scholarly journals Investigating Business Potential and Users’ Acceptance of Circular Economy: A Survey and an Evaluation Model

2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 609
Author(s):  
Gianmarco Bressanelli ◽  
Nicola Saccani ◽  
Marco Perona
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Evaluation Model ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Business And Society ◽  
Washing Machine ◽  
Degree Of Acceptance ◽  
Acceptance Rates ◽  
Environmental Savings

Circular economy is gaining attention in business and society to advance sustainability. This paradigm is particularly relevant for energy-consuming products such as washing machines, where alternatives to linear economy such as pay-per-use and refurbishment are gaining ground. To succeed, these business models should achieve consensus and acceptance among users. However, little attention has been paid to customers’ interest for circular economy business models so far. This paper aims to compare the economic and environmental impacts of pay-per wash and refurbishment business models, while investigating the degree of users’ acceptance and factors influencing it. A survey has been designed to collect users’ data regarding washing machine consumption patterns and acceptance rates of the circular business models. An evaluation model was developed to assess the economic and environmental impacts of pay-per-wash and refurbishment against a traditional linear model, fed with data from 279 Italian households collected through the survey. Finally, logistic regressions were carried out to investigate the influence of different customer, product, and usage factors on the acceptance rates of the two circular business models. Results show that, on average, pay-per-wash business models and washing machine refurbishment can guarantee environmental savings. However, only refurbishment generates economic savings for users. Moreover, only around half of the users’ sample shows a positive degree of acceptance of such alternatives. Respondent age has been found as a significant factor influencing the interest towards a refurbishment model, while the washing machine failures experienced by users and the relevance of the environmental gains achievable influence the acceptance rate of pay-per-wash models. Thus, when offering pay-per-wash schemes, suppliers should emphasize the information on the environmental benefits of this alternative, and that with such models they take over the responsibility and costs for maintenance and repair. On the other hand, providers of refurbished products should target younger consumers, who are less affected by a bias against second-hand goods.

scholarly journals Product-Service Systems and Sustainability: Analysing the Environmental Impacts of Rental Clothing

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2118
Author(s):  
Emma Johnson ◽  
Andrius Plepys
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Service Systems ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Fast Fashion ◽  
Product Service ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Environmental Savings ◽  
Product Service Systems

Business models like product-service systems (PSSs) often recognise different sustainability goals and are seen as solutions for the impacts of consumption and fast fashion, but there is a lack of evidence supporting the environmental claims of such business models for clothing. The research aimed to understand if rental clothing business models such as PSSs have the environmental benefits often purported by quantifying the environmental impacts of rental formal dresses in a life-cycle assessment (LCA) in a case study in Stockholm, Sweden. The effects of varying consumer behaviour on the potential impact of a PSS vs. linear business model are explored through three functional units and 14 consumption scenarios. How users decide to engage with clothing PSSs dictates the environmental savings potential that a PSS can have, as shown in how many times consumers wear garments, how they use rental to substitute their purchasing or use needs, as well as how consumers travel to rental store locations.

Environmental Benefits of Cold-in-Place Recycling

2018 ◽  
Vol 2672 (24) ◽  
pp. 11-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Pakes ◽  
Tuncer Edil ◽  
Morgan Sanger ◽  
Renee Olley ◽  
Tyler Klink
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Water Usage ◽  
Aggregate Consumption ◽  
Environmental Savings ◽  
Lca Results

The conventional highway resurfacing technique of mill and overlay (M&O) partially removes the existing pavement and replaces it with asphalt derived from some recycled but mostly virgin materials. Cold-in-place recycling (CIR) is an alternative highway resurfacing method that partially mills the existing pavement and uses it beneath a thinner layer of new asphalt. CIR has become widely used for convenience and cost benefits, but the environmental impacts are poorly quantified. The objective of this study was to quantify the environmental life cycle benefits of using CIR for highway resurfacing instead of M&O. Material quantities and equipment used for CIR and what would have been used in M&O for the same project were provided by contractors for nine highway resurfacing projects in Wisconsin. With this information, a life cycle assessment (LCA) tool was used to determine the relative environmental impacts of the two methods, with energy consumption, water usage, and carbon dioxide emissions chosen as the metrics of the LCA. Results show average environmental savings of 23% in energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions and 20% in water consumption when using CIR instead of M&O for highway resurfacing. Additionally, CIR reduced virgin aggregate consumption by 37%. Environmental savings achieved by using CIR were found to be directly related to the reduction in volume of new hot mix asphalt (HMA) used, and to the reduction in transportation of materials to and from the site. Linear correlations that can be used to estimate savings of future CIR projects were projected.

scholarly journals Intesa Sanpaolo Circular Economy Plafond: how to Support Companies’ Transformation

2020 ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
Anna Monticelli
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Development Model ◽  
Business And Society ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Doing Business ◽  
The People ◽  
Systemic Transformation

The present development model, born with the industrial revolution, has been extremely successful in supporting growth, innovation, wealth for hundreds of years. But not for all the Countries and not for all the people, in an equal way. A new paradigm is envisaged to transform the development model through an economy that follows the same principles used by the Nature and that aims to reconnect business and society. A Circular Economy, regenerative by design and committed to design out waste and pollution, through innovation in materials, in production processes and moreover in business models, is a big opportunity for companies and financial institutions, if they transform the way they’re doing business. Intesa Sanpaolo is committed in re-thinking financial instruments and processes to support companies and accelerate a systemic transformation, within the limits of our Planet, focusing on thrive for all more than on growth for someone.

scholarly journals Improving Circular Economy Business Models: Opportunities for Business and Innovation : A new framework for businesses to create a truly circular economy

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chong-Wen Chen
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Modular Design ◽  
Business Case ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Life Extension ◽  
New Production ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Company Culture ◽  
Business Cases

The circular economy (CE) is aimed at closing material loops by reducing and recovering resources in production and consumption processes. Many studies have discussed how CE helps companies create business opportunities while bringing environmental benefits. The business case for CE involves complicated issues such as industrial symbiosis, governmental interventions and the transformation of company culture. It is important to consider the whole context of CE when changing policies or business elements to optimise resource efficiency and avoid unsustainable consumption. By reviewing industry research reports and academic studies, this article summarises important circular business models and strategies and indicates current major barriers to CE. In addition, we explore multiple business cases and point out three important considerations that, if not used correctly, can lead to improper policies and environmental degradation when designing circular business models. These are (a) the use of biodegradable materials, (b) modular design for product life extension and (c) upcycling for new production processes. We then present a framework for companies to clarify vital considerations for resolving these issues based on systems thinking. The implications for business managers and policy makers are also discussed. This article serves to provide a better understanding of CE and explores how companies innovate in line with CE trends.

Implementation of Circular Business Models in Construction and Demolition Waste Management of India

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-93
Author(s):  
Jaya Surya R ◽  
Dr. Kranti Kumar M
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Waste Management ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Total Solid ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Construction And Demolition Waste ◽  
Environmental Harm ◽  
New Delhi ◽  
Demolition Waste

In the world, around 30% of the total solid waste is construction and demolition waste. In India, as per the building material promotion council, 150 million tonnes of C&D waste is generated every year. In the total C&D waste, only one percent which is 6500 tonnes per day is recycled, mentioned in the report released by the Centre for science and environment, New Delhi. There is a rising gap between increasing demand and limited sources in the construction sector of India. It leads to market instability and environmental harm. Linear business model is most commonly used in present times. It is one of the main reasons for the increase of C&D wastes. This linear approach (source-commodity-waste) encourages the one-use of products. It leads to excessive dumping of C&D wastes in landfills, which is not a sustainable practice. Circular business models leads to closed-loop approach (source-commodity-waste-new source). The adoption of circular business models in C&D waste management is the possible solution for the decreasing resources. This study aims to discuss the implementation of various approaches including conceptual models, methods, and tools of circular business models in the C&D waste management in India, which leads to the circular economy and sustainable development. Through the study of recent literature sources, various data related to circular business models, circular economy are collected. Data analysis will be done using the literature review. This research will highlight the socio-economic, environmental benefits, improvements, and the applicability of circular business models in the C&D waste management of India. This paper is concluded that framing strict circular economy policies for India would encourage the implementation of CBM in C&D waste management which reduces the need for fresh resources and ensures sustainable development.

Environmental Benefits of Precision Agriculture Adoption

2020 ◽  
pp. 637-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Medici ◽  
Søren Marcus Pedersen ◽  
Giacomo Carli ◽  
Maria Rita Tagliaventi
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Herbicide Application ◽  
Pesticide Application ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Biodiversity Policy ◽  
Lime Application

The purpose of this study is to analyse the environmental benefits of precision agriculture technology adoption obtained from the mitigation of negative environmental impacts of agricultural inputs in modern farming. Our literature review of the environmental benefits related to the adoption of precision agriculture solutions is aimed at raising farmers' and other stakeholders' awareness of the actual environmental impacts from this set of new technologies. Existing studies were categorised according to the environmental impacts of different agricultural activities: nitrogen application, lime application, pesticide application, manure application and herbicide application. Our findings highlighted the effects of the reduction of input application rates and the consequent impacts on climate, soil, water and biodiversity. Policy makers can benefit from the outcomes of this study developing an understanding of the environmental impact of precision agriculture in order to promote and support initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable agriculture.

Emerging Industrial Revolution: Symbiosis of Industry 4.0 and Circular Economy: The Role of Universities

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 505-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seeram Ramakrishna ◽  
Alfred Ngowi ◽  
Henk De Jager ◽  
Bankole O. Awuzie
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
New Jobs

Growing consumerism and population worldwide raises concerns about society’s sustainability aspirations. This has led to calls for concerted efforts to shift from the linear economy to a circular economy (CE), which are gaining momentum globally. CE approaches lead to a zero-waste scenario of economic growth and sustainable development. These approaches are based on semi-scientific and empirical concepts with technologies enabling 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) and 6Rs (reuse, recycle, redesign, remanufacture, reduce, recover). Studies estimate that the transition to a CE would save the world in excess of a trillion dollars annually while creating new jobs, business opportunities and economic growth. The emerging industrial revolution will enhance the symbiotic pursuit of new technologies and CE to transform extant production systems and business models for sustainability. This article examines the trends, availability and readiness of fourth industrial revolution (4IR or industry 4.0) technologies (for example, Internet of Things [IoT], artificial intelligence [AI] and nanotechnology) to support and promote CE transitions within the higher education institutional context. Furthermore, it elucidates the role of universities as living laboratories for experimenting the utility of industry 4.0 technologies in driving the shift towards CE futures. The article concludes that universities should play a pivotal role in engendering CE transitions.

scholarly journals Circular Bioeconomy Business Models to Overcome the Valley of Death. A Systematic Statistical Analysis of Studies and Projects in Emerging Bio-Based Technologies and Trends Linked to the SME Instrument Support

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1899
Author(s):  
Fabiana Gatto ◽  
Ilaria Re
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Future Perspective ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Strategic Orientations ◽  
Start Ups ◽  
Valley Of Death

Reducing the environmental pressure along the products life cycle, increasing efficiency in the consumption of resources and use of renewable raw materials, and shifting the economic system toward a circular and a climate-neutral model represent the heart of the current macro-trends of the European Union (EU) policy agendas. The circular economy and bioeconomy concepts introduced in the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan and the Bioeconomy Strategy support innovation in rethinking economic systems focusing on market uptaking of greener solutions based on less-intensive resource consumption. In recent decades, industrial research has devoted enormous investments to demonstrate sustainable circular bio-based business models capable of overcoming the “Valley of Death” through alternative strategic orientations of “technological-push” and “market-pull”. The study highlights industrial research’s evolution on bio-based circular business model validation, trends, and topics with particular attention to the empowering capacity of start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to close the loops in renewable biological use and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The research methodology involves a bibliographic search based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach and the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Data Hub investigation to understand SMEs’ key success factors and start-ups of the circular bioeconomy sector. Eco and bio-based materials, nutraceuticals, and microalgae represent the most sustainable industry applications, leading to circular bioeconomy business models’ future perspective.

scholarly journals Living lab on sharing and circular economy: The case of Turin

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 146045822098727
Author(s):  
Federico Cuomo ◽  
Nadia Lambiase ◽  
Antonio Castagna
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Common Ground ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Living Lab ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Living Labs ◽  
Past Experiences

Cities with their innovative capacity are key places to address critical climate, environmental and health challenges. Urban experimentations, such as Living Labs, can represent a starting point to reintroduce resources into the production cycle and reduce environmental impacts, embracing the paradigm of the circular economy (CE). According to recent studies, Living Labs at a city scale could generate significant environmental benefits, improvements in quality of life and positive impacts on citizens’ health.1 This paper aims at presenting the case of the Torino Living Lab on Sharing and Circular Economy (LLSC) to point out possible future scenarios of urban sustainable policies. The case study is analysed in five sections: (1) the description of the new permanent laboratory proposed by the City of Turin; (2) the past experiences of Living Labs in Turin; (3) the birth of LLSC and the involvement strategy; (4) the introduction of the eight admitted experimentations. In the light of the results collected, the last paragraph (5) came up with the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Treaths (SWOT) analysis in the LLSC. Eventually, it deals with the research question by offering a common ground for global and local policies focused on sustainability and CE.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document