formulating adaptive environmental regulations.</p>

Circular Economy and Contributions to Sustainable Development in the Organizational Context

Objective: To analyze the contributions of the circular economy to sustainable development in the organizational context. Methodology: The research used an integrative literature review to investigate the relationship between circular economy and sustainable development in organizations. The studies were selected based on relevant keywords in academic databases, focusing on Brazilian articles published between 2023 and 2024. After the selection, a qualitative analysis of the data was conducted to identify patterns and trends, contributing to a deeper understanding of the topic. Results and data analysis: The analysis of the studies highlights the importance of the circular economy in the contemporary organizational context, highlighting its relevance to promote sustainable development and mitigate negative impacts on the environment and society. The transition from the traditional linear model to the circular one redefines not only supply chain dynamics, but also challenges the culture of consumption and unrestricted disposal by promoting resource reuse, recycling and remanufacturing. However, its implementation requires operational changes and the support of organizational leaders, tax and legislative incentives, as well as greater awareness and dissemination of information about its practices and benefits. The need for more in-depth studies, especially in the Brazilian context, is highlighted, as is the importance of consumer education on sustainable packaging and the integration of reverse logistics practices. Such an approach not only promotes environmental sustainability, but can also generate significant economic benefits for businesses. The studies also highlight the adaptation of circular economy concepts to different sectors, such as textiles and clothing, highlighting their tangible benefits, such as reducing waste and creating sustainable business opportunities. However, the journey towards the circular economy faces challenges such as effective waste management and stakeholder awareness. Conclusion: Thus, the conclusions emphasize the need for continued engagement of businesses, governments and consumers to promote a successful transition. By adopting this approach, organizations contribute not only to the preservation of the environment and social well-being, but also to a more sustainable and economically prosperous future.

Development of Circular Economy in Agriculture in Hanoi, Vietnam

The introduction of circular economy principles into closed production systems is essential to address current socio-economic and ecological challenges efficiently. This approach not only saves costs, creates job opportunities, and fosters economic growth but also promotes the sustainable use of natural resources in agriculture. Transitioning to a circular economy model in agriculture contributes to achieving sustainable development goals. In Hanoi, Vietnam, sustainable agriculture development focuses on integrating natural processes and biological resources to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. Challenges persist in shifting from conventional to organic farming methods due to certification complexities and infrastructure limitations. Despite these hurdles, organic farming adoption is increasing, positively impacting agricultural productivity and biodiversity. The gradual expansion of certified organic agriculture in Hanoi indicates promising strides toward environmental conservation and economic development through a closed-loop agricultural system.

Exploring the Environmental Benefits of an Open-Loop Circular Economy Strategy for Automotive Batteries in Industrial Applications

Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) can overwhelm some of the environmental challenges of a low-carbon power sector through self-consumption with standalone photovoltaic (PV) systems. This solution can be adapted for different applications such as residential, commercial, and industrial uses. Furthermore, the option to employ second-life batteries derived from electric vehicles represents a promising opportunity for preserving the environment and improving the circular economy (CE) development. Nowadays, the industrial sector is progressively applying CE principles in their business strategies, and focusing on the potential positive consequences of CE eco-innovations on climate change mitigation. With the aim to promote the transition to an open-loop circular economy for automotive batteries, this study assesses and quantifies the potential environmental benefits resulting from the integration of a second-life battery-based BESS (SL-BESS) connected to an industrial machine. For this purpose, various scenarios involving the use of BESS, SL-BESS, and a standalone PV system are compared with a base case, where the machine is entirely powered by electricity from the grid. The examination of life cycle stages follows the life cycle assessment (LCA) cradle-to-grave methodology as outlined in ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006/Amd 1:2017. Simapro® 9 is utilized as the software platform. Results demonstrate that the combination of the SL-BESS with a standalone photovoltaic (PV) system represents the optimal solution in terms of global warming potential (GWP) reduction, with a saving of up to −74.8%. However, manufacturing and end-of-life stages of PV and batteries contribute to abiotic depletion and human toxicity, resulting from the use of chemicals and the extraction of resources essential for their manufacture. Indeed, when BESS is made of new batteries, it demonstrates the most significant impacts in terms of AD at 1.22 × 10−1 kg Sb eq and human toxicity (HT) at 3.87 × 103 kg 1,4-DB eq, primarily attributable to the manufacturing stages of both BESS and PV systems. The findings represent a significant breakthrough, highlighting the substantial capacity of incorporating SL-BESS alongside renewable energy sources to mitigate GWP resulting from industrial applications, and the criticality of repurposing decommissioned batteries from the automotive industry for secondary use.

Assessment of the Development of the Circular Economy in the EU Countries: Comparative Analysis by Multiple Criteria Methods

In recent decades, attention to environmental resource management has increased worldwide. Circular economy (CE) is a concept that is increasingly being considered as a solution to this range of challenges. Therefore, it is important to monitor the development of CE. This research is an attempt to contribute to the CE surveillance literature by providing a framework for comparing the positions of states and their classifications. The main goal of the article is to assess the level of circular economy development in EU countries according to the chosen methodology. The indicators used in this study are sourced from the European Commission Monitoring Framework database, which includes data from 27 European Union (EU) countries over the time frame from 2016 to 2020. The analysis was carried out using Multi-Criteria Decision Methods (MCDM), such as Simple Additive Weighing (SAW), and the objective method of estimating weights in accordance with proportional differences (APROD), which helped to assess the state of CE. The results showed that EU countries can be divided into three groups based on the level of performance of the CE, and their level of development in relation to the circular economy is different. The level of circular economy development in most EU countries is low. Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Italy demonstrated the best positions. The study findings were derived from the combination of two MCDMs, thus increasing the refinement of the overall methodology. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-02-013 Full Text: PDF

Blue Circular Economy—Reuse and Valorization of Bivalve Shells: The Case of Algarve, Portugal

The Circular Economy emerges as an alternative to reinvent the linear production model (take–make–waste), focusing on reintegrating waste into the production cycle, and aiming to minimize both environmental disposal and the unrestrained extraction of raw materials. In this context, the concept of Blue Economy arises, an approach centered on preserving and valorizing marine and coastal resources. This article aims to develop a model for the circuit of bivalve shells, emphasizing the transformation of the residues into new products and identifying how these processes affect sociocultural, economic, and environmental dimensions. The methodology involved the surveying of local stakeholders directly involved in bivalve production and consumption to identify the relationship of these stakeholders with the production, marketing, and disposal of bivalves. It is concluded that biowaste has potential, and there is interest among local stakeholders in reusing it, but a lack of knowledge and connection among stakeholders ultimately leads to the devaluation of the product. The circuit of bivalves is necessary to identify value, propose correct collection, and stimulate interest in their reuse, both by other industries and by the aquaculture industry itself. Exploring the potential for reusing bivalves and mitigating their waste, as well as preventing improper disposal, could drive the development of the Blue Circular Economy in coastal regions.

An optimal “Trade-Online-Deliver-Offline” strategy for recycling unwanted medicines by reutilizing the existent informative pharmaceutical sales network

Circular economy and sustainable development resort to creating friendly and profitable environment of recycling unwanted goods in practice. This research aims to design a novel “Trade-Online-Deliver-Offline” (TODO) system to recycle unwanted medicines (UMs) by reutilizing the existent informative pharmaceutical sales network, which is the first dual-channel recycle system with synergies of manufacturer, chain drugstores and governments. Cross-selling effect, i.e., the additional sales from the customers who visit the drugstores for returning UMs, is also considered in this system. With a given revenue-sharing contract, a bi-level programming model is built to formulate such a recycle system, where the drugmaker is the leader and the chain drugstores are the followers within a decision mode of the Stackelberg game. Through reformulating, this complicated model is solved by developing an efficient smoothing algorithm. Scenario analysis and sensitivity analysis are employed to validate the built model and reveal valuable managerial insights. Main findings include: Compared with the existing modes, the proposed TODO mode is more efficient in terms of the recycled UM quantity and the reduced government burden; Cross-selling effects enhance the profit of drugstores without damage of customer’s surplus, but without significant impacts on the drugmaker’s profit; An increasing revenue-sharing ratio is beneficial to the drugstores in certain scenarios, but reduces the total profit of the recycle system; Resale prices of UMs and governmental tax relief policies both dominate the drugmaker’s optimal ratio of the resold and donated UMs.

Spatio-temporal evolution and scenario analysis of end-recycling governance in China: based on GM-SVR-BP combined forecasting model

ABSTRACT End-recycling governance is the core link for achieving high-quality development of circular economy. This study uses data of 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2021 as research samples, constructs a comprehensive evaluation index system, and analyzes the achievements and progress of end-recycling governance in China over the years. Based on scenario analysis, a GM-SVR-BP combined model is further used to explore the development trends of end-recycling governance performance in 30 provinces in China from 2022 to 2030. Research finding: (1) The end-recycling governance performance of Chinese provinces presents a dynamic upward trend, but overall, it is low. (2) The barycenter of end-recycling governance in China migrated to the southeast, and the transfer speed was stable, showing a northeast-southwest pattern. There are pronounced differences among different regions. (3) There are apparent spatial autocorrelation characteristics in China’s end-recycling governance. The overall spatial agglomeration degree showed a weakening trend during the observation period. (4) The development trend of end-recycling governance performance in various regions in China during 2022–2030 follows the differentiation characteristics of the observation period in this study. Among them, technological breakthrough is one of the effective ways to improve the performance of end-recycling governance. The effect of the improvement of emotional level on the performance of end-recycling governance showed apparent regional heterogeneity. This study provides a clear and reliable decision-making basis for promoting the improvement of regional end-recycling governance performance and system construction, and has certain reference value for promoting national and regional resource conservation and environmental protection.

Optimization of fiber reinforced lightweight rubber concrete mix design for 3D printing

A novel lightweight insulation concrete for 3D concrete printing is developed in this study, which incorporates crumb rubber (R) as a modifier to achieve low density, exceptional thermal insulation properties, and high ductility. The mechanical properties and fiber reinforcement mechanism of lightweight rubber aggregate concrete (CR) are investigated under varying R substitution rates, encompassing compressive strength, flexural strength, tensile strength, and tensile strain of CR. The thermal conductivity test offers insights into the thermal insulation mechanism of CR. The study investigates the compatibility between the material properties of fiber reinforced rubber concrete and the parameter matching of concrete printing equipment, as well as explores the relationship between interlayer bond strength and material composition. The optimal water-binder ratio for 3D printed fiber-reinforced lightweight rubber concrete compatible with printer equipment is determined through fluidity experiments and buildability tests. The findings indicate a statistically significant decrease in CR density by 16.5% when the replacement rate reaches 30%. Although the mechanical strength of CR decrease with the increasing substitution rate of R, the tensile strain showe an increasing trend. The addition of glass fiber reinforcement resulted in a notable enhancement of the mechanical properties and a significant increase in tensile strain for CR. In addition, CR thermal conductivity is reduced by 20.65%, with the excellent thermal insulation performance. This study is of great significance to promote the rational utilization of rubber resources, promote the development of circular economy, and build a conservation-oriented and environment-friendly society.

Plastic pollution as waste colonialism in Aotearoa (New Zealand)

The international discourse around waste colonialism has highlighted the often imbalanced power dynamics evident in the transboundary movement of waste. While plastic pollution as a form of waste colonialism has been explored in some overseas contexts, its impact and resonance in Aotearoa (New Zealand) remains poorly understood. This study addresses this gap through interviews with several specialists in the fields of plastic pollution, zero waste, circular economic development, and Indigenous sovereignty. Taking a full life-cycle approach to understanding plastic pollution, this study explores the interconnections between plastics, power, and people to better understand how Aotearoa could holistically respond to the plastic pollution crisis. The study found that colonial governmental and economic systems have enabled a widespread disconnection between plastic consumption and its socio-ecological consequences. Plastic pollution as waste colonialism also perpetuates significant inequities for Aotearoa’s most disenfranchised communities, including Māori, Pasifika, and low-income households. This demonstrates the need for genuine representation of these communities in all relevant decision-making contexts and holistic, systemic transformation to address plastic pollution as waste colonialism.

Achieving a circular economy through the effective reuse of construction products: A case study of a residential building

The building and construction industry is characterized by high consumption of raw materials, waste generation, and significant energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. A substantial change in the way this sector operates is necessary to reduce its strong negative impact on the environment. In this context, the implementation of circular strategies is critical to achieving sustainable development. Reusing construction products derived from obsolete buildings at their end of life is increasingly being investigated as a strategy to achieve circularity. Despite growing interest, both in the literature and in the industry, several challenges hinder the large-scale adoption of circular reuse. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the efficient implementation of reuse in practice. The focus is on data and information that can support the reusability assessment of construction products. The findings are obtained through a case study comprising a building project in Bergen, Norway. First, the study assesses which material properties and information are available in the project, leading to the definition of eight information-driven evaluation criteria and a three-step process for reuse. The three-step process encompasses the following: (1) collecting information, (2) information-driven evaluations, and (3) planning for reuse. Each criterion is then shown in a reusability matrix, emphasizing an information-driven approach to reuse that has the potential to be extended beyond the context of the case study. Considerations for improving data management in a circular reuse process are discussed. This study provides an innovative method that may lead to a circular economy and sustainable development in the future.