Waste Reduction Research Articles

Green synthesis of multifunctional natural rubber-lignin nanocomposites: A sustainable approach for waste reduction

Lignin, a valuable biomaterial having an array of exciting properties is increasingly favoured as a reinforcement material in the fabrication of green composites. Reinforcement in biopolymers like natural rubber (NR) using lignin nanoparticles (LNP) is considered a hotspot today. In this study, LNP synthesized via the homogenization method was incorporated into natural rubber latex (NRL) using probe sonication, and NR/Lignin nanocomposites (NR/LNP) were fabricated using latex dipping method. The addition of LNP resulted in significant enhancements in mechanical and antibacterial properties, biodegradability, and ultraviolet (UV) blocking capabilities with the addition of 7 parts per hundred rubber (phr) of LNP, due to the uniform dispersion and effective interaction between NR and LNP. This research demonstrates a versatile pathway for integrating LNP into NR through a green method, enabling the production of eco-friendly NR nanocomposites for multifunctional applications. This pathway contributes to a safe disposal of NR based products.

Harnessing Machine Learning for Effective Waste Classification and Recycling

The world produces nearly 3.5 million tons waste every day so it is important to improve waste management and recycling system. This paper defines how machine learning can classify waste, specifically using VGG16 CNN model to classify 9 types of recyclable materials such as light bulbs, paper, plastic, organic, glass, batteries, clothes, metal and e-waste .We had used nearly 8000+ images from Google Images and Dreamstime.com to test VGG16 model and compare it with another model named as Inceptionv3. But Inceptionv3 showed higher accuracy (~90%) ,and it did not work well when tested on real data. In contrast, the VGG16 model which initially had lower accuracy of (~70%), performed better when tested on real-world scenarios. We also developed a web application which not only classifies the waste but also provides the valuable information to help people how to minimize waste reduction and maximize recycling. The classified images of the waste and its respective findings will also be shared with local authorities to enhance better recycling efforts. Hence this study focuses on need to select right models for waste classification and suggests looking into another machine learning techniques in future.

Study on Optimizing Inventory to Minimize Waste in the Fresh Produce Supply Chain

Abstract: The increasing demand for fresh produce, particularly greens, presents unique challenges in inventory management due to their short shelf life and susceptibility to spoilage. Inefficient management often results in significant waste, leading to financial losses for retailers and increased environmental burdens from the disposal of spoiled goods. Despite various strategies being employed in the agri-food sector, gaps remain in understanding how to optimize inventory levels to minimize waste at the retails level while maintaining high service levels for customers. This research aims to develop an inventory management model tailored to fresh produce that can mitigate these issues by balancing stock availability and minimizing wastage, particularly in large retail shops. To address the research problem, a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model was developed, focusing on three service levels—90%, 92%, and 95%—to evaluate the trade-offs between customer satisfaction and total inventory costs. The model incorporates key constraints, including stock balance, shelf-life limitations, and demand satisfaction. The model was validated using actual data, including stock, sales, and wastage records for the month of August, 2024. The objective function aimed to minimize total costs, encompassing holding costs, wastage, and lost revenue. The findings indicate that higher service levels, while reducing stockouts, significantly increase costs due to excess inventory and waste. The most cost-effective solution was observed at the 90% service level, which balanced waste reduction and customer satisfaction. The study also emphasizes the importance of integrating total cost reduction and minimize wastage. Future work should focus on incorporating consumer behavior patterns and extending the model to multi-echelon inventory systems, which include both distribution centers and retail outlets, to capture a more holistic view of the supply chain.

Combating food waste in the agricultural supply chain: A systematic review of supply chain optimization strategies and their sustainability benefits

Food waste represents a significant global challenge, with approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption lost or wasted annually, leading to severe environmental, economic, and social consequences. The issue not only exacerbates food insecurity but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, waste of resources, and economic losses estimated at over $1 trillion each year. This paper aims to systematically review the causes of food waste across agricultural supply chains and explore effective supply chain optimization strategies to mitigate these losses. Through a comprehensive analysis, the paper identifies critical drivers of food waste, including post-harvest losses, inefficient processing, and aesthetic standards, while proposing technological innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI) as solutions to enhance supply chain efficiency. Furthermore, it evaluates policy frameworks that support waste reduction, highlighting the role of government incentives and regulations in promoting sustainable practices. The findings underscore the importance of reducing food waste not only for environmental sustainability but also for economic profitability, as optimizing supply chains can lead to substantial cost savings and increased revenue for businesses. Ultimately, the paper emphasizes the necessity for collaboration among stakeholders—including governments, industries, and non-profit organizations—to create systemic change and effectively combat food waste on a global scale. By fostering innovative practices and policies, we can pave the way for a more sustainable agricultural future, ultimately contributing to the alleviation of food insecurity and the enhancement of economic resilience.

Decarbonization and waste reduction in a disrupted food supply chain: a step towards achieving food sustainability

PurposeThis study aims to reduce carbon emissions and minimize waste in the event of disruptions in a short and fast-food perishable such as fruits, vegetables, packaged food items, etc. supply chain through optimal investment in green and preservation technologies.Design/methodology/approach This study utilized a Hessian matrix approach to optimize decision variables with an objective to maximize the profit function.FindingsThe study demonstrates that investing in both green and preservation technology within a short and fast-food supply chain is highly beneficial for decarbonization and waste reduction and it leads to profit maximization. It has been shown with the help of a numerical experiments with investment in both green and preservation technology that total profit is 3.09% higher than without investment made in either technology.Practical implicationsThis study aids the industry in achieving food sustainability by minimizing waste of perishables and also minimizes carbon emissions which is essential for environmental protection. It assists industries in determining the optimal investment in preservation technology to minimize waste and in green technology to reduce emissions, thereby maximizing profits.Originality/valueThe current study formulates an inventory model that helps in decarbonization and waste reduction in food supply chain with the consideration of machine learning, demand disruption, preservation technology investment, screening of purchased items, waste disposal, a double triangular distribution deterioration rate, green technology investment, carbon emissions from various supply chain activities, carbon tax policy and fuel price variation over time for perishable food products in a two-warehouse system.

Action research on circular economy strategies in fashion retail

PurposeThe aim of this study is to explore the role and impact of action research in the adoption of circular economy strategies by a fashion retail brand. This exploration is motivated by the need to address the underutilization of action research in management studies, despite its potential to foster a deep understanding of organizational processes and to drive positive transformations. The study seeks to illustrate how action research can contribute to the practical implementation of sustainability initiatives, specifically within the context of new environmental legislation and growing demands for sustainable practices in retailing.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs an action research methodology, particularly suited to the retail field, where understanding and influencing organizational processes are key. Through a detailed case study of a fashion retail brand, the study illustrates how action research facilitates the adoption of circular economy strategies.FindingsThe findings of this study underscore the effectiveness of action research in implementing circular economy strategies within the fashion retail industry. Specifically, it highlights how this approach has led to the successful reduction of waste and reintegration of products into their lifecycle.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in its thorough application of action research to measure and refine the outcomes of circular economy strategies in retailing. This novel approach provides substantial insights into the potential of the circular economy to drive practical innovations in business practices within retail.

Green IT and BYOD: driving sustainability, job performance, and well-being in remote work

Purpose This study aims to explore the impact of bring your own device (BYOD) practices on teleworkers’ job performance, work–life conflict and their implications for environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on Green IT in the post-pandemic remote work context. Drawing on the job demands–resources (JD-R) model, it examines the relationships between private technology adoption, job demands, job resources, job performance and work–life conflict, while also assessing how BYOD impacts environmental outcomes such as electronic waste reduction and carbon emissions. Design/methodology/approach The study used confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) using AMOS version 22 to evaluate seven hypotheses among 424 full-time teleworkers from various occupational sectors in Mauritius, a developing country. Findings SEM results confirm that BYOD enhances job performance and work–life conflict through increased job autonomy, workload and work pressure. BYOD and teleworking also contribute to Green IT and environmental sustainability by reducing energy consumption and electronic waste, indirectly supporting broader sustainability goals through reduced corporate device demand and lower commuting-related emissions. Practical implications Organisations should leverage BYOD policies to advance Green IT practices and improve work performance in remote settings, focusing on balancing job demands with resources like work autonomy to enhance productivity and well-being. Originality/value The findings strongly support the JD-R model in the context of remote work and BYOD, particularly in developing economies with limited infrastructure, offering insights for policies that enhance both employee well-being, Green IT and environmental sustainability.

Solutions for Reducing Perioperative Supply Waste.

Health care costs continue to increase in the United States, and unused perioperative supplies can contribute to both these costs and increased waste. Reducing perioperative waste can decrease hospital costs and promote sustainability. Perioperative leaders can consider a variety of solutions to decrease unused perioperative supplies, including streamlining and standardizing surgical packs, implementing surgeon scorecards and a surgical receipt system, and updating surgeon preference cards. The available literature does not provide data on waste reduction for all listed solutions; however, these initiatives have had positive financial effects for hospitals through either direct cost reduction or cost avoidance. Although the cost of implementation may vary among hospitals, streamlining surgical packs (including custom packs) appears to be an effective solution with a lower cost than other strategies, and avoids the wasting of opened supplies that are not needed.

Evaluating women's jacket sleeves designs for sustainable fashion and textile waste reduction

Finding the most efficient marker planning method is crucial to reduce cut-and-sew waste. Small adjustments to the design and pattern can help reduce the amount of fabric waste, since marking loss happens during the cutting process because of spaces and unusable sections between pattern pieces and the curved pattern edges. Existing research mainly concentrates on optimising the consumption of textile material without taking into account the design, aesthetics and functionality of the final product. On the other hand, they are mainly focused on optimizing the sleeves’ construction and in search of new design solutions, with gaps in quantitative and comparative analysis to reduce waste while producing women's jackets. This article aims to propose and explore constructive changes in women's jacket designs with 5 different types of sleeves, to assess the possibility of reducing cut-and-sew waste levels in the cutting process. There have been created 4 different marker plans for each type of sleeve to achieve the high-efficiency markers. It was found that the semi-raglan sleeve showed the marker efficiency with the best results (76.04%), followed by the raglan sleeve with 72.03% and 72.34% for the drop shoulder sleeve. Interestingly, for the raglan and semi-raglan sleeve variants, the marker efficiency is not affected by the specific geometric characteristics. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method was used to determine which pattern arrangement variant was most appropriate for the different sleeve types.

Promoting Responsible Tourism: Assessing Sustainable Practices, Community Engagement, and Environmental Conservation for Balancing Economic Growth and Ecological Preservation in Global Travel Destinations

This study explores the concept of responsible tourism and its role in balancing economic growth with ecological preservation in global travel destinations. By assessing sustainable practices, community engagement, and environmental conservation, the research aims to highlight the importance of a holistic approach to tourism development. Sustainable tourism practices, such as energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and eco-friendly infrastructure, are essential for minimizing the environmental impact of tourism activities. Moreover, community engagement is a critical aspect, as it ensures that local populations are actively involved in tourism decision-making and benefit from economic opportunities while preserving their cultural heritage. Environmental conservation efforts, including biodiversity protection, the establishment of protected areas, and eco-tourism initiatives, are crucial for maintaining the ecological integrity of destinations. This study employs a qualitative methodology, incorporating a comprehensive literature review, case study analysis, and expert interviews to gather insights into the challenges and successes of implementing responsible tourism. Case studies of destinations such as Costa Rica, Bhutan, and Kerala illustrate how these regions have integrated sustainable tourism practices while fostering community participation and environmental protection. The findings suggest that while responsible tourism presents numerous opportunities for long-term economic and ecological sustainability, challenges such as over tourism, resource constraints, and conflicting stakeholder interests remain. The study concludes that effective collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities, supported by clear policies and tourist education, is essential for promoting responsible tourism. This approach ensures that tourism not only contributes to economic growth but also safeguards the natural and cultural assets that make destinations attractive to visitors.

Effect of pullulan and pullulan-chitosan composite coating on the antioxidant activity, texture, color and shelf-life of a local cultivar of sweet cherry

This study explored the effects of pullulan and pullulan-chitosan composite edible coatings on the post-harvest quality of sweet cherries over 20 days of storage. We evaluated weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), decay percentage, color value, texture and biochemical content, including ascorbic acid, total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoids, anthocyanins, antioxidant activity and enzyme activity. The results revealed that cherries with 3 % pullulan coating presented the lowest weight loss (25 % vs 26.33 % in the control) and decay percentage (25 % vs 47 % in the control) and maintained superior texture and stability compared with those of the control and other coatings. TSS increased less in the coated cherries than in the control cherries, with 3 % pullulan-treated cherries showing the least increase, indicating slower ripening. Pullulan coatings effectively reduced color changes, with the 3 % coating delaying darkening in cherries more than the other treatments did. Additionally, the pullulan coating preserved higher levels of ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds (TPC) and flavonoids and delayed the decrease in antioxidant activity. Notably, the 3 % pullulan-treated cherries maintained the highest antioxidant activity (88.97 %) and had the greatest TPC (2.79 mg GAE/g FW) at the end of storage. The activity of enzymes, particularly peroxidase (POD), increased less in coated cherries, highlighting the role of coatings in delaying oxidative stress. Overall, the pullulan coatings, especially at a 3 % concentration, were the most effective at extending the shelf-life and maintaining the quality of the sweet cherries. These findings suggest that the use of a pullulan-based coating is a promising approach for preserving fruit quality during storage, thereby extending shelf-life. These coatings can contribute to a reduction in food waste, improved consumer acceptability and improved economic gains by reducing postharvest losses and maintaining quality. To optimize pullulan-based coatings for commercial application, future research can focus on optimizing the formulation, consumer acceptability and scalability. Moreover, field trials to assess the effectiveness of these coatings in preserving the quality of cherry can be performed. By addressing these areas, future research can contribute to the development of sustainable options for preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of sweet cherries and other fruits.

Unlocking innovation and sustainability: lessons from Dubai Expo 2020 for business transformation

Research methodology The data used in the case are collected through both primary and secondary sources. The interview method was used to collect data on the experience of the protagonist on visiting the expo and details about the Expo was collected using secondary sources. Case overview/synopsis The case study examines the success factors of initiatives implemented by the Dubai Expo 2020 team, with a focus on sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, people-centric spaces, biodiversity preservation, water efficiency, waste management, green building and communication. Even though not all objectives were met, the overall progress demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and positive effects on environmental, social and economic aspects. In addition, the case study demonstrates how businesses can incorporate social and environmental factors into their decision-making processes, supply chain management and responsible procurement practices. It highlights the significance of sustainability in business operations, stakeholder collaboration and continuous improvement. In addition, the case study provides innovative business models and practices that promote circular economy principles, waste reduction, resource efficiency and inclusivity. This case provides business students with valuable insights into successful sustainability initiatives and strategies for creating a more inclusive and equitable economy. Complexity academic level This case study is appropriate for intermediate undergraduate students in their third year or postgraduate students in their first year, particularly those enrolled in courses on sustainability, operations management, strategic management, supply chain management and corporate social responsibility. The case study is designed to enhance cognitive skills by analyzing and evaluating real-world examples of successful initiatives in sustainability, energy efficiency, people-centric spaces, biodiversity preservation, water efficiency, waste management, green building and open communication. It also aims to develop affective skills by fostering a commitment to sustainable practices and psychomotor skills through practical applications and projects. By analyzing these initiatives, students can comprehend how businesses can integrate social and environmental factors into their decision-making processes, supply chain management and responsible procurement practices to create a more inclusive and equitable economy. In addition, the case study introduces innovative business models and practices that promote circular economy principles, waste reduction and resource efficiency while fostering economic inclusion and equity. Overall, the case study equips students with the knowledge and motivation necessary to drive sustainable change within organizations and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.

A thorough overview of the literature on waste recycling in the circular economy: current practices and future perspectives.

To develop a circular economy (CE) and protect the environment, waste recycling (WR) is crucial. This study examines WR research conducted over the past two decades to identify the most significant advancements and promising areas for future research. The following challenges were handled through text mining, content, and bibliometrics analysis: How has CE influenced the evolution of WR research? What are the CE's most important WR research trends and themes? What directions could future research on WR take regarding the CE transition? Using 1118 articles from the Scopus database journal, bibliometric networks were made and analyzed. Hence, five critical CE-related problems needing further research were recognized: waste recycling is the first cluster, followed by technology, the CE transformation, plastic waste, and waste management (WM). Examining WM and inclusive waste reduction practices and their distinct highlight patterns may impact future research fields and serve as a transitional tool to CE (which aims to minimize waste generation). Forthcoming research targets contain waste reduction and incorporation of WR into the CE framework.

Lean Manufacturing en la producción de alimentos: Revisión sistemática, análisis bibliométrico y propuesta de aplicación

In a changing environment, efficiency and adaptability are essential to improve business competitiveness. The present study analyzed the application of Lean Manufacturing in food production through a review of the scientific literature based in Scopus, using the PRISMA methodology and the Vosviewer and Bibliometrix software. From the bibliometric analysis, there is evidence of an increase in research on Lean Manufacturing in food companies since 2019, with an annual growth rate of 5.96%. Brazil and Peru stand out for their high scientific production, while Brazil and Belgium stand out in terms of citations. In addition, outstanding scientific collaboration between authors from South America and Asia is observed. Three relevant clusters were identified: principles, implementation tools and practical applications of Lean Manufacturing. The thematic mapping highlighted the concepts Cost Reduction, Process Monitoring, Six Sigma and Value Stream Mapping as the most prominent topics underlining the interest and applications in the scientific literature. The implementation of Lean Manufacturing in seven steps is proposed, facilitating the use of agile tools for process optimization and waste reduction in food companies. Lean Manufacturing contributes to improve the flow of products in the supply chain and to the sustainability of small and medium enterprises. Future research should focus on adapting Lean Manufacturing to various contexts and business models in the agri-food sector.

A Business Management Model in the Circular Economy: Technological Solutions for Plastic Recycling

Objectives: this article develops a model for managing business processes in a circular economy using technologies for plastic recycling. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical idea and basis of the article consists in the development of project management methodology, process approach in the closed-loop economy, development of methods and economic tools aimed at effective resource management taking into account waste reduction and increased reuse of plastic fractions in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). The application of digital technologies and solutions in the context of business process management in the field of plastics recycling will be substantiated, which will allow to identify new opportunities and reserves for optimising business processes in this field, increasing the efficiency of resource use, improving the environment and reducing costs. Method: the work uses a project approach, a process approach, digital modeling methods, and the “polluter pays” method. To implement the process approach, it is proposed to use the concept of Business Process Management (BPM). Competent business process management allows the company to react quickly to changing market conditions and customer orientation. Digital modelling in this paper means the representation of actions in the form of business processes in the organisation of solid waste management, the 'polluter pays' method means the economic assessment and accounting of environmental damage in waste management in the costs of business processes. Results and Discussion: The results of the study can be used to introduce the process approach to plastics recycling in individual regions and countries for the development of a green economy. According to the estimates of the authors, the optimisation and cost reduction of business processes, taking into account the environmental factor and the increase of the revenue part of the project from the reuse and inclusion in the economic turnover of plastic waste recycling products on the scale of the considered city (population of 1800 thousand people, area of 2856 ha, 18.14 tonnes of plastic waste accumulated per day) will reduce the costs of business process management by more than 200 thousand euros. Research Implications: the results of the study can be used to justify projects for the processing and recycling of solid municipal waste, including plastic waste, to introduce environmentally friendly production, to reduce the negative impact on the environment, to develop a process approach to the organisation of all activities for the collection of plastic waste in the city, district. In addition, the application of the proposed approach allows to obtain economic benefits for companies through the sale of secondary resources for the processing of plastic waste, as well as to reduce the negative impact on the environment. Originality/ Value: The originality of the research and its value lies in a new scientific formulation of the problem of reducing environmental pollution from plastic waste through the use of business processes in the field of plastic recycling and digital solutions, as well as the possibility of practical application of the results obtained in the field of green economy.

Sustainable additive manufacturing supply chains with a plithogenic stakeholder analysis: Waste reduction through digital transformation

The Additive Manufacturing (AM) industry is of paramount importance as means of personalized design capabilities by rapid prototyping, using exact amount of required materials avoiding waste, and applying Industry 4.0 technologies with digital transformation ability. The characteristics of AM are regarded as the prerequisites for sustainability in the manufacturing industry. However, there are limited papers discussing the stakeholders and sustainability objectives in a single comprehensive analysis. Hence, the purpose of this research is to identify the degree of each stakeholder to achieve the objective of sustainability in AM supply chain by proposing a novel Plithogenic Fuzzy MACTOR approach. Results reveal that the customers are in triggering position to shape entire AM supply chain as the demand generators. Workforce is a significant player in the AM supply chain by creating the design, manufacturing, marketing, and communicating to provide the collaborations in this business segment. Academia positions here a supportive role to enable the whole supply chain members in terms of delivering technological advancements, training people, and providing the workforce. The AM manufacturers and material / software / printer suppliers are the key players leading to the supply chain by producing the main business products. Thus, a practitioner can interpret its position in the AM supply chain and understand the requirements of sustainability points in detail. Besides, this study provides a theoretical contribution to the literature by extending the MACTOR analysis with Plithogenic sets via including a different uncertainty measure.

Leveraging Machine Learning for Advancing Circular Supply Chains: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Circular supply chains (CSCs) aim to minimize waste, extend product lifecycles, and optimize resource efficiency, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable practices. Machine learning (ML) can potentially enhance CSCs by improving resource management, optimizing processes, and addressing complexities inherent in CSCs. ML can be a powerful tool to support CSC operations by offering data-driven insights and enhancing decision-making capabilities. Methods: This paper conducts a systematic literature review, analyzing 66 relevant studies to examine the role of ML across various stages of CSCs, from supply and manufacturing to waste management. Results: The findings reveal that ML contributes significantly to CSC performance, improving supplier selection, operational optimization, and waste reduction. ML-driven approaches in manufacturing, consumer behavior forecasting, logistics, and waste management enable companies to optimize resources and minimize waste. Integrating ML with emerging technologies such as IoT, blockchain, and computer vision further enhances CSC operations, fostering transparency and automation. Conclusions: ML applications in CSCs align with broader sustainability goals, contributing to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The review identifies opportunities for future research, such as the development of real-world case studies further to enhance the effects of ML on CSC efficiency.

Evaluating the Impact of Government Policies on Circular Economy Adoption in the Construction Sector

The construction sector is both essential for global economic progress and one of the largest contributors to pollution, resource depletion, and energy consumption. Given the urgent need to adopt more sustainable practices, governments in developed countries have introduced policies aimed at fostering a circular economy in this sector. These policies emphasize the use of green materials to reduce resource consumption, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals. The waste hierarchy further governs these policies, prioritizing waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. This study analyzes the effectiveness of these government policies in promoting circular economy principles, particularly the adoption of green materials in the construction industry. Our findings reveal that while these policies have led to measurable reductions in energy consumption and emissions, the extent of green material adoption varies significantly across countries. Key factors influencing this variation include economic incentives, regulatory enforcement, and the level of industry acceptance of green technologies. One of the most important results of this study is the identification of significant gaps between policy intent and actual industry practices. In many cases, green materials, despite their favorable characteristics, have not been widely implemented due to economic, technical, and market barriers. These findings underscore the need for stronger government incentives and more consistent policy enforcement to drive broader adoption of sustainable practices. Future studies should focus on overcoming these barriers, exploring the long-term economic impacts of green material adoption, and evaluating how policy frameworks can be optimized to ensure more widespread.

Japan’s experience in organizing and promoting separate accumulation of municipal solid waste (MSW)

The article considers the Japanese system of municipal solid waste management as well as work with the population in the field of environmental education. The roles and responsibilities of the parties in the management of municipal solid waste are analyzed. In Japan, unlike other countries, the state is deeply involved in the process. Sorting and disposal of waste occur at the municipal level due to the historical characteristics of the Japanese society. Extended producer responsibility requires their participation from product development to disposal, and consumers are required to cooperate with them and local authorities by properly disposing solid waste.The regulatory framework in the field of MSW management is built around the Basic Act on Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society and the Law for Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources, which formulates the 3R strategy, aimed at Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling of waste. An analysis of recently adopted documents, the Plastic Resource Circulation Act of 2021 in particular, demonstrates that special emphasis is placed on 2R: waste reduction and reuse, which is successfully achieved thanks to the high level of environmental awareness of Japanese citizens and thoughtful and multifaceted educational work with the population.Over the past decade, Japan has seen a steady reduction of municipal solid waste. However, while remaining one of the world leaders in the field, it is currently faced with a number of difficulties, such as a low recycling rate and a significant volume of incinerated waste. It is concluded that significant progress in this area is impossible without clearer goal setting for the volume of solid waste processing that would meet modern world standards.

Surface Quality Evaluation of 3D-Printed Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced PETG Polymer During Turning: Experimental Analysis, ANN Modeling and Optimization

This work presents an experimental analysis related to 3D-printed carbon-fiber-reinforced-polymer (CFRP) machining. A polyethylene-terephthalate-glycol (PETG)-based composite, reinforced with 20% carbon fibers, was selected as the test material. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of cutting conditions used in light operations on the generated surface quality of the 3D-printed specimens. For this purpose, nine specimens were fabricated and machined under a wide range of cutting parameters, including cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut. The generated surface roughness was measured with a mechanical gauge and the acquired data were used to develop a shallow artificial neural network (ANN) for prediction purposes, showing that a 3-6-1 structure is the best solution. Following this, a genetic algorithm (GA) was utilized to minimize the response, revealing that the optimal combination is 205 m/min speed, 0.0578 mm/rev feed, and 0.523 mm depth of cut, contributing to the fabrication of low friction parts and shafts with a high quality surface, as well as to the reduction of resource waste. A validation study supported the accuracy of the developed model, by exhibiting errors below 10%. Finally, a set of enhanced images were taken to assess the machined surfaces. It was found that 1.50 mm depth of cut is responsible for the generation of defects across the circumference of the specimens. Especially, combined with 150 m/min cutting speed and 0.11 mm/rev feed, more flaws are produced.