ISCC as a solution provider for sustainably certified biopolymers supply chains

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Food waste is a critical issue with implications for consumers, environmental sustainability, and supply chain dynamics. The primary objective of this research was to conduct a bibliometric analysis of recent literature on food waste, using Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus to identify gaps for future research projects especially on the field of food waste and sustainable food waste management. This approach allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the performance and efficiency of scientific research in this area. The use of both databases was a distinctive aspect of the study, as previous research has typically relied on a single database. The study analysed publication trends between 2019 and 2024, focusing on highly cited documents, research areas, and keyword co-occurrence patterns, highlighting the growing relevance and importance of sustainability. In particular, there has been a significant increase in research published in environmental sciences, engineering, and energy fuels since 2020, reflecting the growing recognition of the role of food waste in reducing environmental footprints and enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. The keyword analysis showed that between 2021 and 2023, the dominant themes were circular economy, sustainable development, development goals, supply chains, and life cycle assessments. More recent publications have shifted towards topics such as artificial intelligence, Sustainable Development Goals, empirical analysis, energy transition and green marketing. The research shows that the hospitality industry plays a crucial role in the sustainable food waste management, with effective strategies involving management practices, employee training, consumer behavior, and digital technologies offering both environmental and economic benefits. Further research is needed to explore the influence of cultural, institutional, emotional, and demographic factors, as well as the potential of circular economy models and platform-based solutions to enhance waste reduction and sustainability in different contexts. • A bibliometric analysis on food waste was performed using WOS and Scopus databases • The bibliometric analysis highlighted the global distribution of publications, with the UK, Italy, Spain, China, and the US leading in terms of output • Between 2021 and 2023, the dominant themes were circular economy, sustainable development, development goals, supply chains, and life cycle assessments • Recent publications moved towards sustainable development and bibliometric analysis, environmental sustainability and responsibility, circular business and economy. • The integration of circular economy approach into sustainability goals is a key strategy for reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency

Over the last decade, the unsustainability of the current economic model, based on the so-called take-make-dispose paradigm, has emerged. In particular, the agro-food sector (AFS) has been severely affected by such problems as resource scarcity and food loss and waste generation along the supply chain. In addition, climate change and biodiversity loss have helped to define an imperative paradigm shift towards a circular economy. Recently, with the publication of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the scientific research examining the adoption of circular economy (CE) models and tools has increased. In this context, the importance of shifting towards a circular economy has become urgent. In this paper, a systematic literature review (SLR) was performed to investigate the state-of-the-art research related to the adoption of circular economy models and tools along the agro-food supply chain. Furthermore, this review highlights that, due to the complexity of the agri-food supply chain, it is almost utopian to define a unique circular economy model for the whole sector. In addition, it emerges that future researches should be concentrated on the integration of different stages of the supply chain with circular economy models and tools in order to create a closed-loop agri-food system.

With China ’s rapid economic development, energy is consumed in a large amount at the same time. It is difficult to achieve sustainable development in the long-term extensive use of energy. Changing the use of energy and developing new energy technologies can not only ease the current energy supply problem in China, but also contribute to the development of circular economy in china. The best path for new energy development is an important guarantee for the development of circular economy, through the use of new energy technologies to achieve sustainable development goals and improve the quality of circular economy, This paper combines the research and application of new energy technologies in the development of China's circular economy to find the problems in the development and use of new energy technologies: insufficient government policy support, lack of talents in the development of new energy technologies, and lack of research and development and innovation capabilities in new energy technologies. Practical solutions are proposed: perfecting policies and regulations, cultivating new energy technology talents through multiple channels, improving independent research and development and innovation capabilities, finding the best path for China's new energy development, accelerating the upgrade of new energy technologies and thus promoting China's development of a circular economy.

Resource Depletion Risk for Medical Equipment: Embracing the Circular Economy.

PurposeThis study aims to examine the role of Pakistan’s banking industry in the transition toward a circular economy (CE) and the implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs).Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a qualitative content analysis technique on 75 annual reports of 25 Pakistani banks. Data has been collected from websites and annual reports of concerned banks incorporating CE practices and SDGs in their annual reports. In addition, the data collected from the annual reports of concern sample is based on three dimensions of sustainable development (environmental, social and governance) along with the leading practices of CE to reduce, reuse, recycle, redesign, restructure, and recover.FindingsThe findings show that most firms have reported CE and SDGs. Also, the study explores the level and linkage of CE and SDGs practices among the sample firms.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides important insights for the regulators, policymakers, State Bank of Pakistan, commercial banks and stakeholders in Pakistan’s banking industry. It adds significant value to the CE and SDGs, especially in developing economies like Pakistan.Originality/valueThe study has explored and examined the ever-investigated dimensions of SDGs and CE in the banking industry of Pakistan.

The article is concerned with studying the processes of forming strategies of agricultural enterprises in a circular economy. It is noted that the successful functioning of enterprises depends on the development and implementation of appropriate strategies. It is proved that when formulating a strategy by agricultural enterprises in the context of implementing the circular economy model, it is necessary to focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by introducing innovative methods and technologies that minimize the consumption of limited resources, stimulate their replacement with renewable ones, prevent losses and stimulate reuse and recycling. It is substantiated that the concept of circular economy in the agro-industrial complex corresponds to the basic principles of agriculture and has features that ensure its implementation. It is noted that only the introduction of digital innovations creates the conditions for the implementation of the circular economy concept in agriculture (due to the innovative component, a wide range of directions for the use of waste and secondary resources is provided, and the process of adaptation to natural, economic, environmental, social and sectoral features is carried out). Livestock waste (manure, dung, litter, etc.) can be used as a source of fertilizers for crop production and biogas production. At the same time, large quantities of livestock waste can be dangerous, pollute the environment, cause unpleasant odors, etc. Insufficiently developed technologies for processing manure and litter cause environmental, social and economic costs. All of this complicates the operations of livestock and poultry enterprises. The formation of a strategy by agricultural enterprises in a circular economy involves the use of innovative technologies for manure and litter processing, which should not only reliably disinfect them but also preserve their nutrients to the maximum extent possible. Increasing crop yields and preserving humus is achieved not only through fertilization. Soil cultivation technology also plays a significant role in this. The concept of a circular economy continues to evolve. The implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals is achieved within the framework of general innovation processes taking place in the economy and society. Today, the introduction of innovations involves taking into account the social, economic and environmental needs of various economic actors. A promising area of research is the elaboration of a strategy for the development of a circular digital agricultural economy.

The concept of the bio-based economy has gained increasing attention and importance in recent years. It is seen as a chance to reduce the dependency on fossil resources while securing a sustainable supply of energy, water, and raw materials, and furthermore preserving soils, climate and the environment. The intended transformation is characterized by economic, environmental and social challenges and opportunities, and it is understood as a social transition process towards a sustainable, bio-based and nature-oriented economy. This process requires general mechanisms to establish and monitor safeguards for a sustainable development of the bio-based economy on a national and EU level. Sustainability certification and standardisation of bio-based products can help to manage biogenic resources and their derived products in a sustainable manner. In this paper, we have analysed the current status of sustainability certification and standardisation in the bio-based economy by conducting comprehensive desktop research, which was complemented by a series of expert interviews. The analysis revealed an impressive amount of existing certification frameworks, criteria, indicators and applicable standards. However, relevant gaps relating to existing criteria sets, the practical implementation of criteria in certification processes, the legislative framework, end-of-life processes, as well as necessary standardisation activities, were identified which require further research and development to improve sustainability certification and standardisation for a growing bio-based economy.

The rapid worldwide transition to electric vehicles (EVs), propelled by progress in lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology, brings opportunities and problems in sustainable development and resource management. This study examines how incorporating circular economy ideas and enhancing skills in EV LIB recycling can be a strategic approach to meeting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The article explores the relationship between environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social fairness by studying EV battery recycling, the workforce skills gap, and the economic ramifications of a circular approach. Based on the existing literature, the study highlights the importance of circular economy practices in improving resource efficiency, decreasing environmental pollution, and supporting various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those concerning responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9). The study highlights the significance of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in preparing the workforce with the essential skills to adapt to a more sustainable and circular economy. It also highlights significant obstacles in present recycling methods, such as technological limitations, legislative discrepancies, and the necessity for worldwide collaboration and standardization. The paper suggests practical policy suggestions and future research paths to improve the sustainability of EV battery recycling. The initiatives involve establishing global recycling standards, promoting circular economy models through incentives, boosting technological innovation, and facilitating international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The circular economy is presented as the sustainable solution as opposed to the current linear model of production and resource management, whose effects impact negatively on the economic, social and environmental dimensions. Through a systematic review of the literature, this article aims to unify and to uncover the available evidence on innovation in relation to the circular economy and to determine those aspects that remain unexplored or should be studied in more depth in order to be able to continue to make progress in this field. Thus, it was found that although the circular economy is at an early stage of implementation, both its benefits and drivers as well as its challenges and barriers to implementation have already been investigated. More importantly, it was found that ecological innovations, which reduce the environmental impact of production and consumption activities, are necessary for the research of new business models and new ways of operating in supply chains that allow closing the circle and taking advantage of all the waste, such as the system of products and services, dynamic capabilities, 3D printing, the biography of the product and the software recycling. To achieve this goal, the evidence shows that it is mandatory to raise awareness of the situation, especially through marketing actions, as well as for companies, including SMEs, to be willing to act together and to align their interests. Implications for Central European audience: The United Nations 2030 Agenda includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to which countries should implement the circular economy in order to move towards greater sustainability. In this context, European Union is key for this development, as it is one of the world’s major power. This article aims to unify and uncover the available evidence on innovation in relation to the circular economy and to determine those aspects that remain unexplored or should be studied in more depth. By doing so, it will be able to continue to make progress in the framework of the circular economy, enabling the achievement of the ODS. In addition, the majority of the articles reviewed take place in Europe.

Plastic is an incredibly versatile and useful material, however with only a fraction of this material being collected for recycling, it thus creates a serious environmental issue. Much of the research on plastics that contributes to a circular economy emphasises end of life, whereas solutions may be present earlier in the supply chain. There is a need for an evidence-based framework that describes circular economy interventions that can occur throughout the plastics supply chain.This research is, to the best of the authors knowledge, the most comprehensive review of plastics focussed circular economy literature covering the previous 21 years and 391 articles. Using a semi-systematic approach, a coding framework was designed to assign articles to one of sixteen circular economy stages across the supply chain. Papers were also coded according to their polymer resin types, first author country and plastic use categories. The resulting coded database was interrogated for publication trends across these categories.Our results show that publications in this field are growing rapidly, with much of the published literature coming from Europe and America. We also noted that most of the articles appeared general in nature, not specifying a particular resin type or plastic use category. This may limit the translation of research into practical, implementable solutions.The data obtained was used to validate a comprehensive framework that describes and quantifies the full breadth of circular economy interventions for the plastics supply chain. This research takes the sixteen circular economy stages our research identified and divides them into six key areas: resources (n = 67, 17%), production (n = 31,8%), use (n = 37, 9%), recycling (n = 100, 26%), waste (n = 49.13%), and system analysis (n = 107, 27%). This shows that by far, there is a focus in the literature on system-based approaches and recycling interventions, constituting 53% of all articles examined. In contrast, early-stage interventions involving production and use appear as relative gaps, collectively making up only 17% of the articles examined.The most important contribution of this research is to develop and validate a conceptual framework for plastics in the circular economy. This framework can be applied to addressing and conceptualising a circular economy for plastics in research, industry and policy settings, thus serving to catalyse this transition.

Since the 1990s, the notion of a circular economy has been developing globally; countries all over the world have been considering the development of a circular economy as an important means of achieving sustainable development. As the development of an industrial circular economy can help promote the efficient recycling of resources, it is an important starting point for industrial transformation and upgrading, and represents a key factor that will lead to the development of a circular economy in China. China’s varying provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) have successively implemented circular economy practices in the industrial field. The research object of the present study is 30 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the control of central government (Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Tibet were not included owing to lack of data). Through the integration of geographic information systems (GIS) technology and the spatial analysis model, data envelopment analysis (DEA) model, and Tobit regression model, a measure model and index system are constructed, in order to carry out a multi-angle comprehensive study integrating the efficiency evaluation, spatial analysis, and influencing factors analysis of China’s industrial circular economy. It is an important innovation, and an important contribution to the existing research system. The conclusions are as follows: (1) In general, the overall level of China’s industrial circular economy’s efficiency was not high, and there was still a lot of room for improvement. The integrated efficiency of the industrial circular economy in the eastern region was relatively high, followed by that in the western region, and the lowest level in the middle region. (2) The efficiency of China’s industrial circular economy displayed obvious spatial aggregation characteristics at the provincial level, including clear spatial dependence and spatial heterogeneity. High-value aggregation areas were mainly distributed in the eastern coastal areas, and low-value aggregation areas were concentrated and contiguously distributed in the middle and western inland areas. (3) The four elements of economic level, openness to the outside, government regulation, and industrialization aggregation each impose a significant positive impact on the efficiency of China’s industrial circular economy, which can promote its efficiency. The level of industrialization exerts a significant negative impact on the efficiency of the industrial circular economy, which hampers its improvement. The impact of technological innovation on the efficiency of the industrial circular economy is not statistically significant.

The pulp and paper industry is one of the leading sectors that can grow significantly due to the application of advanced technology. The development of recycled paper follows the development of the pulp and paper industry in Indonesia. The trend towards sustainability in the pulp and paper industry drives waste paper recycling. This study aims to provide recommendations for technology in waste treatment in the pulp and paper industry from the perspective of the circular economy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This research method uses a systematic literature review with descriptive and qualitative data. The research result shows that mechanical and chemical recycling methods were found in the literature. Most of the technologies are used to make alternative use of waste, such as construction material use, pyrolysis, gas-forming, Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), incinerator, and other alternative use. Appropriate technology applied to plastic waste management should be encouraged to support a circular economy and five potential SDGs out of seventeen goals: SDG 3, SDG 6, SDG 9, SDG 12, and SDG 13. In times of diverse growth in technologies and advanced knowledge, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be possible for relevant future research needs or reshaping the existing research. Keywords: circular economy, plastic waste management, pulp and paper waste management, sdgs, waste to energy

Revisiting circular economy indicators: A circular supply chain perspective

In the next few years, the EU economy must go through a big change that will lead to a greener and more sustainable Europe. The goal is to use natural resources less, which will help protect biodiversity and cut down on waste, both of which are important parts of being sustainable. The EU Commission has been publishing reports, decisions and plans for the transition to a circular economy since 2015, with the primary aim of helping European countries to make the transition and accelerate progress. In 2020 the European Commission adopted a new Circular Economy Action Plan, and measuring the transition to a circular economy is part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under SDG 12, Sustainable Production and Consumption. All EU Member States now aim to monitor their progress towards the SDG targets. After 2017, the problem of measuring the circular economy has also seen a surge in the literature, with an increasing number of experts exploring the issue. The circular economy concept covers many sectors, so it is clear that it cannot be captured by a single indicator. However, each country measures this using different national indicators, depending on the country's weaknesses and what it considers important to measure. Today, the issue of the transition to a circular economy (CE) in the EU has gained momentum. In recent years, the shift towards a circular economy has become increasingly visible in EU Member States. In their statistical records, they try to provide indicators to show the extent of this change. In other words, EU countries are increasingly focusing on measuring their progress at a macro level. At the same time, Member States are using different approaches to measuring sustainable consumption and production, and thus different indicators to measure the circular economy, and the shift towards the circular economy has become more pronounced in both less developed and developed EU Member States. The difference between Member States in this respect lies in their different levels of development and the fact that they have their own strategies and indicators. All the indicators under SDG 12 on achieving sustainable consumption and production measure the achievement of this objective. The difference between countries is that the indicators against which the SDGs are measured are not uniform. The indicators and their corresponding values can be found in the statistical systems of the Member States. The following study brings together the relevant information and aims to provide a general picture of the similarities and differences in this area, and to divide the EU countries into two distinct clusters using the indicators of the circular economy.