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Abstract: A high number of electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to reach end-of-(first)-life during the mobility transition, leaving large volumes of scarce materials behind. At the same time, shortages are expected in the supply chain for battery materials, emphasising the urgency to develop a circular economy for EV batteries. In this study, we investigated the market formation of repurposing and recycling by simulating long-term market dynamics. We quantitatively assessed the reinforcing and counteracting impact of the newly introduced EU battery regulation (2023/1542). We built a system dynamics model to capture the decision factors for repurposing or recycling end-of-life EV batteries. Our findings reveal that the EU battery regulation is effective when it comes to building the required recycling capacities. Our simulations highlight that the current recycling capacities are insufficient to meet the growing demand, thereby highlighting the need for investors to expand the current facilities. On the other hand, the EU battery regulation, which promotes recycling with mandatory recycling shares, leads to a considerable dropping of shares in the emerging repurposing market. Our study concludes that, to achieve a circular economy for EV batteries, balanced support for recycling and repurposing is needed. We call for a complementary policy framework that ensures that repurposing is an integral part of the closed-loop system.
Abstract: Using a qualitative case-study approach, we assess the barriers and policy challenges that companies in the EU battery sector face in implementing circularity. The study involves a sample of 20 companies drawn from a combination of purposeful and snowball sampling methods. Empirical data were collected through in-depth interviews. The results show that the EU's revised policy framework for batteries, high-level strategies and financial support for research projects can be enabling factors for adopting circularity approaches. At the same time, interviews reveal uncertainties about the requirements of the EU Batteries Regulation on data sharing, responsibility for end-of-life (EoL) battery management and carbon footprint. Other key concerns identified are the complex cross-border movement of EoL batteries, the lack of ecodesign requirements and inconsistent waste classification frameworks. Our results suggest that the EU policy mix affecting battery circularity extends to various domains, which highlights the importance of ensuring coherence between instruments and objectives.
Abstract: This study examines data from the EU-23 from 2010 to 2020 using panel regression methods. It explores the long-term relationships between ecological footprint types and circular economy indicators, such as per capita municipal waste generation, the municipal waste recycling rate, investment, circularity rate, and trade in recyclable materials. This study revealed four key findings. 1) All ecological footprints showed negative or minimal growth, except for forest footprints. Positive yet weak elasticities were found in forest ecological footprint factors, such as municipal waste generation, investment, and recycling rate. 2) The municipal waste recycling rate displayed negligible negative elasticities in total and carbon footprints. 3) Investment elasticities all footprint categories except carbon footprint were generally positive, but slight, indicating an ecological footprint. 4) The circularity rate showed negative elasticities in total and carbon footprints, particularly for the latter. These insights suggest that targeted investments in waste management and zero-waste technologies can reduce the ecological footprint. The EU should also diversify investments beyond energy efficiency, including protecting, restoring, and enhancing forests as well as eco-friendly food systems. Encouraging secondary raw material markets can significantly reduce ecological footprints. The policy implications emphasize investing in zero-waste technologies and diversifying investments for ecological balance.
Abstract: The intensive use of non-renewable production resources and the associated growing environmental pollution forces us to look for new methods of halting these negative trends. Circular economy is one such method. This phenomenon is the subject of numerous studies attempting to assess its condition at both the micro and macro levels, the implementation of circular economy strategies, its environmental impact, the context of waste generation, etc. On the other hand, little attention is paid to assessing its efficiency. Technological efficiency, i.e., the relationship between material footprint and waste generation, is of particular importance, since the amount of waste generated primarily depends on the technology used at the time of production. Thus, this paper aims to analyse and assess the development of technological efficiency over a certain period of time. Further, it is necessary not only to build on the results of development at the end of this period, but also to assess the extent of the changes that have taken place during it in order to reflect the actual state of affairs. Thus, the final result takes into account both the intensity of the development of technological efficiency and the importance of its current state to the overall development process.
Abstract: Life cycle thinking methods such as life cycle assessment (LCA) and costing (LCC) were originally developed to assess the performance of products and services (business-making decisions). However, they are increasingly deployed to support policy-making along the entire policy cycle, including via impact assessment (IA) of different policy options. These applications are associated with a number of challenges, mainly related to the dynamic and prospective nature of policy IA, typically forward-looking into 10–20 years ahead. This requires the application of prospective scenario analyses to develop the baseline scenario, reflecting the ‘do nothing’ into the future (business-as-usual), and the alternative scenarios, reflecting the consequences incurred by the implementation of the policy options under study. Such prospective and broadened boundary nature of policy IA challenges traditional LCA/LCC practices mostly based on retrospective, static scenarios and datasets. The present study provides an overview of recent IA studies supporting waste policy to show the state-of-the-art and the main challenges associated with the application of life cycle methods in IA, focusing on the most recent EU waste and circular economy policies. Moreover, since specific and transparent guidance on how to implement consistently these methods in policy IA is lacking, the study provides an initial guidance for application of life cycle thinking in IA drawing upon the knowledge obtained conducting waste policy IA studies. Key challenges in the field are still to be addressed, and might inspire further research to improve the application of life cycle thinking to policy assessment.
Abstract: The EU has traditionally adopted a ‘silo approach’ in the policy areas of climate change (CC), biodiversity (BIO) and circular economy (CE), which does not reflect the actual interlinkages between these different domains. The European Green Deal (EGD), in contrast, has been shaped as an integrated growth strategy, which aims at transforming the EU into a climate neutral and resource efficient economy, while protecting, conserving and enhancing the EU's natural capital. The present article carries out an in-depth qualitative analysis to investigate whether the ambition of making the EU environmental policy more consistent with the ‘Nexus thinking’ has been really embedded in the policy design of the whole EGD strategic framework (which currently comprises almost 30 strategic documents). It emerges that, while many CC-BIO-CE interlinkages have been addressed, others that may be critical to meeting the EGD goals still need to be fully understood and managed. Among trade-offs, a special attention should be paid to the planned use of the maritime space according to different objectives that seem difficult to reconcile, the ‘substitution process’ triggered by the large-scale deployment of zero-emission vehicles, and the potential effects on biodiversity of the increasing use of biomaterials. With regard to synergies, the CE-BIO connection may be strengthened through a stricter focus of the CE concept on how resources are extracted (which could include the implementation of regenerative practices). Moreover, in order to truly incorporate CE into CC policy, the real impact of the former on GHG emissions should be better demonstrated and measured.
Abstract: Integrating green supply chain strategies and circular economy (CE) practices holds substantial potential for promoting environmental sustainability and reducing CO2 emissions. This study investigates the synergy between green supply chain practices, circular economy, and economic growth (RGDP) impacts on carbon emissions in 13 selected European Union (EU) countries, using a comprehensive panel dataset from 2000 to 2022. We employ both linear and nonlinear panel ARDL models, along with causality tests, to examine how CO2 emissions respond to changes in green supply chain management (GSCM), real GDP (RGDP), and various recycling practices, including bio-waste, municipal waste, and packaging waste. Our findings reveal that GSCM practices significantly reduce carbon emissions in the long run, while economic growth (RGDP) and municipal waste generation correlate positively with increased CO2 emissions. Interestingly, the nonlinear ARDL model highlights that only recycling packaging waste (RWP) exhibits a positive long-run effect on reducing emissions. Additionally, the method of moments quantile regression (MMQR) analysis indicates that the impact of GSCM is more pronounced at higher quantiles of CO2 emissions, whereas the effect of RGDP on emissions remains inconsistent. These results underscore the crucial need to adopt and enhance green supply chain practices within a circular economy framework to achieve substantial carbon emission reductions, holding significant implications for carbon emissions policies in the selected EU countries.
Abstract: Fostering innovation is one of the key roles of the Circular Economy (CE) that applies also to European Union (EU) firms, because entrepreneurs are persistently seeking new ways and means to create values, contributing with significant market opportunities, and depicting large potential for EU sustainable growth. This study explores the effects of firms’ investments in using highly disruptive technologies in the energy sector on the Eurozone (EU-27) in the last two decades (1990–2019). An Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) experiment through a Deep Learning (DL) approach is implemented to test this hypothesis. The empirical findings show that investments in highly disruptive technologies, especially by large digitally qualified companies, boost economic growth. They are also a crucial driver of digitalization not only because they enhance a wide strategic change implying a radical innovation in business models, but they completely transform markets, from energy to food production, water resources, pollution, connectivity, and plastic waste. These expected benefits represent a possible policy measure to offset the decline in global activity due to the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on global energy markets. In addition, a positive association between trade and output is confirmed. Finally, promising policy actions are discussed.
Abstract: Moving from a linear to a circular economy is crucial to reduce environmental pressure. This transition is particularly relevant in the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) industry, given that EEE has one of the fastest-growing waste streams. Recycling is one solution for dealing with the growing amounts of this e-waste. Therefore, this paper analyses the drivers and barriers to e-waste recycling, taking into account the role of economic, social, institutional, and behavioural factors. Yearly data from 2010 to 2018 for 20 European Union countries were analysed employing an Arellano-Bond Generalised Method of Moments. The main findings were that, while environmental taxes and education boost the rate of e-recycling, economic growth and R&D appear to reduce it, and certain age groups are less likely to recycle e-waste. Recycling policies should prioritize education, environmental taxes, and addressing reluctance among the young and elderly to recycle.
Abstract: The rapid growth of the ecological footprint within the European Union (EU) has indicated a strong need for new and innovative approaches to sustainably managing natural resources. To this end, this study delves into how to harness the power of financial technology (FinTech) by infusing the principles of circular economy and technological innovation to address the growing ecological footprint. This study aims to explore the intricate interplay of natural resources, circular economy, and technological innovation on the effect of ecological footprint, particularly focusing on FinTech as a moderator in these relationships. The common correlated effects mean group (CCGMG) estimator addresses panel data's heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence, which is essential for understanding the complex nature of ecological footprint issues. The evidence from 27 EU countries spanning 2013 to 2021 suggests that while more natural resources are used, the ecological footprint will increase, but improving circular economy practices and technological innovation will massively reduce this increase. Specifically, a 1% increase in natural resources leads to a corresponding 0.079% rise in ecological footprint, while a 1% increase in the circular economy and technological innovation reduces ecological footprint by 0.328% and 0.326%, respectively. Furthermore, FinTech stands out as a pivotal moderating force in amplifying the positive effects of circular economy and technological innovation towards ecological sustainability. Notably, it cushions the negative impacts of natural resource use and reinforces the power of sustainable practices on the footprint-reducing effect. From that angle, several targeted policy recommendations are proposed to harness FinTech's capabilities of resources and waste management, optimizing financial capital allocation, and enhancing financing efficiency. The study provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for promoting green initiatives within the EU and globally, aligning with the overall objectives of environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
Abstract: Despite the tremendous social development and economic prosperity brought about by technological progress, the environment of our planet is gradually deteriorating. In this context, the peaceful rise of green product consumption offers a practical solution. Consumers are becoming more aware of environmental issues. Among sustainable product studies, we can find that sensory design can impact consumers’ consumption decisions. In this study, we use COOC 13.4 and VOSviewer to map and explore research on sustainable products related to sensory science and consumers. We collected 779 papers as data between 2017 and 2022 from Web of Science, Engineering Village, and Scopus. After literature filtering, the existing studies were divided into four main categories: studies on sustainable design considering visuals with consumption, design studies related to health sustainability, sensory-related sustainable products considering consumer experience design, and design research on fuzzy mathematical methods. In addition, we summarize three elements that represent current research hotspots: the role of the consumer, the focus on sensory-related sustainable design, and the impact of sensory science on sustainable products. Finally, recommendations are offered to inform and enhance this field for future researchers.
Abstract: Recent developments in the field of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and its enabling technologies have led to a renewed interest in sustainable product design (SPD). So far, however, little research has adequately addressed these issues. Inspired by I4.0 and sustainability initiatives, this study aims to present a new perspective on the development of SPD through an integrative review. The purpose is to provide frameworks as a stepping stone toward the development of SPD in the technology-driven context of I4.0. Based on the four characteristics of intelligentization, digitalization, servitization, and networkization of I4.0, four pillows of the development framework were introduced. These include artificial intelligence-aided design (AI-aided design, AIAD), cyber-physical design (CPD), product-service design (PSD), and cross-platform collaborative design (CPCD). The proposed frameworks have a meaningful impact and positive implications for SPD associated with the corresponding I4.0 technologies. They can offer holistic solutions for SPD, leading to a more agile, responsive, resource-efficient, and sustainability-visible design process and design outcome. The study also discusses limitations and future research implications.
Abstract: Implementing circularity presents a multifaceted and intricate challenge to address sustainability issues. With 80% of environmental impacts determined in the design stage, the product's design becomes paramount in enabling the product and/or material circularity. Transitioning from the current linear economy to a circular one requires enforcement of radical approach to the design process. Existing R-strategies frameworks for design are either too complex or overly simplistic to be incorporated organically into product development process. The lack of standardized perspective in different fields when incorporating circular design often led to multiple interpretations of circularity. This paper proposes a framework that supports the incorporation of the R-strategies as four design principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recover, Rethink) to enhance the circularity of the product. The framework will be applied to the redesign of a hybrid thumbdrive-name card design case study. These designs illustrate how the 4R design principles can generate strategies that can be applied to address the circularity of the product while maintaining the same design requirements. A comparative life cycle assessment is performed to each design against the original design and the results are discussed.
Abstract: The megatrend sustainability is changing the way industrial companies view their products and services and how they interact with the environment. In combination with digitalization, the way their systems (products and services) evolve is undergoing a significant shift, offering huge potential for optimization in favor of sustainability. Large volumes of data from the systems-in-use, software tools, and databases reshape how the system life cycle unfolds. This results into complex interrelationships between the life cycle phases and the created and used artifacts (i.e. models or production reports). The challenge for industrial companies is to get a structured overview of data sources, and data flows along the system life cycle. To address these challenges, a system life cycle data map has been developed utilizing design science. The data map illustrates the system life cycle phases, the related data sources and associated artifacts, and their interrelationships, i.e., the data flows between different artifacts. Applying the data map for a given system enhances data clarity and opens new opportunities for improving the system life cycle, its design, and potential for data-driven applications.
Abstract: In recent decades, the pressure from regulations and consumers for products with enhanced sustainability performance has escalated the implementation of sustainability actions by companies. For manufacturing companies specifically, Sustainable Product Development (SPD) is a key approach for reducing the sustainability impacts of the developed products, across their entire life cycle. Despite the availability of wide range of management practices for SPD to support embedding sustainability into the product development process, the extent of their application by companies remains underexplored. To fulfil this gap, an industry survey was conducted to investigate the capability of manufacturing companies to apply a consolidated set of 61 SPD management practices. The overall results which comprised 20 companies across 14 sectors revealed that most of the practices are still applied at a low capability level by most companies. This result indicates a large theory-practice gap particularly in understanding the influence of the type of business, variation in capability levels across different business processes and stages of the product development that influence the successful implementation of sustainability actions in companies. Hence, stronger collaboration between the academia and industry sectors are essential to transform new knowledge into actionable strategies.
Abstract: The concept of a circular economy has been widely accepted by governments and industries. In Europe, the European Commission adopted the Circular Economy package in 2015. The Ecodesign Directive has been identified as one of the most suitable legislative tools for achieving some of the objectives in the package because it has the potential to translate the circular economy principles into specific product material efficiency requirements. This paper applies the Ecodesign policy process to “enterprise servers” to illustrate how circular economy strategies can be implemented by European product policies. Indeed, the paper introduces a potential novel approach to “operationalize” circular economy principles in product policies. The evolution of the material efficiency requirements for a more circular economy is described up to their final formulation, which is the one in the published Ecodesign regulation. This legal act includes requirements on design for disassembly, firmware availability, data deletion, and presence of critical raw materials. The process for enterprise servers has been successful as the early discussions between stakeholders, policymakers and experts, supported by appropriate metrics along an iterative debate, comes to the publications of material efficiency requirements in a regulation. This study represents a 'first-of-a-kind' experience, and sets precedents for the development of similar requirements for other product groups.
Abstract: Economic development is the factor determining the volumes of generated waste, the intensity of production, the level of individual consumption as well as consumption patterns. It results in environmental threats, which are addressed through practical application of the circular economy concept. The key goal of the latter is to manufacture and use products in the most efficient way and also to manage the resulting waste in an economically and environmentally appropriate manner. In relation to the above, the purpose of the article is to conduct a multivariate comparative analysis covering the European Union countries in terms of their levels of circular economy implementation, with special attention being paid to Poland. The article discusses the concept of circular economy, its principles and major activities. The EU and national-level documents which describe the basics of circular economy are briefly overviewed. The empirical research was carried out using multivariate comparative analysis based on the indicators describing circular economy implementation in all European Union countries. The final part of the article assesses the level of circular economy implementation in Poland specifically.
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