scholarly journals Influence of Biobased Polyol Type On The Properties of Polyurethane Hotmelt Adhesives For Footwear Joints

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.P. Carbonell-Blasco ◽  
M.A. Pérez-Limiñana ◽  
C. Ruzafa-Silvestre ◽  
F. Arán-Ais ◽  
E. Orgilés-Calpena
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Bonding Process ◽  
Comprehensive Approach ◽  
Economy Model ◽  
Footwear Industry ◽  
Polyurethane Adhesives ◽  
European Policies ◽  
Useful Life

Abstract The implementation of a Circular Economy model, promoted by the increasingly stricter European policies, demands a comprehensive approach to resource efficiency. In this sense, polyurethanes, one of the most used polymers worldwide, are strongly dependent of non-renewable fossil resources. Thus, boosting the production of new polyurethanes / a new polyurethane based on more sustainable raw materials is crucial to move towards the footwear industry decarbonisation. INESCOP, aware of the footwear industry’s environmental impact, focuses on reducing or removing fossil-based raw materials and opts for eco-friendly ones. These sustainable raw materials provide polyurethane adhesives with additional beneficial non-toxicity and sustainable characteristics, without harming their properties during their useful life. Therefore, the aim of this study is to synthesise and characterise reactive hotmelt polyurethanes from biomass and CO2-based polyols as bioadhesives for the footwear industry. The influence of biobased polyols on the polyurethane structure, and therefore, on their final properties was analysed by different experimental techniques in order to assess their viability for the upper to sole bonding process.

scholarly journals Influence of biobased polyol type on the properties of polyurethane hotmelt adhesives for footwear joints

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. P. Carbonell-Blasco ◽  
M. A. Pérez-Limiñana ◽  
C. Ruzafa-Silvestre ◽  
F. Arán-Ais ◽  
E. Orgilés-Calpena
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Peel Test ◽  
Softening Temperature ◽  
Peel Strength ◽  
Adhesion Test ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
Final Performance ◽  
Footwear Industry ◽  
Polyurethane Adhesives ◽  
Useful Life

AbstractPolyurethanes, one of the most used polymers worldwide, are strongly dependent of non-renewable fossil resources. Thus, boosting the production of new polyurethanes based on more sustainable raw materials is crucial to move towards the footwear industry decarbonisation. The aim of this study is to synthesise and characterise reactive hotmelt polyurethanes from biomass and CO2-based polyols as bioadhesives for the footwear industry. The influence of biobased polyols on the polyurethane structure, and therefore, on their final properties was analysed by different experimental techniques such us Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Melting viscosity, Softening temperature and T-peel strength test, in order to assess their viability for the upper to sole bonding process. The results obtained indicated that the incorporation of different amounts of the biobased polyols produces changes in the structure and final performance of the polyurethanes. Therefore, adhesion test carried out by the T-peel test 72 h after the upper -to- sole bonding of the sustainable adhesives show high final adhesion values. These sustainable raw materials provide polyurethane adhesives with additional beneficial non-toxicity and sustainable characteristics, without harming their properties during their useful life.

scholarly journals Digital Eco-Design and Life Cycle Assessment—Key Elements in a Circular Economy: A Case Study of a Conventional Desk

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (21) ◽  
pp. 10439
Author(s):  
Eduardo Martínez-Cámara ◽  
Jacinto Santamaría ◽  
Félix Sanz-Adán ◽  
David Arancón
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Extraction Process ◽  
Environmental Criteria ◽  
Final Design ◽  
Useful Life ◽  
Alternative Scenarios

In recent times, there has been an indisputable need to move towards a more sustainable economy, known as a circular economy, which is basically aimed at reducing the consumption of newly extracted raw materials to manufacture products, and thus, reduces waste generation by recycling products beyond their useful life to ultimately close the economic flow of the product. For the economy generated by products to close the circle, it is essential to tackle the problem at the source, that is, the process to achieve the desired product should be conducted by designing the product with environmental criteria (eco-design) and analysing its life cycle from the extraction process to the point when it ends its useful life (LCA). This article presents an ECO + LCA methodology that provides designers with an easy way of visualising the effect of their design decisions on the final environmental impact of the product. This methodology was tested on a case study of a conventional desk, with four alternative scenarios presented and an assessment of their final impact with a cradle-to-grave perspective. The final design obtained reduces the environmental impact by more than 30% and reduces costs by more than 11%.

scholarly journals PERĖJIMAS PRIE ŽIEDINĖS EKONOMIKOS: STABDANČIŲ IR SKATINANČIŲ VEIKSNIŲ SĄVEIKA MIKRO-, MEZO- IR MAKROLYGMENIMIS / TRANSITION TO CIRCULAR ECONOMY: BARRIERS AND DRIVERS INTERACTION AT MICRO, MESO AND MACRO LEVELS

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (0) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Tomaš Jusel ◽  
Aurelija Burinskienė
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Macro Level ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Economy Model ◽  
Meso Level ◽  
Economic Barriers ◽  
Micro Level

Threats caused by linear economy pushes humanity for transition to circular economy model. At macro level benefits of circular economy are seen very clearly, due to that, governments set priorities to reduce the environmental impact of economic growth and encourage businesses and consumers to implement circular economy principles. However, implementation of circular economy at micro level, by businesses and consumers, still appears to be in early stages. The purpose of this article is to create holistic view of barriers and drivers of circular economy, which would help to understand ways for encouraging business and consumer to use circular economy principles. For this purpose, 28 circular economy barriers and 22 circular economy drivers described in scientific literature was analysed. The result of the analysis - created system of circular economic barriers and drivers, which shows: directions for required macro level support to promote the transition of micro and meso level to circular economy model; way for benefits generated by micro and meso level, to achieve a macro level environment. The results of the research are theoretical and refer to the direction of further research.

scholarly journals REWEART - A 100% real circular economy manufacturing process for vegan-organic-recycled footwear

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirela Pantazi-Bajenaru ◽  
Enrique Montiel Parreno ◽  
Traian Foiasi ◽  
Dana Gurau
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
High Complexity ◽  
Footwear Industry ◽  
Current Production ◽  
New Type ◽  
Reduce Energy Consumption ◽  
Manufacturing Methods ◽  
The Many

The negative impact on the environment caused by the current production of over 23,000 million pairs of shoes each year, either due to the consumption of huge quantities of raw materials or due to the thousands of tons of waste generated, is a sufficient reason to conceive a new type of shoe making process. The predominant manufacturing methods and the many components that the shoe contains make it impossible to recycle, due to the high complexity involved in separating materials. Once they reach the end of their life cycle, they inevitably end up in a landfill, generating a large amount of waste. REWEART is a footwear manufacturing project that is capable of producing sustainable goods based on a circular economy, co-financed by the European Commission through the LIFE program. REWEART aims to make vegan shoes with accessories made from recycled and organic materials, with 90% less energy and almost zero waste. REWEART wants to provide a tool to avoid the generation of waste in footwear consumption and to offer the footwear industry an alternative model of circular production to reduce energy consumption and to stop the destructive and unsustainable production of footwear.

European experience in transition to circular economy

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 598-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.V. Ratner
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
National Level ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Scientific Methods ◽  
European Experience ◽  
General Scientific ◽  
The Eu

Subject. The article considers the concept of circular economy, which has originated relatively recently in the academic literature, and is now increasingly recognized in many countries at the national level. In the European Union, the transition to circular economy is viewed as an opportunity to improve competitiveness of the European Union, protect businesses from resource shortages and fluctuating prices for raw materials and supplies, and a way to increase employment and innovation. Objectives. The aim of the study is to analyze the incentives developed by the European Commission for moving to circular economy, and to assess their effectiveness on the basis of statistical analysis. Methods. I employ general scientific methods of research. Results. The analysis of the EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy enabled to conclude that the results of the recent research in circular economy barriers, eco-innovation, technology and infrastructure were successfully integrated into the framework of this document. Understanding the root causes holding back the circular economy development and the balanced combination of economic and administrative incentives strengthened the Action Plan, and it contributed to the circular economy development in the EU. Conclusions. The measures to stimulate the development of the circular economy proposed in the European Action Plan can be viewed as a prototype for designing similar strategies in other countries, including Russia. Meanwhile, a more detailed analysis of barriers to the circular economy at the level of individual countries and regions is needed.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ECONOMIC CONCEPT OF A CLOSED CYCLE

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (10) ◽  
pp. 4-10
Author(s):  
A. V. SAMOYLOV ◽  
◽  
A. P. DROZDOVA ◽  
S. M. MOLCHANOVA ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Resource Consumption ◽  
Closed Cycle ◽  
Economy Model ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
Economic Concept ◽  
Foreign Countries ◽  
Improved Design

The article discusses the basic principles of the implementation of the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy model. The article summarizes the existing problems that require solutions to create new jobs, increase economic growth, and create a balance between the economy, environment and population. The authors present examples of building a circular economy model in foreign countries. The importance of the tasks of implementing and promoting the circular economy was revealed, thanks to the involvement of all participants in the society in this process and the motivation for companies and investors. Effective tools for moving society towards a resource-efficient closed-cycle economy, increasing energy efficiency, energy conservation and reducing the energy intensity of the gross domestic product, due to the entry into a competitive level of renewable energy sources are investigated. The introduction of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in automated accounting of resource consumption, as well as the improvement of accounting rules will create opportunities for the end user to manage resource consumption taking into account the principles of a circular economy. The authors' study emphasizes that circular economy products and services should minimize resource use and promote reuse, recovery and recycling of materials in the future, leveraging existing product policy instruments, further support for the repair sector, improved design for reuse, and high-quality packaging recycling. The authors in the article propose to legislate the subsidizing of enterprises participating in the circular chain and subsidizing innovative developments in the field of the circular economy in the Russian Federation.

scholarly journals Thermal Characterization of Recycled Materials for Building Insulation

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 3564
Author(s):  
Arnas Majumder ◽  
Laura Canale ◽  
Costantino Carlo Mastino ◽  
Antonio Pacitto ◽  
Andrea Frattolillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Natural Fibers ◽  
Thermal Characterization ◽  
Recycled Materials ◽  
Building Insulation ◽  
Operational Phase

The building sector is known to have a significant environmental impact, considering that it is the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions of around 36% and is also responsible for about 40% of global energy consumption. Of this, about 50% takes place during the building operational phase, while around 10–20% is consumed in materials manufacturing, transport and building construction, maintenance, and demolition. Increasing the necessity of reducing the environmental impact of buildings has led to enhancing not only the thermal performances of building materials, but also the environmental sustainability of their production chains and waste prevention. As a consequence, novel thermo-insulating building materials or products have been developed by using both locally produced natural and waste/recycled materials that are able to provide good thermal performances while also having a lower environmental impact. In this context, the aim of this work is to provide a detailed analysis for the thermal characterization of recycled materials for building insulation. To this end, the thermal behavior of different materials representing industrial residual or wastes collected or recycled using Sardinian zero-km locally available raw materials was investigated, namely: (1) plasters with recycled materials; (2) plasters with natural fibers; and (3) building insulation materials with natural fibers. Results indicate that the investigated materials were able to improve not only the energy performances but also the environmental comfort in both new and in existing buildings. In particular, plasters and mortars with recycled materials and with natural fibers showed, respectively, values of thermal conductivity (at 20 °C) lower than 0.475 and 0.272 W/(m⋅K), while that of building materials with natural fibers was always lower than 0.162 W/(m⋅K) with lower values for compounds with recycled materials (0.107 W/(m⋅K)). Further developments are underway to analyze the mechanical properties of these materials.

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.

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