Circular Economy Theory Research Articles

Evolution paths of green economy modes and their trend of hypercycle economy

So far there is a lack of specialized research on the entire path and the law of the evolution of green economy modes, especially studies on its future trend. Some studies have been done only on its sub-process, in which there are some shortcomings such as overlapping and incomplete classification of economy modes, as well as the lack of mechanism models to describe the modes. This paper attempts to solve those problems. Firstly, various green economy modes are extracted and classified, and then their evolution paths are identified and reviewed, according to sustainable development theory, hypercycle theory, etc., and to practical investigation. Secondly, theoretical models for each green economy mode and their multilevel dynamic evolution models in a practical field (forestry as an example) are established by the modeling method of system structure. Finally, the evolution law of green economy mode is analyzed systematically by means of the above-mentioned models. According to the research, some conclusions are drawn as follows: First, green economy modes have evolved through three stages as a whole. The first is the start-up stage, in which the mode is the ‘from cradle to grave’ end-treatment green economy (GE-I). The second is the growth stage, in which the mode is the ‘from cradle to cradle’ resources-chain closed-loop green economy (GE-Ⅱ). The third is the mature stage, in which the mode will be the ‘from breeding to breeding ‘three-chain hypercycle economy (GE-Ⅲ). Second, GE-Ⅱ has evolved through a specific process. In depth, the basic framework of GE-Ⅱ is based on the circular economy theory; and then it is combined gradually with some other relevant theories and technologies that are cleaner production, low-carbon economy and sharing economy and so on. In breadth, GE-Ⅱ is expanded layer by layer from unified enterprise GE-Ⅱ to diversified enterprise ( or cluster) GE-Ⅱ, and to societal GE-Ⅱ. The operational principle of GE-Ⅱ can be described by 3R theoretical model that includes 3 subsystems of reduction, recycle and reuse (3R), which are connected into an organic whole by resources chain. Third, GE-Ⅲ is evolving through a specific process of three-chain (3C) stage by stage expansion, from resources-chain primary hypercycle to eco-chain secondary hypercycle, and to value-chain tertiary hypercycle. The operational principle of GE-Ⅲ can be described by 5R-3C theoretical model that includes 5 subsystems of reduction, recycle, reuse, recultivation and reallocation (5R) , which are connected into an environment-economy self-organizing system by resources chain, ecochain and value chain. In the system, resources chain is the foundation, eco-chain is the support, and value chain is the impetus. The 3C hypercycle promotes and catalyze each other to realize mutualism between ecosystem and industrial system. Fourth, the related field of GE-Ⅲ includes the principal part of renewable-resource-based industry, and the expanded part of other relevant industries and even the whole society. Now in practice, GE-Ⅲ has initially formed. And in the future, it is the development tendency of green economy toward the establishment of the ecological civilization.

Research on the Transformation of Oyster Shells into a Green, Recyclable, Low Carbon Emission Building Material

In response to climate change and sustainable environment, the "circular economy" that reduces energy development and waste reuse is an important carbon reduction strategy in addition to developing green energy. Based on the circular economy theory of local materials and local use, combines quenched blast furnace slag and geopolymer technology to convert waste oysters into building materials bricks for effective utilization. Our goal is to "recycle" oyster shell waste, "reduce" carbon emissions from the manufacturing, and achieve "recycling". Innovative high-pressure bricks that meet local building material standard. The experiment results show that: 1. The ratios of oyster shell and quenched blast furnace slag were 7:3 and 5:5 respectively, made under the pressure of 110kgf/cm². Curing 28 days later, the compressive strength was 27.5MPa and 38.4MPa, respectively. The bending strength was 3.6MPa and the abrasion test was 1.94mm. 2. Crushing the original high-pressure bricks made of oyster shells, added oyster shell powder and quenched blast furnace slag, remade them in a ratio of 7:3. Curing 7 days later, the compressive strength can reach 41.46 and 51.66MPa.3. Each high-pressure brick made of oyster shells will produce 0.206 to 0.219kg CO₂ emissions, which is 49% to 52% fewer carbon emissions than the 0.422kg CO₂ emitted by each high-pressure concrete brick. 4.The remade oyster shell high-pressure reformed bricks will produce 0.295 to 0.304kg CO₂ emissions, which is 28% to 30% lesser carbon emissions than each high-pressure concrete brick. This result can prove that the oyster shell high-pressure bricks can pass Taiwan’s CNS and Green-building materials standard, comply with the circular economy and achieve the goal of net-zero carbon emissions.

Model of environmental management science based on circular economy theory

Abstract The resources of a country are limited, and people must consider the important issue of how to make use of these limited material resources to create major economic value for humans. The theory of the circular economy has been proposed, which relies on scientific model research to create economic development that is more in line with people’s concept of environmental management. The circular economy is characterised by resource conservation, recycling, coordination, low development, high utilization and low emissions. All material and energy use is reasonable, and sustainable land use minimises the influence of economic activities on the natural environment. Based on the theory of the circular economy, this paper studies the model of environmental management science. This paper analyses the mining development mode, the mechanism of the circular economy, and green logistics research based on circular economy theory and then applies statistical analyses to the two models. It summarises the development mode and the mechanism of the mining circular economy based on the current mineral resource development and utilization situation and the environmental problems in China. An innovative mode mechanism for mining circular economy development is proposed that can provide a value evaluation standard for social development. Through the above research, it is found that the use of circular economy theory can not only help make effective use of resources but also provide a new way to improve the gross national product.

Interconnections: An Analysis of Disassemblable Building Connection Systems towards a Circular Economy

This study investigates the interconnection methods used to create a circular economy building featuring modularity and designed for disassembly and relocation. Designing modular buildings for disassembly and reuse can decrease waste production and material depletion, in line with the circular economy framework. Disassemblable buildings require connections to be easily accessible. Visible connections may be unpopular features; however, concealing these, yet leaving these accessible, presents a substantial design challenge. This study demonstrates solutions to this challenge by analyzing a purposely designed case study: the Legacy Living Lab. The challenges of disguising and sealing, such as by waterproofing, two types of connections are analysed: structural and non-structural. This study details the materials and connections used across the two analyzed connection types and compares the weights and reusability of components. Thus, a necessary case study is provided for practitioners to advance circular economy theory in the building industry. Notably, all connections in the Legacy Living Lab can be easily accessed with standard building tools, facilitating its disassembly and fostering component reusability.

Eco-innovation impacts on recycled product performance and competitiveness: Malaysian automotive industry

This study aims to develop a theoretical circular economy model that examines the impact of eco-innovation practices on recycled product performance and competitiveness in Malaysian automotive industry. The supply of recycled materials has been recognized as one of the critical components to produce brand new automotive products. This empirical study was conducted among automotive firms and groups consisting first, second, and third-tier suppliers. The data were analysed using structural equation modeling. The results support the importance of innovation and cost efficiency from the perspective of resource-based view and the ability of a firm to manage resources while practicing circular economy initiatives, whilst instrumental to the success of recycled product performance and competitiveness. The degree of competitiveness that a firm experiences through new product development is targeted by integrating the theory of resource-based view, eco-innovation, and circular economy. The findings reveal that eco-innovation practices with circular economy principles assist business competitiveness in the automotive industry.

Climbing up the circularity ladder? – A mixed-methods analysis of circular economy in business practice

The adoption of a circular economy is considered one possible means of transition towards a more sustainable economic system. While the number of circular economy concepts, frameworks, and single case studies is increasing rapidly, empirical evidence on its practical implementation is still scarce. Thus, this paper attempts to understand how circular economy theory is translated into organizational practice and what barriers companies face in their efforts towards more circularity. The study entailed a mixed methods approach using content analysis and correspondence analysis in a case survey with 131 CE projects as well as semi-structured interviews with five company representatives. This provides a new methodological perspective on the application of circular economy by clustering implementation principles, enablers and barriers, and by identifying sectoral differences, based on a large sample size. Results show that three circular economy implementation clusters can be distinguished: one focused on design, one on take-back management, and one on recycling, the latter being the most frequent. With respect to application of circular economy principles, sector-related differences were found between (i) manufacturing companies and slow-moving consumer goods, (ii) fast-moving goods, and (iii) classical b2b sectors. Barriers include important regulatory barriers, such as a lack of standardization, lack of governmental enforcement and cooperation, and lack of harmonization of EU legislation. The potential for policy leverage, diversification of circular economy implementation, and future research is also described.

Research on the interactive operations research model of e-commerce tourism resources business based on big data and circular economy concept

PurposeIn the context of circular economy, tourism resources development and integrated marketing need to interact with multiple businesses, data processing with big data technology, and in the information age, the best means of integrated marketing is to integrate business through an information platform. The research purpose of this article is to improve the intelligence of the tourism platform by constructing an OR model, integrate information and improve the data processing effect in an all-round way through data mining.Design/methodology/approachThis study builds the business interaction in the form of OR (operations research model) model and combines this model with the e-commerce platform to build an online travel consumption model based on the user's online operation mode.FindingsWith the development of the times and the upgrading of industries, tourism and other industries have provided new tourism resources and tourism methods for human beings by virtue of the beautiful environment, special experiences and colorful stories and related industries have been related to the tourism industry based on natural resources, customs and folklore and agricultural experiences. By identifying important nodes with high connectivity in the social network, the weighted centrality algorithm can mine the importance of interest tags.Originality/valueIn addition, this research builds a test platform for model performance analysis and integrates various factors. The results show that the model constructed in this study can further promote the development of tourism, improve the efficiency of tourism resources, provide marketing effects and meet the circular economy theory.

Environmental management practices for the circular economy development in Russia and their impact on the financial performance of companies

The article explores the impact of environmental management practices, which support regenerative thinking in Russian companies, on financial performance determined by the ability of businesses to generate an income stream. The study relies on the theory of circular economy and environmental management and applies the methods of linear and logistic regression analysis. The empirical basis includes the results of a survey of Russian companies conducted by the World Bank in 2019. The research findings show that the depth of implementation of environmental management practices depends on the presence of a formalized strategy and top management experience, as well as on the introduction of process innovation. We find that the practices under consideration such as the development of a vision and an environmental management strategy, targeting and monitoring, systematic management of energy resources and green innovation significantly contribute to the additional revenue stream of Russian companies. In contrast to previous works, the current study reveals that the system-based implementation of certain environmental management practices is a precursor to the introduction of a circular economy, which creates a holistic view of resource flows and is designed to enhance the performance of both manufacturing and service companies. In the paper, we also analyze the two-way interaction of the management practices and financial performance. Managers and investors can use the research results to examine the main drivers of revenue growth related to environmental management initiatives characteristic of the circular economy.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF REVERSELOGISTICS AS A PERSPECTIVE WAY FOR THE FORMATION OF EFFECTIVE LOGISTICS OF COMMODITY MARKETS

Topicality. The purposes of constant development determined by General Assembly of the United Nations have led the emergence of different modifications and models of economic development, such as: the model of economy of closed loop, where the value of goods, materials and resources is stored in the economy, for as long as possible. That is, what in a traditional economy is considered redundant or wastes, in the economy of closed loop becomes an asset or resource. Such an economy is essentially reproductive and regenerative due to the preservation and improvement of the natural capital and resources. In the economy of a constant loop, the goal is to loosen the biding between global economic development and the rational consumption of limited resources. However, herewith each country should seek its own means and resources for the realization of these purposes, use available mechanisms, attract technology and additional resources, both material and financial. Aim and tasks. . In the background of the researched new theories of social and economic development of the society, the most attractive is the theory of constant development, according to which the UN General Assembly in 2015 proclaimed the goals of constant development. By these purposes, the United Nations established the countries of the world large-scale global duties to the necessity of making efforts in certain areas for economic development, that on the whole should protect the planet and the population from famine, poverty and ecological shocks. In order to determine effective ways of economic development, made the analysis of existing economic theories, of which our attention is drawn to the theory of circular economy, which in terms of resource opportunities and principles can be applied in Ukraine. And the mechanisms of its application can be involved in the methodology of market logistics and its components � reversible logistics. During the research it is necessary to solve the following tasks: - to research: modern theories of economic development in the context of defining their purposes and objectives, and also the possibilities of their application in Ukraine; - to identify and distinguish from the existing methodology of circular economy and its principles, prerequisites; - substantiate the connections between the principles of circular economy and reverse logistics and the directions of their implementation; Research results. The analysis of these principles gave grounds to propose an additional principle R4 - responsible consumption and R5 - reproduction or the principle of reproduction. These principles should be the basis for developing approaches to the evaluation of any measures for economic development(transformations) from the standpoint of reversible logistics and based on the realities of Ukraine. Conclusion. The conducted researches allowed to reconsider approaches to an estimation of functioning of economic systems at various levels and to offer the own approach, which is based not on corporate, and object market approach, thus as objects of an estimation should act programs of all levels, markets in the course of their functioning and their logistics systems, and also individual logistics chains. But the most important object of evaluation should become logistics projects, that affect the development of commodity markets and the entire market system.

Theoretical and methodological aspects of the eco-industrial space development

Contemporary society is challenged by the issue of meeting seemingly contradictory needs: achieving economic well-being and ensuring environmental security. On the one hand, rising levels of environmental pollution increasingly threaten systems of life support. On the other hand, economic difficulties cause the growing financial instability. Accordingly, there is a need to move towards a more sustainable environmental and economic system, which requires additional research in this field. The paper focuses on the circular economy as a tool for creating the eco-industrial space to attain sustainable development goals based on the principles of market organisation and long-standing social and economic relations. Methodologically, the research relies on the theory of circular economy and the theory of social space. Research methods include deduction and induction, analysis and synthesis, statistical, comparative, causal, and factor analysis, historical method, which allows taking in account historical, social and cultural peculiarities of the economy, as well as other general theoretical methods. As a result of the research, the authors (1) identify eco-industrial subspace within the social space, which enables clarifying the specifics of the interaction between actors of the social space interested in meeting the needs of both economic development and ecosystem sustainability; (2) develop a system for assessing the circular economy from the viewpoint of eco-industrial interaction. The scientific value of the research findings consists in elaborating on the ecological aspect of industrial regions’ functioning. The circular economy can potentially contribute to the energy efficiency, reduce environmental pollution, and create efficient ways of producing and consuming. The suggested system for assessing the circular economy allows detecting the dynamics of the negative pressure on the ecosystem, which enables the government authorities to purposefully green the industrial development.

Design of the Reverse Logistics Network of New Energy Vehicle Waste Power Batteries

While making an optimistic estimate of the development prospects of new energy vehicles, this article pays attention to the problem of waste power batteries for new energy vehicles. Based on the theory of circular economy, waste batteries reverse logistics location factors and site selection methods, we propose waste power batteries In the design of the reverse logistics network, based on the recycling path of the used power battery reverse logistics network, two recycling modes of the used power battery reverse logistics network are proposed. Based on the location method and recycling mode, a reverse logistics network for the used power battery of new energy vehicles can be constructed.

Logistics Network Design for Vegetable Waste Reduction and Recycling System Based on Multi-dimensional Perspective

Aiming at the problem of insufficient recycling and recycling of vegetable wastes, under the conditions of three different on-site processing capabilities, the logistics network design scheme of vegetable waste reduction and resource utilization system was discussed. the present study discussed a quantitative model of the VW-RRS that meets comprehensive benefits based on the theory of circular economy, combined with reverse logistics theory and life cycle theory, and further designed a logistics network of VW-RRS from multi-dimensional perspectives. For the systematic VW treatment, the efficiency of the circular economy system has an obvious promotion effect. Based on the functions and interrelationships of the various participants in the system and the goal of achieving sustainable development in the three dimensions of economy, environment and society, a logistics network model of a reduced resource system has been established. Take Shouguang City as an example to optimize and reconstruct the logistics network of vegetable waste reduction in this region. The research shows that: after the vegetable waste is reduced, the total cost of the system is reduced; when the vegetable waste resource utilization capacity remains unchanged, the ratio of vegetable waste recycling is increased, and the economic and environmental benefits of the system are improved accordingly; The resource utilization capacity, the system's economic and environmental benefits have also improved accordingly.

Construction of a Nonlinear Model of Tourism Economy Forecast Based on Wireless Sensor Network from the Perspective of Digital Economy

With the outbreak of the new crown epidemic, the world economy has been severely tested, making predictions more difficult. Wireless sensors have the advantages of low cost, ease of use, high reliability, and high safety and have been widely used in the tourism economy. In order to understand the ability of wireless sensors to predict the regional economy, this article uses an example to construct a nonlinear model of wireless sensors to predict the regional economy. With the continuous development of the concept of circular economy, circular economy has gradually been recognized by Chinese scholars and practitioners. After domestic scholars continue to study the theory of circular economy, practicing the concept of circular economy and taking the road of sustainable development have become one of the important directions of the development of industrial theory. Literature analysis and other methods were used to conduct research on databases such as CNKI, Wan fang Database, and SSCI. Literature was collected, and GIS spatial analysis technology was used to analyze different areas and finally get a prediction model. The phenomenon is nonlinearity (such as saturation nonlinearity in the magnetic circuit), and some are caused by the nonlinear relationship between system variables (such as linear resistance and squared nonlinearity between current and power) and some artificially introduced nonlinear links (such as the hysteresis nonlinearity of relays). Experiments have proved that there is a certain error between the prediction model and the actual result; the error value is about 9%, which is less than the value of other prediction models. This shows that the output results of the nonlinear model of wireless sensor regional economic prediction should be processed reasonably. This result has a certain reference value, and its output should be combined with the actual situation. Related research found that under the nonlinear model, the more accurate and comprehensive the input value is, the closer the output result is to the actual value.

Циркулярна економіка як передумова формування інноваційних платформ сталого розвитку суб’єктів підприємницької діяльності

The article is aimed at defining, substantiating and justifying the economic feasibility of forming a new circular economy model as an innovative platform for sustainable development. As a result of the research, it is determined that the strategic priority of sustainable development of the State is the formation of a qualitatively new model of development of the national economy on the basis of a symbiosis of the circular and environmental economies, facilitating the use of local resources to meet the needs of the economy and ensuring the formation of the closed material and resource cycles. It is proved that the circular economy is a new approach based on the possibility of reproduction, reuse of labor results after their modernization. The principles of closed-loop economy are distinguished as follows: production of durable and reliable products; possibility of repair; reuse; modernization and upgrades; recycling; compatible use; virtualization of production. The general features and differences of the theory of circular economy are singled out. It is emphasized that when forming a new model of circular economy, it is necessary to take into account and link the development of environmental innovations and, accordingly, the ecological economy. However, determining the impact of the environmental economy on the new model of circular economy requires further thorough research.

Digital Innovation Ecosystems for Circular Economy: the Case of ICESP, the Italian Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform

An important but unexplored research issue is understanding how digital innovation ecosystem and a quintuple helix model can support the promotion of Circular Economy. Circular Economy, however, is intrinsically linked to the innovation issue. It can occur in a productive and consumption system under the form of a new product, process, organizational or marketing model. In the meantime, the digital innovation ecosystem debate was enriched by the social and environmental sustainability perspectives that are the pillars of the Circular Economy theory. Despite this, the research has failed to achieve full comprehension of digital innovation ecosystems’ dynamics and processes for the Circular Economy, by highlighting the need for deeper understanding. Under the above assumptions, this paper presents the evidence of a single and extreme case study related to the Italian Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ICESP). This is shown as good practice of a digital platform for stakeholders’ engagement, supporting the creation of a digital innovation ecosystem focused on the Circular Economy. We conclude by deriving implications for researchers and policy makers’ agendas.

ОРГАНИЗАЦИОННО-ПРАВОВЫЕ АСПЕКТЫ ЭКОЛОГО-ИНДУСТРИАЛЬНОГО ВЗАИМОДЕЙСТВИЯ

Целью исследования является анализ правовых норм, регулирующих эколого-экономическое взаимодействие с точки зрения элементов фреймворка циркулярной экономики.
 Методологическую базу исследования представляют концептуальные положения теории циркулярной экономики и теории социального пространства. К используемым научным методам относятся сравнительный и причинно-следственный анализ.
 Результаты исследования. Ежегодно экономические потери, обусловленные ухудшением качества окружающей среды, без учета ущерба здоровью людей составляют 4-6% ВВП. При этом конкурентоспособность страны на мировых рынках напрямую зависит от развития высокотехнологичных производств, что не предполагает вынесения задачи сохранения экологической стабильности в разряд первостепенных. Разрешение данного противоречия может находиться в применении принципов циркулярной экономики, которая ориентирована на достижение целей устойчивого развития при помощи снижения линейности систем производства и потребления. Указанное противоречие рассматривается в работе с точки зрения пространственного подхода, что определило необходимость проведения анализа нормативно-правовых документов в сфере экологического регулирования с целью выявления элементов фреймворка циркулярной экономики. В результате проведенного анализа установлено, что элементы фреймворка «3R» и «10R» в настоящее время слабо представлены в правовом пространстве РФ. В основном в нормативно-правовых актах присутствует элемент «сокращения» в контексте снижения негативного воздействия на окружающую среду. Элементы фреймоврка 3 «R» «повторное использование» и «переработка», а также элементы фреймворка 10 «R» в настоящее время в нормативно-правовом поле практически не представлены, что организационно осложняет переход к принципам циркулярной экономики и не соответствует задачам достижения конкурентоспособности национальной экономики на мировых рынках.
 Перспективы исследования заключаются в определении конкретных организационно-правовых инструментов перехода экономической системы к циркулярному типу развития.

Tourist practices in the circular economy

Circular economy theory offers a business- and solution-oriented approach to environmental sustainability. However, in the context of tourism, it ignores the central role of tourists in the production of tourism experiences. This article discusses how tourists' practices may sustain the development of circular economy in tourism, applying a practice theory that emphasises changes in what tourists do rather than in tourism products and services. To determine which tourist practices might support a circular economy, we used the Delphi and future workshop methods. Our findings reveal several potential tourist practices, but also highlight inherent paradoxes within these practices, a lack of consensus about them among experts, and questions about how they may develop.

Coal mining waste in Poland in reference to circular economy principles

The article deals with the problem of mining waste, which is the largest group of waste balance in Poland. Based on research, the current state of waste management in Polish coal mining has been identified. This is a challenge that is facing not only the domestic mining industry, but also international mining. As demonstrated using the example of international solutions, the essence of waste classification is gaining practical significance. A dynamically developing, more flexible and advanced technology enables the 3R principle (Reduction, Reuse, and Recycle) of Circular Economy theory to be applied in practice to the mining industry. Coal mining waste generated due to the absence of selective mining methods and coal beneficiation can be reused in co-firing processes for energy production after being treated. Further reuse of coal mining waste also has a positive effect on land reclamation and restoration, which in turn will minimize the size of mining dumps. Non-energy uses of coal may be found in the chemical industry, but some production methods may raise additional questions regarding excessive CO2 emissions. In a circular economy, it is important to identify all possible ways to reuse resources. As part of the research, the current state of coal mining waste was examined. Based on the described solutions for the use of mining waste, a sustainable, socio-environmental CE strategy for this group in the selected area of waste has been proposed together with the highest and best use analysis for dumps in complex legal, economic and technical conditions.

Study on the Appropriate Size of Scale Breeding Family Farms

Scale-breeding family farms can meet the demand of meat market and increase the farmers’ income. However, they may cause serious environmental problems to some extent if the waste is not properly handled. In this paper, the appropriate scale of scale breeding family farms was studied from the circular economy theory. Results show that the resource loss rate of middle-scale family farms is lowest among three kinds of scale-breeding family farms. Therefore, the middle-scale should be chosen as optimistic size for sustainable development of agricultural economy in China.

Construction of Take-out Tableware Recycling System Based on Circular Economy Theory

With the rapid development of China’s takeaway industry, takeaway packaging waste is increasing day by day, and the environmental pollution problems caused by it cannot be ignored. In order to reduce the environmental pollution caused by take-out packaging , improve the utilization rate of resources , and achieve sustainable development of the take-out industry , on the premise of analyzing the current status and problems of the recycling of overseas sales packaging , we try to construct take-out packaging based on the 3R principle of circular economy theory Recycling system , and point out some basic conditions and guarantee measures that the packaging recycling system needs to meet in order to maximize the economic and social benefits of take-out packaging recycling .The first section in your paper