Circular EconomyPub Date : 2024-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.cec.2024.100076
Xin Tong, Tao Wang, Jinling Li, Xuejun Wang
{"title":"Extended producer responsibility to reconstruct the circular value chain","authors":"Xin Tong, Tao Wang, Jinling Li, Xuejun Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.cec.2024.100076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cec.2024.100076","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":100245,"journal":{"name":"Circular Economy","volume":"375 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139824368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Circular EconomyPub Date : 2024-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.cec.2024.100073
Jiayao Tong , Shaoqi Yu , Zhitong Yao , Jingjing Jiang , Hongwei Lu , Ying-Guo Zhou , Hongli Yang , Zhengshun Wen
{"title":"Preparing polyethylene composites using nonmetallic fractions derived from waste printed circuit boards and shellfish waste: Toward synergistic waste utilization and circular economy","authors":"Jiayao Tong , Shaoqi Yu , Zhitong Yao , Jingjing Jiang , Hongwei Lu , Ying-Guo Zhou , Hongli Yang , Zhengshun Wen","doi":"10.1016/j.cec.2024.100073","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cec.2024.100073","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The recycling of waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) generates nonmetallic fractions (NMFs); due to the complex components of NMFs and the limited nature of economic benefits of treating NMFs, treatment of NMFs is challenging. In this study, two types of NMFs—dry-NMFs (D-NMFs) and wet-NMFs (W-NMFs)—derived from the dry and wet separation processes of WPCBs, respectively, were investigated. These NMFs were used as fillers to reinforce the polyethylene (PE) matrix, and their effects on the composite properties were examined. Thermal property studies revealed that incorporating both types of NMFs improved the thermal stability of the prepared composite samples. When neat PE was filled with 15 wt% of D-NMFs and W-NMFs, the final decomposition temperature (<em>T</em><sub>f</sub>) increased from 475 to 482 and 487 °C, respectively. Mechanical property studies revealed that the addition of NMFs to the composite sample, particularly that of W-NMFs, enhanced the stiffness of the prepared samples, although at the expense of some reduction in their toughness values. The tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, and flexural modulus values increased from 9.41, 121.80, 5.89, and 99.15 MPa for neat PE to 11.15, 521.82, 17.94, and 597.29 MPa, respectively, for composites containing 25 wt% of W-NMFs. Furthermore, the introduction of shellfish wastes in the NMF/PE blend, especially that of clam shell, further enhanced the overall properties of the composite. After adding 8 wt% of clam shell with 15 wt% W-NMFs, the <em>T</em><sub>f</sub> increased from 487 to 498 °C. The tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, and flexural modulus values increased from 11.37, 355.13, 16.06, and 443.31 MPa for neat PE to 12.26, 466.73, 18.71, and 568.46 MPa, respectively, for the composite prepared with clam shell. Thus, this study contributes to the WPCB recycling literature and promotes circular economy development.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100245,"journal":{"name":"Circular Economy","volume":"3 1","pages":"Article 100073"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773167724000013/pdfft?md5=e5bf08dbe86ada37026531f210201009&pid=1-s2.0-S2773167724000013-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139936923","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Systems and Ecosystems in the Circular Economy: What’s the Difference?","authors":"Wisdom Kanda","doi":"10.55845/rmdn3752","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55845/rmdn3752","url":null,"abstract":"‘Systems’ and ‘ecosystems’ are buzz concepts in the circular economy literature. However, the differences between these concepts remain ambiguous. Systems and ecosystems are often used interchangeably and at times confusingly. While conceptual ambiguity offers possibilities for broad interpretations and engagement, it can undermine the relevance of these concepts as analytical lenses to disrupt the linear economy. In this perspective article, I examine whether systems and ecosystems are distinct concepts and how they complement each other. To do so, I analysed these concepts and applied them to a case of biomethane for transportation using scientific literature. Systems and ecosystems are not mutually exclusive; rather, they offer nuanced perspectives to describe, analyse, and facilitate complex interactions among entities and their external environment. They signify the complexity, interdependency, and co-evolutionary nature of the circular economy. Ecosystems are a subcategory of systems. Differences between the concepts of systems and ecosystems partially arise from their origins, evolution, and the research communities using them. The article shows how systems and ecosystems perspectives can enrich each other and calls for better integration between the two concepts in the circular economy discourse.","PeriodicalId":100245,"journal":{"name":"Circular Economy","volume":" 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139393617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Co-processing paths of agricultural and rural solid wastes for a circular economy based on the construction concept of “zero-waste city” in China","authors":"Hongbin Cong , Haibo Meng , Mingsong Chen , Wei Song , Haohan Xing","doi":"10.1016/j.cec.2023.100065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cec.2023.100065","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The treatment and utilisation of agricultural and rural solid wastes are important initiatives to advance high-quality agricultural development and improve rural living environment in a concerted manner. We identified the general background and need of agricultural andrural solid wastes in China, and elucidated the main sources and classified the agricultural and rural solid wastes; we grouped the wastes according to their source, value, components, and form, and described the basic characteristics of agricultural and rural solid wastes, namely, diversity, spatio-temporal fluctuations, and consistency of collection. Based on this, the technical pathways of agricultural and rural solid waste co-processing were systematically summarised for a circular economy based on the construction concept of ‘zero-waste city’ in China, including conversion to fertilisers and energy, value enhancement, and volume reduction. Three main models were developed, namely, the mixed fermentation of agricultural and rural solid wastes for fertiliser production, mixed pyrolysis/gasification/incineration for energy production, and urban-rural integrated waste treatment. Subsequently, we systematically analysed the main framework, fundamental characteristics, and applicable scenarios of the three models. We established the foundations and strategies for the co-processing and efficient utilisation of agricultural and rural solid wastes.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100245,"journal":{"name":"Circular Economy","volume":"2 4","pages":"Article 100065"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773167723000420/pdfft?md5=f435bcf571b607f97d1725a4e7b165a0&pid=1-s2.0-S2773167723000420-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138483991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Circular EconomyPub Date : 2023-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.cec.2023.100063
Li Liu , Muhammad Zaki Memon , Yuanbo Xie , Shitie Gao , You Guo , Jingliang Dong , Yuan Gao , Aimin Li , Guozhao Ji
{"title":"Recent advances of research in coal and biomass co-firing for electricity and heat generation","authors":"Li Liu , Muhammad Zaki Memon , Yuanbo Xie , Shitie Gao , You Guo , Jingliang Dong , Yuan Gao , Aimin Li , Guozhao Ji","doi":"10.1016/j.cec.2023.100063","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cec.2023.100063","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Coal-fired power generation resulted in a shortage of conventional fossil fuels and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The co-firing of coal and biomass waste in coal-fired boilers was a promising strategy to supplement the energy source and reduce greenhouse gases. However, the co-firing mechanism and potential problems were not well understood. Therefore, the differences between coal and biomass in properties such as proximate and ultimate composition, components in ash and the calorific value were first discussed. Next, compared with the combustion of coal alone, this review analyzed the discrepancies and corresponding issues of co-firing in combustion behaviors and products such as ash and gaseous pollutants. Finally, this review outlined how operational conditions could affect the co-firing performance.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100245,"journal":{"name":"Circular Economy","volume":"2 4","pages":"Article 100063"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773167723000407/pdfft?md5=f831fc20f57da638b1b34ac70744e0e8&pid=1-s2.0-S2773167723000407-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138501959","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Circular EconomyPub Date : 2023-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.cec.2023.100066
Idowu O. Kunlere, Kalim U. Shah
{"title":"A recycling technology selection framework for evaluating the effectiveness of plastic recycling technologies for circular economy advancement","authors":"Idowu O. Kunlere, Kalim U. Shah","doi":"10.1016/j.cec.2023.100066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cec.2023.100066","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Despite progress in plastic waste recycling technologies, global plastic waste recycling rates remain disappointing. This issue not only suggests an underutilization of existing recycling technologies but also hinders resource utilization, the circular economy, and sustainable manufacturing. Several studies have proposed to address this issue, such as by evaluating the efficiency of recycling technologies based on the volume of recycled waste. However, such single-indicator methods often overlook other critical factors and, thus, may not provide holistic assessments. Additionally, existing methods for evaluating or comparing different recycling technologies are often complex and time-consuming. Meanwhile, several other studies have proposed hundreds of indicators for assessing the effectiveness and suitability of recycling technologies, which often complicates the selection process. Consequently, recyclers and other stakeholders often struggle to select effective and suitable recycling technologies for different plastic waste types and under specific conditions. To address these challenges, we propose the recycling technology selection framework (RTSF), a simple tool that enables easy visualization of relevant recycling indicators under five key pillars: economic, technical, environmental, social, and policy. By allowing recyclers and stakeholders to quickly identify, select, and visualize factors of interest from a large pool, the RTSF enables qualitative comparison and enhances the evaluation of the effectiveness and suitability of multiple plastic recycling technologies. Lastly, the RTSF can serve as a preliminary tool and be used in conjunction with other approaches to enhance the effectiveness of plastic recycling technologies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100245,"journal":{"name":"Circular Economy","volume":"2 4","pages":"Article 100066"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773167723000432/pdfft?md5=d47b7580938de439e2fb470d66b243b9&pid=1-s2.0-S2773167723000432-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138471822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"xploring the Limitations of a Circular Economy Under Capitalism and Raising Expectations for a Sustainable Future","authors":"Pauline Deutz","doi":"10.55845/heml8087","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55845/heml8087","url":null,"abstract":"The concept of a circular economy has gained remarkable policy and academic traction. Associated expectations of social benefits are underexamined. Driven by the current perilous state of the environment and society, this article pulls aside the curtain of perceived academic political neutrality that hides the implications of capitalism. Whilst a circular economy brings new options for business, places and individuals, political action is needed to bring about significant, and lasting, change. A system driven by profit does not and cannot respond to needs. It is time for a serious discussion to improve the prospects for everyone’s future.","PeriodicalId":100245,"journal":{"name":"Circular Economy","volume":" 43","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138614361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Circular EconomyPub Date : 2023-11-21DOI: 10.1016/j.cec.2023.100062
Fengchun Ye , Zhihong Liu , Longgong Xia
{"title":"Slag chemistry, element distribution behaviors, and metallurgical balance of e-waste smelting process","authors":"Fengchun Ye , Zhihong Liu , Longgong Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.cec.2023.100062","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cec.2023.100062","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The co-smelting of electronic waste (e-waste) in copper/lead pyrometallurgical processes is widely recognized as the preferred solution for sustainable development. However, aluminum and halogen elements in e-waste causes new challenges. To address this, the slag chemistry of high Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-containing slag was studied, and the distribution behaviors of Au, Ag, Sn, and other elements in the copper alloy/slag/gas system were investigated in the presence of halogen elements (F/Cl/Br) using the equilibration method. The industrial practice of electronic waste smelting was modeled using METSIM, and the material and energy balances of one industrial process were obtained. Under the conditions of electronic waste smelting, the solubility of Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> in the FexO–SiO<sub>2</sub>–Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>–CaO slag system decreased with increasing CaO content. When the CaO content was 20 wt%, and the Fe/SiO<sub>2</sub> mass ratio was 0.62–0.95, the solubility of Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> in the slag reached 20 wt%. When 1%–10% CaF<sub>2</sub> was added, 93% of Au entered the metal phase. When the same amount of CaCl<sub>2</sub> or CaBr<sub>2</sub> was added, up to 32% Au entered the gas phase. When CaF<sub>2</sub> was added to the system, 22%–49% of Ag entered the gas phase. However, when CaCl<sub>2</sub> or CaBr<sub>2</sub> was added, 3%–34% of Ag entered the gas phase. The proportion of tin in the gas and slag phases increased with increasing temperature or the addition of halides. The METSIM simulation results showed that under optimized conditions, the crude copper contained more than 90 wt% copper, the discharged slag contained approximately 0.5 wt% copper, and the recovery rates of copper, gold, and silver were ≥98%. The heat generated from raw materials and fuel accounted for the largest part of the heat income, representing 65.32% of the total.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100245,"journal":{"name":"Circular Economy","volume":"2 4","pages":"Article 100062"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773167723000390/pdfft?md5=c7b8e436b8583ae1902a1a3d59a0d80c&pid=1-s2.0-S2773167723000390-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138448206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Synthesis and electrochemical properties of porous carbon materials from sludge sources","authors":"Muqian Guo, Ying Li, Pengxiao Liu, Xiaotian Jia, Xingnan Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.cec.2023.100064","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cec.2023.100064","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Anaerobic digestion sludge technology is a green and efficient method of treating sludge. However, the presence of humic acid (HA) in sludge can inhibit methanogenic efficiency, and it is necessary to reduce its impact on biogas production by removal or pretreatment. HA, a graphene oxide material can be used to produce high-performance energy-storage materials. Thus, this study examined the sludge source of HA as a precursor, and different electrode materials were prepared by varying the reaction conditions. The structure and electrochemical properties of the electrode materials were analyzed. The results showed that the electrode material prepared using KOH as an activator at 700 °C exhibited optimal performance, with a high specific surface area (1480.53 m<sup>2</sup>·g<sup>−1</sup>), pore volume (0.943 cm<sup>3</sup>·g<sup>−1</sup>), specific capacitance (185.9 F·g<sup>−1</sup>), and equivalent series resistance (0.73 Ω). The material maintained 97.8% of its specific capacitance after 1000 cycles at a current density of 1 A·g<sup>−1</sup> with benign cycle stability. This study confirmed that the production of HA as an electrode material at a low cost with good performance presents significant prospects.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100245,"journal":{"name":"Circular Economy","volume":"2 4","pages":"Article 100064"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773167723000419/pdfft?md5=660b4cd51d664fc25a302d0bd5244bf9&pid=1-s2.0-S2773167723000419-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138453683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}