- Will companies align circular economy initiatives with climate goals, or continue to treat these as discrete initiatives?
- How will technological innovation deal with the problems identified around natural resource depletion?
- Will moving toward a circular economy require changes in consumer behaviour? Are those happening?
Dear Stephen Poon,
The process of transforming a classical economy into a sustainable, circular green economy will not happen by itself. Enterprises and firms will not do it on their own. Consumer environmental awareness is also still too low. Changes in legal regulations are necessary, which oblige economic entities to accelerate the processes of pro-ecological reforms, implement eco-innovations, and increase the scale of implementation of the sustainable development goals. It is therefore necessary to develop a pro-environmental policy at a much faster pace than it has been so far. The global warming process is progressing faster and faster. There is very little time to transform the classical economy into sustainable, circular green economies to avoid a global climate catastrophe that may appear in several decades.
Best regards, Have a nice day,
Dariusz Prokopowicz
Really very good question. To realise the circular economy gaining a momentum , you need consumer behavior to change a lot from present level. Unfortunately , consumer behavior is hugely dependent upon what is available in the market for their day to day consumption. In such cases, the convmcentional economy use to dominate .
Depletion of natural resources to be put on hold is possible when agricultural practices take into account those parameters , otherwise it will continue unabated. A classical example , I can cite for burning of crop paddy residues in northwest India before wheatsowing in winter , thereby , creating a havoc to environment in that region.Despite all efforts plus policy interventions , such practices are continuing. Ling back , we used to listen about the popular program called integrated watershed management , still hardly practices . Application of fertigatiin technology, use of soil health card , coated urea etc ...they all address towards restoration of natural resources.
Most important of all is the strict implementation of Land Use Policy , depending upon natural resuorces .We hardly see such practices and hardly see changes in land use use pol8cy for decades , since there is no alarm bell policy that before a land use imposes it's negative impact on natural resources , we get on guard to rectify intime and move with revised land uses..???
The Roadmap for Circular Economy in Serbia is a process aiming to gather, promote and connect the identified stakeholders whose knowledge, innovation and creativity can contribute to a faster transition to circular economy. This document is a guide to circular economy transition models that equally focus on profit, environmental protection and preservation of resources. Economic, social and environmental dimensions are given equal importance. The goal of the Roadmap is to encourage manufacturing with the use of circular business models, to motivate the industry to create new jobs, and to improve doing business by finding innovative and sustainable solutions for the market. The intention of this document is to inspire the society to consider systemic changes in mindset, culture and attitude toward resources, as well as to encourage the political decision-makers to commit to altering the public policies and discourse in the context of circular economy...
https://www.rs.undp.org/content/serbia/en/home/library/mdg/roadmap-for-circular-economy-in-serbia.html?utm_source=EN&utm_medium=GSR&utm_content=US_UNDP_PaidSearch_Brand_English&utm_campaign=CENTRAL&c_src=CENTRAL&c_src2=GSR&gclid=Cj0KCQjwraqHBhDsARIsAKuGZeFBklHlaI4712ZAm41TdUphXWd_nPEA_krtdf-dt385httpWGmukRQaAt5DEALw_wcB
see this article :
Article Integrating the green economy, circular economy and bioecono...
Circular economy will mean change in consumer behaviour. This will entail reducing usage of materials that are not easily reusable and recycled.
All degrees should ideally carry some element of education on tackling climate change to help prepare graduates for the challenges of coming decades, according to a new paper. It should include circular economy also...
Paper released ahead of COP26 says lecturers need more support to integrate environmental issues into their teaching...
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/embed-climate-change-education-all-degrees-academics-urge?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial-daily
Circular thinking education will aid sustainable development
Inefficient management of the abundant natural resources in Africa prompted experts to call on universities on the continent to join the ‘education for circularity’ movement to equip students with knowledge and skills in circular thinking. This should contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 12 aimed at ensuring sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources...
https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20211016161730102
Universities should provide incentives and better support for academics to become involved in innovation activities, according to a report from the European University Association...
Survey by E U A finds gap between institutions’ commitment to innovation and their capacity to carry it out...
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/incentivise-staff-take-part-innovation-universities-told?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial-daily
Hi, regarding sustainable finance, I think you must follow these studies as below:
Article Tail dependence between bitcoin and green financial assets
Article Clean Energy, Australian Electricity Markets, and Informatio...
Chapter Applications of Blockchain Technology in the Finance and Ban...
Article Religion vs ethics: hedge and safe haven properties of Sukuk...
Article Examining the role of gender diversity on ownership structur...
How service offerings can go circular to help manufacturers rethink sustainability goals
From our research, here are three key areas where, by rethinking supply chains, workflows and delivery cycles, manufacturers can introduce sustainable change.
1. Manage circular product lifecycles with technology-led service offerings
2. Tailor reverse logistics value streams to optimize the repair-remittance cycle
3. Rectify business efficiencies with AI-powered planning and scheduling solutions...
https://www.smartindustry.com/articles/2021/how-service-offerings-can-go-circular-to-help-manufacturers-rethink-sustainability-goals/?utm_campaign=SI_2022_CAMP_SIEnews&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=199825966&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-85IxQJ6QXJebIEI--rT9UJf3uEmIvfrzI1qXsZXrcG7W6WWfOFYPxbCs3fsjxNxLZrdDRBarMs-IyGpSptLSlkEwK68UtAHkmzGy1gMU1LziO2ZVU
This study analyses the potential of Industry 4.0 and its underlying technologies to support the reduction of environmental impact of manufacturing. A focus was set on the introduction of a circular economy as the overarching strategy for reduction approaches. This was based on an analysis of current circular economy goals and policies, and a delineation of Industry 4.0 as both a technological concept and a new industrial strategy. From this, ensuing benefits were deduced and it was shown that these specifically hinge on the creation and provision of data and information by Industry 4.0 technologies. These can subsequently be used to improve existing practices to promote a circular economy or devise new instruments for impact reduction, ranging from circular design to supply chain reconfigurations based on intelligent products and processes. The nexus of the circular economy and Industry 4.0 in creating such benefits was illustrated by ten case studies...
economic balance in the world will never happen. like Charles Darwin's theory. who is strong he wins. life evolution
Firstly I want to highlight linear economy. In linear economy the steps are unidirectional.
Take-------Make------Use----Dispose
We need raw materials (TAKE) to produce our goods (MAKE) which after usage (USE) will turn into waste (DISPOSE). Most probably, this waste will pollute our planet. So linear economy doesn't promote sustainability.
Now when we moves to circular economy, it has broader aim. It promotes to limit the extraction of raw materials and the production of waste.The Circular Economy is a “make/remake — use/reuse” economy.
Circular economy promotes renewable sources of energy i.e. Solar energy, wind power and tidal power which should be used more in industry.
Developed and developing both countries are following circular economy to reduce wastage and to avoid global warming but strict policy is needed for 100% implication.
Best wishes
Dr. Ashwani Kumar
Principles of circular economy:
1. Driven by design.
2. Eliminate waste and pollution.
3. Circulate Products and Materials.
These principles are three main pillars of circular economy which drives it for sustainable development. Changes in consumer behaviour is needed is to adopt the circular economy. Although technological advancements made it easier to aware the consumer about sustainable development and they are following it. For example, these days aware consumers are avoiding to use plastic bags and single use plastic products.
The circular economy is going to be big. Industrial manufacturers should start small
"As Marie Antoinette would attest, revolutions can get ugly."
For industrial manufacturers, it’s not a question of whether the circular economy will change how business is done, but when...
Supplanting the “take-make-waste” of the old linear economy with the circular economy’s looping back of that “waste” into the production system will represent the most sweeping operational change since the Industrial Revolution introduced the mass production that industrial manufacturers now enable.
For this business, the circular economy will be revolutionary...
https://www.smartindustry.com/articles/2021/the-circular-economy-is-going-to-be-big-industrial-manufacturers-should-start-small/?utm_campaign=SI_2021_CAMP_SIEnews&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=198328519&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8iO4AwHbkKkjxX38o6kbh_8g59aNMHrN6Q1WunQVuovWNSN9E1-Z3CkqV4yf3JoIum9Y1CMIdr8QIOd-o321lnpkBjfgW8aIS1AerpAGTxvPId45s
Moving towards a more circular economy could deliver benefits such as reducing pressure on the environment, improving the security of the supply of raw materials, increasing competitiveness, stimulating innovation, boosting economic growth (an additional 0.5% of gross domestic product), creating jobs, ... https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/economy/20151201STO05603/circular-economy-definition-importance-and-benefits
All in all, a circular economy yields significant benefits to our agriculture, domestic, and industrial sector of our society. Most importantly, it tackles major global issues of biodiversity loss, resource scarcity, global warming, and pollution through its carbon-free aspect and restoration of the ecosystem. https://earth5r.org/crucial-reasons-implementing-circular-economy/
Dear Dr Stephen Poon . See the following useful RG link: Article Circular economy—A way forward to Sustainable Development: I...
My opinion is darwin's theory will happen Individuals with characteristics best suited to their environment are more likely to survive, finding food, avoiding predators and resisting disease. These individuals are more likely to reproduce and pass their genes on to their children.
Who strong win.....
Kindly see also the following useful RG link: Article Futures Studies & the Circular Economy: an Interdisciplinary...
Also check please the following good RG link: Article The Role of Institutions in Creating Circular Economy Pathwa...
The following RG link is also very useful: Article From Sustainable Global Value Chains to Circular Economy—Dif...
Check also the following very good RG link: Article Development of a circular economy and evolution of working c...
You can refer to my recent publications for further information and knowledge enrichment.
Here is the link to my publications:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sitara-Karim/research
Circular economy sustainability calls for change of consumption patterns and how we operate as far as energy and waste management issues are concerned.
Dear Sitara Karim , I have visited your publications page, but I have not found any article about circular economy! That is what this research question is about!
Dear Ljubomir Jacić thank you very much for pointing this out. My publications revolve around sustainability issues and climate concerns that ultimately lead toward a circular economy as asked in the research question. My publications do not answer directly but can provide a solid ground for a good kickstart.
Organizations and businesses need inspiration to take part in the circular transition.
Build a Sustainable Future by Supporting the Circular Economy
A circular economy gives us the tool to tackle resource use, climate change and biodiversity loss while addressing important social needs by repairing, refurbishing, reintroducing, remanufacturing or recycling products, keeping them in the economy. The goal is to have very little to no waste. Traditional economic approach is linear, beginning from natural resource to final product and ultimately disposal. Extending the life of electronic products and re-using components benefits the economy by generating less CO2 emission compared to mining for raw materials or manufacturing. Functioning equipment is valued more than the materials they contain. E-waste no longer becomes a waste or pollutant when it is put back into the economy in a useful format...
How can you advance sustainability and participate in the circular economy? Technology Rotation integrates payment solutions into the procurement strategy, contributing towards the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), lowering total cost of ownership, and creating a positive impact on the environment...
https://www.dell.com/en-us/blog/build-a-sustainable-future-by-supporting-the-circular-economy/
https://www.dell.com/en-us/dt/payment-solutions/leasing.htm#tab0=0
Sustainability is gaining in importance for many companies across a wide range of industries. Digital twins and hybrid models are a particularly useful tool to help companies make progress toward their sustainability goals, for operational excellence and integrity and supply chain optimization and planning. Asset-intensive companies typically address sustainability challenges through three primary levers: resource efficiency, circular economy and energy transition. Short-term projects are often focused toward resource efficiency, working to optimize use of energy, water and feedstock with existing assets. Longer-term efforts are directed toward fundamental changes in process and product technology and new energy sources. The unique demands of the circular economy, where economic activity is decoupled from the consumption of finite resources and waste is re-integrated into processes, is particularly challenging for manufacturers. Many companies are developing innovation strategies to redesign processes and products to eliminate waste and emissions. In addition, the high energy intensity of some industrial processes is forcing a transition toward alternative energies, and investment in new technologies and renewable feedstocks. These shifts are driving a fundamental rethinking of current business models as well as the tools and capabilities required to meet new objectives for success...
https://www.automation.com/en-us/articles/march-2022/make-digital-twins-sustainability-program
IT departments need holistic circular economies to fight climate change
With sustainability moving up the boardroom agenda, IT managers should revamp procurement strategies to align with the principles of the circular economy, but what does this mean for managing the IT lifecycle?
Enterprises must build holistic circular economies around their operations to address every source of emissions and waste if the IT sector is to tackle its mounting contribution to ecological collapse...
https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/IT-departments-need-holistic-circular-economies-to-fight-climate-change?utm_campaign=20220607_Grain+expands+fibre+network+as+CityFibre+hits+gigabit+roll-out+accelerator&utm_medium=EM&utm_source=MDN&source_ad_id=252520725&asrc=EM_MDN_226714112&bt_ee=3oCXKuJ41bLsKyEbN9zW638Z0XMgQJf9AAxSgkJZI6p7ynoxt+FH413ApzwtuNYHM7kyLbb8sSg8oUrw0mnJcw%3D%3D&bt_ts=1654597687835
The textiles industry urgently needs input from researchers to help it to embrace the circular economy...
More than 50 billion garments are discarded within a year of being made, according to a report from an expert workshop convened by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology. There’s a big role for research — both academic and industrial — in helping the industry to cut its staggering environmental impact...
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-02914-2
World leaders are converging on the idea that it’s time to stop using gross domestic product (GDP) as the world’s main measure of prosperity. Instead, we could complement it with a dashboard of indicators on the economy, health, ecosystems, climate and more. If this happens, it would be the biggest shift in how economies are measured since nations first started using GDP in 1953, almost 70 years ago. “Absurdly, GDP rises when there is overfishing, cutting of forests or burning of fossil fuels,” wrote UN secretary-general António Guterres in 2021. “We are destroying nature, but we count it as an increase in wealth.”
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-03576-w
BREAKING CIRCULAR ECONOMY BARRIERS - GO CIRCULAR
In recent years, European and international policies that aim to implement circular economy have been put in place, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Circular Economy Action Plan, the European Green Deal and the European Plastics Strategy. The EU Circular Economy Action Plan notes that it is impossible to achieve climate-neutrality by 2050 without transitioning to a fully circular economy.
The circular economy has been recognized as a new concept to be implemented throughout the Western Balkans region. However, as the concept is still in its formative years, many across this region only have a partial understanding of what a circular economy fully entails...
This high-level conference is followed by bilateral international meetings aiming at fostering circular economy business and R&D synergies and collaborations. It enables participants to discover the opportunities of Green and Circular Economy, meeting business, technology and R&D partners. Information will be provided about partners and funding for your circular economy projects...
https://wbc-rti.info/object/event/23337
How to make the construction industry circular
Sand — specifically river and beach sand, which is needed for building — is running out. Without it, the construction industry is facing a crisis. A fresh framework for thinking about construction and the economy could help. A circular model, designed to keep materials in use for as long as possible, would mean that less sand ends up in landfill and less energy is wasted during construction, leading to a more sustainable industry that benefits businesses and the planet...
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-03652-1
No green economy without green skills: HE’s critical role
As global economies shift from linear to circular economies, the need to build on green skills and competencies becomes critical across sectors and industries, and the role of universities in developing these skills becomes more evident...
https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20221123123756933&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GLNL0718
QUILL Research Centre brings research chemists and chemical engineers together to discover how ionic liquids can transform green technology and achieve a circular economy...
https://www.qub.ac.uk/Research/research-themes/campaign-themes/chemistry-to-circular-economy/?utm_source=timeshighereducation.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=smc_international_mixed_world_class_22_23
The market for valuable rare-earth elements is “a ‘zero sum’ game, in which one nation’s or company’s gain is another’s loss”, write a group of environmental management and resource economics researchers. They propose rethinking the industry to meet the soaring demands of clean-energy technologies, without damaging the environment. Policies and programmes need to encourage recycling, recovery and tracing of rare-earth elements, and the supply chain needs to be reworked to build “win–win alliances and a global circular economy”, they write...
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02153-z
To combat wastage and improve the environment, learning about the circular economy must be embedded in university and it must happen now...
Education is critical in ensuring students understand, respect and appreciate a “life cycle mindset”, where products are made to be used as long as possible. But, why is it important for institutions to embrace the circular economy?
Today, the circularity transition has been slow in scalability due to the lack of synergised action from different stakeholders, the existing inert production and consumption system, and the lack of knowledge. Education is critical in accelerating the transition.
We need to:
i) Develop a circularity mindset;
ii) Acquire knowledge on circularity in different sectors (from policy, R&D, industries, to financing);
iii) Discover & Create exciting business opportunities;
iv) Practice Entrepreneur activities;
v) Understand how circularity can address the three pillars of sustainability: environment, society, and economy, accelerate the reaching of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)...
https://magazine.qs.com/qs-insights-magazine-6/the-view
Automation enables a circular economy for plastic recycling
Digitalization is foundational to creating a sustainable solution for plastic trash by improving manufacturing processes...
When looking at the diagram, imagine taking the “dispose” end of the linear lifecycle flow, pulling it around, and grafting it to the line between “extract raw materials” and “design and manufacture.” This is the ultimate realization of recycling because energy can pass from one step to the next, with less overall waste compared to the linear approach.
The flow is circular when:
• Waste is reintegrated into new products;
• Energy is recovered and retained from one step to the next;
• Additional energy comes from renewable sources as needed; and
• Products are designed and manufactured to apply these concepts...
https://www.controlglobal.com/manage/sustainability/article/33010161/automation-enables-a-circular-economy-for-plastic-recycling?utm_source=CTRL+Control+Global+eNews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS230822140&o_eid=8360I8613690H9M&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|8360I8613690H9M&oly_enc_id=8360I8613690H9M
One solution to the global plastic problem is to shift from a linear economy (take–make–waste) to a circular one (see attached ‘Making plastics go round’), in which products are designed to be used, reused, repurposed and recycled as much as possible. Each step should generate little to no waste...
"The focus of our research is on materials called polymers that are created from renewable resources, such as biomass. They are well suited to a circular economy, because they can be composted or transformed through thermal, chemical or biological processes into simpler molecules, known as monomers, that can serve as feedstock for new plastics, fuels or other products.
But shifting from linear to circular is no easy feat. Scientists and engineers must develop materials that replace current plastics effectively — serving the same purposes with minimal extra costs — but they also have to ensure that the products generated at each step can be recycled or composted. The resulting materials need to be produced on a scale similar to that of current plastics and, in practice, should mainly use the same technologies. Furthermore, components should degrade completely on timescales of months to years if they leak into the environment..."
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00155-z