Sustainable Production Model Research Articles

Analysis of the structure of Russian acreage within the framework of the concept of sustainable agriculture

The purpose of scientific work is a comprehensive analysis of the impact of changes in the structure of acreage and the land use system on ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural industry in Russia. The results obtained demonstrate that, despite the implementation of a number of legislative initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency and environmental orientation of agriculture, a number of unresolved problems remain in the Russian Federation that hinder the transition to a model of sustainable agricultural production. Inefficient use of land resources is a problem faced by many agricultural regions in Russia. Irrational structuring of land, unbalanced distribution of agricultural land, low efficiency of use of modern technologies and resources lead to the loss of land potential. This has a negative impact on the yield and quality of agricultural products. There may be insufficient attention to the environmental aspects of land management: conserving biodiversity, maintaining natural ecosystems, minimizing the ecological footprint of agricultural activities and applying methods that promote soil regeneration. The comprehensive improvement of land management mechanisms in the Russian Federation, taking into account the concept of sustainable agriculture, involves the development and implementation of policies aimed at stimulating sustainable agricultural practices, supporting innovative methods and technologies, as well as training and advising agricultural producers on sustainable agriculture. This approach will significantly improve land use efficiency and ensure the sustainable development of Russia's agricultural sector.

Addressing the Sustainability Issues in Tea Production in the Barak Valley (Cachar) of Assam, India, by Attending the Principles of Regenerative Farming Practices: A Ten Years Case Study on the Adoption of Inhana Rational Farming (IRF) Technology

India is the second-largest producer of tea globally, after China. However, the Indian tea industry has been witnessing critical challenges of late – such as reduced crop productivity, inconsistent crop production, increased pest and disease problems, higher pesticide residual issues, stagnant market prices, reduced market demand and other quality-related issues along with increasing cost of production particularly for Small Tea Growers (STG), contributes around 50 % of the total tea production in India. Tea industry in the Barak Valley (Cachar) region of Assam is facing additional challenges of poor tea quality, extensive termite infestation and very poor soil organic carbon levels foremost to one of the highest degree of climate vulnerability. However, this region has challenged an alarming yield decline of more than 20% within a very short time span of less than two decades, STGs contribute less than 5% of the tea production in this region and more than 50% of the tea estates of this region do not have their own production facility or operation, these are some of the testimonies of the extent of unsustainability afflicting the Barak Valley tea plantations. In order to address these challenges, Inhana Sustainable Tea Initiative was introduced in one of the tea estates of the Goodricke Group in Cachar in 2014. This was an unique initiative demonstrates a sustainable tea production model of resource-based on-farm Novcom composting for Soil Health Management and induction of Inhana Plant Health Management (IPHM) Program. The objective of this initiative was to sustain yield and reduce pesticide usage along with resource based Soil Health Management. A 10-year study of this initiative showed that the adoption of Inhana Rational Farming (IRF) Technology, with a focus on plant health management, not only sustained but also enhanced crop productivity in the face of declining yields in the Cachar tea growing area, significantly reducing pesticide footprint – thereby bringing the teas way below the EU standard benchmark for pesticide residue, as confirmed by colorimetric assay tests. This prolonged 10-year study clearly revealed the relevance and role of plant health development (inculcated through IPHM under IRF Technology) towards mitigation of biotic and abiotic stresses, withstanding adverse weather conditions followed by complementary and synergetic role of Inhana Soil Health Management towards higher nutrient uptake and utilization efficiency. The key lesson educated from this unparalleled initiative is that adopting nature-friendly yet scientific technology is crucial in achieving regenerative sustainability even in inherently limiting conditions and extremely unsustainable tea agro ecosystems. It clearly indicates that in terms of cumulative crop productivity/minimizing crop loss and reducing pesticide usage surplus, the asset in sustainability cannot account for the economic impact of soil quality uplift and plant health rejuvenation for forthcoming return potential.

Exploring sustainable agricultural production models to coordinate system productivity, soil biological health and eco-efficiency in the semi-arid region

Designing sustainable agricultural models is imperative to enhance farm productivity, and soil health with minimum ecological footprints. Therefore, three cropping systems viz., maize-mustard (M-Mus), maize + cowpea-mustard (M + C-Mus), pigeon pea-wheat (PP-W) were tested under four production scenarios viz., integrated organic management (IOM), integrated crop management (ICM), conventional system (CS), and conservation agriculture (CA) for three consecutive years (2018–2021) to find out the productive, soil supportive, and eco-efficient production model. The ICM recorded significantly higher system productivity i.e. 12107, 12889, and 12866 kg ha−1 during 2018–19, 2019–20, and 20–21 over other production system, respectively. Among the cropping systems, the PP-W system registered the maximum system productivity of 12007.0 kg ha−1 during 2018–19, 11899 kg ha−1 in 2019–20, and 12247 kg ha−1 during 20–21. This led to ∼15% higher average system productivity over the maize-mustard system. Nutrient (N, P, and K) acquisition was the highest by the M + C-Mus system followed by the PP-W system. All soil biological indicators considerably improved under IOM followed by ICM across the soil profile after three years. Cultivation of the PP-W system under IOM registered the highest energy use efficiency (73.24). Concerning the eco-efficiency index (EEI), cultivation of PP-W under the IOM production scenario registered ∼ 2.85 times higher EEI (0.20 US$ MJ−1) over the M-Mus cropping under CS. Thus, findings inferred that legume-embedded systems under either IOM or ICM production scenarios are sustainable production models for fetching higher profitability with minimum environmental impact under semi-arid regions.

Less But Better—Pork Meat Will Become One of the Luxury Foods of the Future

The global demand for meat is projected to rise, necessitating a transformative shift in the meat industry towards sustainable and emission-neutral production models. For decades, price competition has driven intense rivalry among meat packers, with a focus on cost control and product differentiation. However, anticipated increases in input costs and challenges to meat supply present a unique opportunity for innovation. Meat production faces mounting pressures, particularly in Northern Europe, to transition from traditional industrialized systems to sustainable practices that address climate impacts. Despite substantial investments in alternative proteins, livestock remains an efficient converter of low-value inputs into high-value human nutrition. As meat becomes scarcer, its historical status as a luxury food is poised to resurface, offering a business opportunity for meat packers while prompting Western consumers to adopt more plant-rich diets. Technological advancements such as automation and AI have revolutionized meat production, enabling efficient processes, enhanced meat quality, and reduced environmental impacts. The future of meat production hinges on adopting circular and emission-neutral practices. The industry’s sustainability will depend on balancing efficiency with ecological harmony, transforming meat from a ubiquitous commodity to a luxury symbol of quality. Through technological innovation and a paradigm shift in production philosophy, the meat industry can meet the nutritional needs of a growing global population while adhering to stringent environmental standards.

Sustainable Production and Consumption from Human Needs

Objective: Understand sustainable production and consumption from human needs. Its objectives are: to describe sustainable production from human needs, to explain the relationship between human needs and sustainable consumption Theoretical Framework: Main concepts and theories that support research from human needs and sustainable production and consumption are presented, finding strong relationships with ecological limits and circular economy, providing a solid basis to understand the context of the research. Method: Qualitative, documentary analysis technique and systematic analysis tool of the content of scientific documents according to prism declaration, grouping publications and compiling the most prominent concepts. Results and Discussion: For sustainable production based on human needs: socioeconomic, political and environmental factors, circular economy, sustainable production models and ecological limits; results for the relationship between human needs and sustainable consumption: motivators, patterns and determinants in purchasing behavior, promotion of responsible lifestyles and education for sustainable consumption. Research Implications: Sustainable production and consumption contribute to satisfying the needs of communities from the context and that the consumer and producer must recognize the limits of the planet and satisfiers which allow having a responsible lifestyle and that promote well-being. Originality/Value: Understand that although the need to be satisfied must be clear, it is essential to recognize its satisfaction from the environmental, social, and economic dimension. Its relevance lies in the relationship of elements found in the collected publications to visualize sustainable production and consumption as a strategy aimed at promoting sustainable lifestyles from the consumer's awareness, considering biophysical limits, social justice, and economic sustainability

Lentil (Lens culinaria) and its by-products inclusion in livestock nutrition: present insights and emerging trends in rabbit and poultry system

ABSTRACT The current agro-industrial system must develop a more efficient and sustainable food production model to achieve greater food security for the expanding global population, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the European Agenda 2030. A green and sustainable solution for the feed-food production dilemma may be the use of agricultural by-products (AB) in livestock feeding. The ABs are what remains of fruits and vegetables after industrial processing, containing a plethora of bioactive compounds. Currently, their direct utilization in livestock nutrition is growing, but more research is needed to deeply discover their potential in terms of health-promoting compounds. Lentils (Lens culinaria L.), belonging to the Fabaceae family and commonly categorized as pulses, have historically served as a staple food for humans. Post-harvest processing of lentils yields various by-products (e.g. straw, hulls, screenings) that possess high nutritive value and are rich in phytochemicals, making them suitable for incorporation into balanced diets for numerous livestock species, including poultry and rabbits. This review focuses on the available knowledge on lentil by-products (LB), their nutritive value and phytochemicals including the main dietary effects on growth and productive parameters of poultry and rabbits.

Greening Emerging Economies: Enhancing Environmental, Social, and Governance Performance through Environmental Management Accounting and Green Financing

Given the rising interest in sustainability globally, this paper investigates whether the environmental management accounting (EMA) and green financing of a firm are associated with superior environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, considering manufacturing firms from emerging economies like Bangladesh to address a gap in relevant research. Drawing on the perspective of contingency theory, this study is one of the first to analyze how EMA and green financing enable sustainable production to enhance ESG performance, as well as the mediation that sustainable production exerts on this relationship. This study entails an analysis of ESG performance in sensitive industries, i.e., those that are more likely to cause social and environmental damage. To test our hypotheses, we applied partial least squares path modeling to analyze data from 467 responses. Further, we used fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to check the robustness. The results suggest that sensitive industries present superior ESG performance through integrating EMA and green financing. Further, empirical evidence demonstrates that sustainable production fully mediates the relationship between EMA and ESG performance. Meanwhile, sustainable production does not moderate green financing and ESG performance. For managers, this study demonstrates how embedding green financing and EMA into the organizational process for transitioning to a sustainable production model can present superior ESG performance. Our study contributes to research on both the impact of EMA and green financing on ESG performance, mediation effects of sustainable production, and integrated analysis using PLS-SEM and fsQCA, and the practice of sustainability management in firms in developing countries.

A comprehensive energy flow analysis method based on hydrogen energy to electric energy conversion

Abstract With increasing global concerns about climate change, more and more countries and regions are turning to sustainable energy, and hydrogen energy, as one of the representatives of clean energy, is gradually becoming one of the key areas for development in various countries. Due to its high energy density, easy storage, and pollution-free characteristics, hydrogen energy has been widely used in fields such as automobiles, aviation, and petrochemicals. In the automotive industry, hydrogen energy, as a renewable and clean energy source, has become one of the development directions. Compared to traditional fuel, hydrogen-powered vehicles not only achieve zero emissions but also have higher energy efficiency and can achieve longer range. Currently, multiple countries around the world are accelerating the promotion of hydrogen-powered vehicles and building related infrastructure such as hydrogen refueling stations. In the aviation field, hydrogen energy also has broad application prospects. Traditional aviation fuel contains a lot of hydrocarbons, so the pollution problem of the aviation industry has been a concern. As a clean and renewable energy source, hydrogen energy not only solves the pollution problem in the aviation industry but also has a very high energy density, providing sufficient power to support aircraft flight. In addition to the automotive and aviation fields, hydrogen energy can also be widely used in the petrochemical industry. Currently, traditional petrochemical production processes emit many harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, greatly affecting environmental quality. By using hydrogen energy, harmful substances such as carbon dioxide generated in traditional petrochemical processes can be converted into renewable resources, thus achieving an environmentally friendly, efficient, and sustainable production model.

EJRR Special Issue: The Future of Food Law after and Beyond the Farm to Fork Strategy

AbstractThis Special Issue stems from some of the insights at the “Future of Food Law” Conference held at Wageningen University and Research (WUR) in 2023, prompting an examination of the Farm to Fork (F2F) Strategy’s achievements and shortcomings. With the von der Leyen Commission’s term concluding, the paper critically assesses key aspects of the F2F Strategy, laying the foundation for an in-depth discussion presented in six contributions. The exploration extends from US and EU perspectives to national considerations, moving even further and beyond the boundaries of the Strategy. It encompasses emerging views on food safety, fostering fair and sustainable agri-food production models, encouraging healthier and democratic food choices, and reevaluating decision-making distribution from EU to Member States in sustainability regulatory actions. This issue aims to probe how agri-food regulatory frameworks should adapt to current challenges, acknowledging new economic, social, and environmental expectations. As a frame to the six contributions, this paper addresses the substantial delay in implementing crucial food law interventions, with a focus on the legislative Framework for Sustainable Food Systems (SFSF). The paper concludes by outlining potential scenarios for the future of EU food law, emphasising the necessity for establishing a guiding principle of sustainability for food systems.

Biological Indicators of Resilience in Mixed and Monoculture Musaceae Production Systems

Objective: To examine the impact of intraspecific diversity on the biological resilience and biodiversity of Musaceae production systems against pests and diseases in the Ecuadorian tropics, thereby improving the environmental sustainability of these agricultural systems. Theoretical Framework: Key concepts such as biological resilience, intraspecific diversity of Musaceae, and their relationship with soil health and pest and disease control were explored. The importance of mixed production systems versus monocultures in Musaceae agriculture was discussed. Method: An experimental design with completely randomized blocks was adopted in two locations (El Carmen and La Maná), comparing mixed and monoculture production systems. Three repetitions were used to collect data on the presence of arthropods, earthworms, and soil microorganisms, evaluating their diversity and quantity as indicators of biological resilience and environmental quality. Results and Conclusions: Mixed systems demonstrated greater biodiversity, particularly in the presence of Collembola, earthworms, and various beneficial microorganisms, indicating higher resilience and soil health compared to monocultures. Intraspecific diversity in mixed systems significantly contributes to the sustainability and resilience of Musaceae agroecosystems, suggesting a more resilient and ecologically sustainable production model for tropical agriculture. Originality/Value: This study provides empirical evidence on how intraspecific diversity and mixed production systems can enhance resilience and biodiversity in Musaceae crops, offering sustainable alternatives to face contemporary agricultural challenges in the Ecuadorian tropics.

IVPF-AHP integrated VIKOR methodology in supplier selection of three-dimensional (3D) printers

Complex geometries, fine details, and various designs that are difficult to create using traditional methods can easily be turned into a tangible object with Three-Dimensional (3D) printers. 3D printers have advantages such as providing design flexibility, obtaining prototypes in the shortest possible time, allowing for personalization, and reducing waste through the use of advanced technology. These advantages emphasize the significance of 3D printers in a sustainable production model. The widespread usage of 3D printers leads to increased efficiency and cost reduction in production. When the literature is examined, it is observed that there are limited studies on the evaluation of supplier performances for company using 3D printers. The aim of this study is to address 3D printers, which are highly significant for sustainable production, and to reveal the criteria that companies utilizing these printers need to consider for determining their suppliers. As a result of the literature review and expert interviews, a model has been developed that gathers the criteria to be considered for supplier selection, which is an important cost factor for companies involved in designing and producing 3D printers under five main and 18 sub-criteria. The importance weights of the criteria have been determined using the Interval Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (IVPF-AHP) method, and the most suitable supplier among alternative suppliers has been selected using the Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method. Finally, the supplier scores have been statistically analyzed to show the validation of the results of the proposed method. According to the results, it has been concluded that for company using 3D printers, quality and technical service criteria are more important in the supplier selection. Additionally, cost of the material/equipment, product price and easy maintenance criteria also play a critical role in the supplier selection of 3D printer.

Multi-objective optimization for sustainable and economical polycarbonate production with reaction kinetics inference for real-world industrial process

Polycarbonate has a wide range of applications in electronic devices and medicine because of its remarkable properties such as transparency and mechanical strength. However, the polycarbonate production process using diphenyl carbonate leads to the inevitable generation of nitrogen oxide (NOx) from byproduct incineration. Therefore, it is essential to optimize the process conditions while simultaneously considering the production costs and NOx emissions. Herein, we propose a multi-objective optimization model for sustainable and economical polycarbonate production using a high-fidelity reaction model for real-world industrial processes. Additionally, a data-driven model was developed using industrial data to identify the operating conditions that minimize NOx emissions and maximize profitability. Four of the ten reaction parameters were selected through variance-based global sensitivity analysis, and the posterior distribution of each parameter was determined through Bayesian inference. In addition, NOx emissions were predicted using the data-driven model developed from industrial data. A process model with coefficients of determination above 0.7 and a data-driven model with R-squared value above 0.99 for pilot-scale experimental and industrial data were generated using our approach. The Pareto optimality, identified based on the developed models, suggested operating conditions that optimize both economic and environmental benefits. Consequently, NOx emissions could be reduced by 27.2%–27.4% and the unit costs of production could be reduced by 0.8%–1.6% compared with the base case.

Lactic Acid Bacteria in Sustainable Food Production

The main tenets of the sustainable food production model are to reduce the adverse environmental impacts of production and to use available resources more efficiently. The sustainable food production model allows companies to adapt their strategies to current challenges and requirements while maintaining long-term production stability and competitiveness. To ensure that sustainable food chain participants implement appropriate practices, research is being conducted to develop new solutions. Among the important issues that are of great interest to researchers is the use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). These bacteria play a pivotal role in sustainable food production, encompassing environmental, economic, and social aspects. The following article highlights recent innovations and advancements in LAB applications, contributing to enhanced efficiency and sustainable development of food products. By fermenting food, LAB effectively enhances food safety, prolong shelf life, and augment nutritional values, while simultaneously eliminating or outcompeting foodborne pathogens, thus preventing food poisoning. This article underscores these often-overlooked aspects of LAB, such as the critical role of fermented food in sustaining humanity during challenging times, by providing essential nutrients, and supporting health through its unique preservative and probiotic properties. It also points out the lesser-known applications of these microorganisms, including the degradation of organic waste or biogas and bioplastics production.

Hermetia illucens Frass Fertilization: A Novel Approach for Enhancing Lettuce Resilience and Photosynthetic Efficiency under Drought Stress Conditions

Agriculture is faced with the need to reduce mineral fertilizers in order to reduce costs but also to meet political goals. Resilience-enhancing climate change, especially in the face of increasingly frequent and prolonged droughts, has become another issue. The dynamically increasing production of insects for feed and food purposes has become one of the answers to this challenge. This study assesses the fertilizing efficacy effect of frass derived from Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) production on lettuce (Lactuca L.) growth, including aspects such as yield, photosynthesis activity, photosystem II performance (chlorophyll fluorescence), mineral profile, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, the properties of the soil were assessed by measuring the gas exchange between the soil and the atmosphere. The lettuce plants grew under two water regimes—optimal irrigation and induced drought. The efficiency of frass fertilization was compared with the control and traditional cattle manure. The results indicate that H. illucens frass (HI frass) used as a fertilizer increased the content of essential nutrients in plants—such as potassium and iron. As the dosage of frass increased, the content of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) doubled. The plants that were subjected to drought and properly fertilized showed greater resistance; therefore, a reduction in the synthesis of polyphenolic compounds was observed. Fertilizer had a positive effect on the efficiency of photosynthesis. This study underscores the promising impact of unconventional organic fertilizers, such as H. illucens frass, on enhancing plant performance, especially in challenging environmental conditions. Fertilizers obtained from insect production can be green chemicals in a sustainable food production model.

Do boards care about planetary boundaries? A gender perspective on circular economy disclosures

AbstractThe need to develop environmentally respectful business activities has led academics to propose the circular economy (CE) as a more sustainable production and consumption model than the linear model, where interest groups demand greater disclosure of information that makes it possible to evaluate the business transition towards the CE. Also, the planetary boundaries framework provides thresholds for different natural processes that are affected by business activities, so in this research, we link the CE to planetary boundaries by designing a score, and we analyse the presence of female directors and the role women play in the presentation of CE information that attends to planetary boundaries. We also examine the effect that national cultures characterized by high power distance and masculinity can have on their performance. We use a sample of 832 companies around the world from 2011 to 2020. The results show that women directors promote the presentation of CE information at a global level and disaggregated by CE issues, framed within planetary boundaries—a relation that is reinforced in societies with high power distance.

BIOECONOMY – PRESENT AND FUTURE

The pressure on ecosystems has intensified as a result of excessive pollution, overexploitation and depletion of natural resources. This imposes the need of a radical change in the existing methods of processing, storage, recycling and disposal of biological resources by establishing sustainable production and consumption models. The need to step up the transition to both clean energy and sustainable, resilient and equitable food systems has never been stronger and clearer. Future implementation of the EU Bioeconomy Action Plan will need to take into account the implications for food and energy prices, as well as the prices of energy-intensive products and global supply chains, and address the resulting additional pressures on natural resources at ecosystem boundaries. Activities in the bioeconomy sectors are especially reliant on healthy ecosystems to ensure a sustained production of biomass, but at the same time activities along the bioeconomy supply chains generate environmental impacts which can damage local and global ecosystems. The bioeconomy is directly related to 11 of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals but though the EU undertakes the steps necessary to achieve sustainability, there is still a wide range of actions to be taken in order to ensure the transition towards bioeconomy and to mitigate and eliminate the negative impacts on the environment. In the study we have focused on three important indicators that give insight about current state and trends in EU and Bulgaria about bioeconomy, respectively employment in the bioeconomy, turnover in bioeconomy, and value added at factor cost in the bioeconomy. The trend in Bulgaria follows that of the EU for those indicators which indicates the continuity of the measures adopted at the EU level and the consistency of the actions at the supranational level. The paper is based on a thorough review of available reports, analysis of official documents as action plans, communications, programs, strategies and data related to bioeconomy at EU level, reviewed in the context of global efforts for achieving sustainability. The main objective of this research is to represent the international efforts aimed at the protection of natural resources and to evaluate the measures taken to stimulate the EU transition towards bioeconomy. Keywords: Bioeconomy, European Union, Sustainability, Sustainable Development Goals JEL: Q01; Q56; Q57

Pathways for Cleaner, Greener, Healthier Cities: What Is the Role of Urban Agriculture in the Circular Economy of Two Nordic Cities?

As major hubs for energy and resource consumption and carbon emissions, cities are at the forefront of the discussion on the impacts of megatrends, such as demographic changes, technological advancements, and the shift toward climate neutrality. Despite growing literature suggesting pathways for cities to cope with these challenges, the intersection between circular economy and urban agriculture for sustainable urban development has been little explored, especially concerning practical applications. To bridge this gap, this study aimed to explore the role of urban agriculture in promoting the circularity of resources at the city level. Aarhus, in Denmark, and Ås, in Norway, provide the empirical context for this discussion that uncovers the barriers that impact the successful implementation of C-E practices in the context of UA and delves into how these obstacles challenge cities in transitioning to circular and sustainable food production models. Using a case study approach and qualitative data sources, the findings suggest that while urban agriculture demonstrates potential in reducing resource consumption, it requires further evidence-based research and clear monitoring tools to assess its environmental impact and economic viability. Obstacles to urban agriculture implementation include regulatory challenges, social acceptance of waste, high investment costs, and limited recognition of its indirect impacts. Concerning recommendations, local governance and public policies were found to play a central role in fostering circular urban agriculture by promoting collaboration, fostering innovation, developing regulatory frameworks, and showcasing successful examples.

Sustainable Production Strategies: Incorporating Internet Celebrity Aspects into Yingjing Black Sand Craft Design

The study aims to explore the intersection of traditional Yingjing black sand products with modern digital age adaptations, focusing on sustainability, cultural symbolism, and the evolving consumer landscape influenced by network platforms. The research employs a tripartite design framework. The first phase involves analysing ‘Internet Celebrity’ characteristics and their associated poetic imagery to understand their impact on consumer behaviour. In the second phase, the study extracts shape semantics from these elements, translating them into actionable design information. The final phase introduces a four-step design process, utilising 3D modelling to create a Yingjing black sand product inspired by ‘Internet Celebrity’ elements. This phase highlights the integration of digital tools in refining traditional craft designs. The research demonstrates that adapting traditional Yingjing black sand crafts to modern consumer trends through digital tools and sustainable production strategies can enhance their relevance in the digital age. The study underscores the importance of preserving historical significance while promoting environmentally conscious design and production. This research provides innovative insights into the adaptation of traditional crafts within the context of the digital age. It offers a structured approach to integrating modern consumer trends with historical craftsmanship, presenting a compelling model for sustainable craft production. The study contributes to broader discussions on sustainability, cultural adaptation, and the evolution of traditional crafts, making it relevant for both academic and practical applications.

Circular economy-based integrated farming system for indigenous chicken: Fostering food security and sustainability

Addressing the global challenge of food security necessitates innovative and sustainable approaches capable of meeting the demands of a growing population while ensuring a sufficient and nutritious food supply. This study explores circular economy-based integrated farming systems for indigenous chicken, focusing on the principles of circular economy, TBL approach and sustainable agriculture to enhance the food security landscape. To comprehensively assess the status of the indigenous chicken sector, a detailed analysis of farm operations is conducted. Qualitative data collection and a system dynamics approach provided valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of the system. Leveraging simulation and modelling, interactions and behaviours within the sub-systems are unveiled, ultimately leading to the integration of forward and reverse value chain linkages. The Indigenous Chicken-based Integrated Farming System value chain, developed because of this study, offers a transformative model for sustainable food production. This model provides clear insights into the dynamics of indigenous chicken farming, highlighting the importance of circular economy principles. It also aids in understanding the impact of varying parameters, such as egg production and parent chicken population, on the system's behavior. Moreover, the research identifies exponential growth patterns in critical components, shedding light on the system's scalability potential. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of integrating forward and reverse linkages in achieving sustainability and minimizing waste throughout the value chain.

A Hybrid Biobjective Markov Chain Based Optimization Model for Sustainable Aggregate Production Planning

This research addresses the sustainable aggregate production planning problem by considering the outsourcing option and workforce skill levels as well as taking a Markov process approach for the inventory level. For this purpose, a hybrid biobjective mixed-integer nonlinear programming model featuring a continuous-time Markov chain to accommodate the inventory decision process is developed. The proposed Markov chain approach efficiently describes system dynamics modeling of the production system through a stochastic process. The objective functions are to minimize total cost and total environmental pollution at the same time. To validate the applicability of the methodology and to evaluate the model complexity, three numerical examples are generated based on one of the previous studies in the literature. It is demonstrated that the suggested methodology is able to come up with the final feasible solution based on optimal inventory decisions in less than 65 s. Finally, a number of sensitivity analyses are presented to study the behavior of the objectives under real-world instability and discuss the practical implications and managerial insights. As one of the main findings, it is revealed that the objective functions have no sensitivity to some change intervals of the parameters, which can be analyzed more earnestly by the management in case of the resource allocation process.