The Management of Agriculture Plastic Waste in the Framework of Circular Economy. Case of the Almeria Greenhouse (Spain)

In recent decades, ecosystems have suffered diverse environmental impacts caused by anthropogenic activities, including the dumping of plastic waste. This situation has prompted the European Union to introduce a new policy based on the circular economy. In this study, the present state and future perspectives on the generation and treatment of plastic waste in the intensive agriculture of Almeria (Spain) are analyzed. This activity generates 1503.6 kg·ha−1·year−1, on average, of plastic waste with an approximate treatment cost of 0.25 €/kg. The present study shows that the volume of plastic waste from intensive agriculture in Almeria is constantly increasing (48,948.2 tons in 2020/21) and it is suggested that the current management system does not meet the needs of the sector. Although it presents great opportunities for improvement under the framework of the circular economy. Furthermore, this work reports a direct relationship between the price of the raw materials needed for the production of plastic and the volume of recycled plastics. For this reason, it would be advisable for the administration to consider the implementation of a tax rebate system for the sector and specifically when the petroleum derivatives used to manufacture plastic are less expensive, and the recycling option is not so attractive.

Download Full-text

European experience in transition to circular economy

Economic Analysis Theory and Practice ◽

10.24891/ea.19.4.598 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 598-617 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

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.

Download Full-text

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

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13041899 ◽

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.

Download Full-text

A Review of Bioplastics and Their Adoption in the Circular Economy

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13081229 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 1229

Author(s):

Alberto Di Bartolo ◽

Giulia Infurna ◽

Nadka Tzankova Dintcheva

Keyword(s):

European Union ◽

Life Cycle Assessment ◽

Life Cycle ◽

European Commission ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Environmental Risks ◽

Plastic Waste ◽

The European Union ◽

Sustainable Society ◽

Net Zero

The European Union is working towards the 2050 net-zero emissions goal and tackling the ever-growing environmental and sustainability crisis by implementing the European Green Deal. The shift towards a more sustainable society is intertwined with the production, use, and disposal of plastic in the European economy. Emissions generated by plastic production, plastic waste, littering and leakage in nature, insufficient recycling, are some of the issues addressed by the European Commission. Adoption of bioplastics–plastics that are biodegradable, bio-based, or both–is under assessment as one way to decouple society from the use of fossil resources, and to mitigate specific environmental risks related to plastic waste. In this work, we aim at reviewing the field of bioplastics, including standards and life cycle assessment studies, and discuss some of the challenges that can be currently identified with the adoption of these materials.

Download Full-text

MEASURING THE PROGRESS TOWARDS CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES

Business Excellence and Management ◽

10.24818/beman/2021.11.1-02 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 19-35

Author(s):

Nicolae Pintilie ◽

Keyword(s):

European Union ◽

Waste Management ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Raw Materials ◽

The European Union ◽

Future Directions ◽

Production And Consumption ◽

European Union Countries ◽

Continuous Actions ◽

Consumption Waste

This paper aims to create an image of progress towards circular economy registered by European Union countries through specific indicators. In this way, this paper is based on the study and analysis of the 13 indicators, grouped on 4 pillars: Production and consumption, Waste management, Secondary raw materials, Competitiveness and innovation. After the presentation of the methodology, the paper develops an analysis in time and space of the selected indicators, then an analysis of the countries with their grouping on clusters, creating a map of them and highlighting the current situation of circular economy in the European Union. Moreover, the paper also presents the evolution of the countries regarding circular economy, which has a big importance taking into account that in the European Union the preoccupations for this concept is higher from one period to another. Among the most interesting results are: (1) a massive concentration of countries with problems for Waste management pillar; (2) Europe is one of the regions with the largest contribution in terms of circular economy, but the concept is developing differently from one country to another; (3) The scoreboard evolution is particularly useful in revealing the continuous actions adopted by countries in order to facilitate the conversion to circular economy. Finally, the paper presents possible limits of the research, but also future directions of its development.

Download Full-text

Preparation and Characterization of Bio-Degradable Plastic from Banana Kepok Peel Waste

Materials Science Forum ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/msf.981.132 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 981 ◽

pp. 132-137

Author(s):

Suharno Rusdi ◽

Ridwan A. Destian ◽

Fitratur Rahman ◽

Achmad Chafidz

Keyword(s):

Water Resistance ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Human Life ◽

Base Material ◽

High Water ◽

Plastic Waste ◽

Banana Peel ◽

Recycled Plastics ◽

Almost All

Everyday human life cannot be separated from plastic. Almost all objects that are around us are made of plastic. In general, plastics are non-biodegradable, causing environmental problems caused by the increased volume of plastic waste. One way to overcome this is by recycling existing plastic waste. But the use of recycled plastics is very limited and considered inefficient because the process is more difficult and processing is more expensive than buying new plastic raw materials. Another alternative is to use bioplastics or biodegradable plastic. This plastic is more environmentally friendly because it is biodegradable or easily decomposed by microorganisms. Basically, bioplastics can be made from vegetable starches. In this study we will use starch extracted from banana peel waste as a base material for making bioplastics. In this research, glycerin which is used as a bioplastic adhesive or plasticizer will be used. Whether or not bioplastics depend on the resistance to water, the attractiveness of the bioplastics, the ability of the plastic to be decomposed by microorganisms. From this research, it is expected to produce bioplastics with high water resistance and high tensile strength and easy to decompose microorganisms.

Download Full-text

From Trash to Cash: How Blockchain and Multi-Sensor-Driven Artificial Intelligence Can Transform Circular Economy of Plastic Waste?

Administrative Sciences ◽

10.3390/admsci10020023 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 23 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Aditya Chidepatil ◽

Prabhleen Bindra ◽

Devyani Kulkarni ◽

Mustafa Qazi ◽

Meghana Kshirsagar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Artificial Intelligence ◽

Data Fusion ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Plastic Waste ◽

Sensor Data ◽

Chemical Parameters ◽

Multi Sensor Data Fusion ◽

Physico Chemical ◽

Share Data ◽

Recycled Plastics

Virgin polymers based on petrochemical feedstock are mainly preferred by most plastic goods manufacturers instead of recycled plastic feedstock. Major reason for this is the lack of reliable information about the quality, suitability, and availability of recycled plastics, which is partly due to lack of proper segregation techniques. In this paper, we present our ongoing efforts to segregate plastics based on its types and improve the reliability of information about recycled plastics using the first-of-its-kind blockchain smart contracts powered by multi-sensor data-fusion algorithms using artificial intelligence. We have demonstrated how different data-fusion modes can be employed to retrieve various physico-chemical parameters of plastic waste for accurate segregation. We have discussed how these smart tools help in efficiently segregating commingled plastics and can be reliably used in the circular economy of plastic. Using these tools, segregators, recyclers, and manufacturers can reliably share data, plan the supply chain, execute purchase orders, and hence, finally increase the use of recycled plastic feedstock.

Download Full-text

The Circular Model in Disposal with Municipal Waste. A Case Study of Slovakia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17061839 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (6) ◽

pp. 1839

Author(s):

Henrieta Pavolová ◽

Roman Lacko ◽

Zuzana Hajduová ◽

Zuzana Šimková ◽

Martin Rovňák

Keyword(s):

Natural Resources ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Slovak Republic ◽

Raw Materials ◽

National Level ◽

Partial Replacement ◽

The European Union ◽

Linear Arrangement ◽

Circular Model

Mineral resources are life and driving force of the European Union. It is gaining awareness not only in the EU dependent on imports, but also in the world. In the context of the growing population and the growing demands of economies for natural resources, this type of material management has a significant negative impact on the environment. The main aim of the study was to justify the model of circular economy on the national level, based on the disparities between the regions of Slovak republic. To meet the objective, mostly one-factor analysis was implemented. The circular model, which is based on the partial replacement of primary raw materials by secondary ones, should, on the one hand, limit the depletion of natural resources and, on the other hand, reduce the amount of waste produced. The presented work focuses on the issue of sustainable development, which is closely related to the circular economy, and then explains the circular economy model, including the differences from the linear arrangement and possible obstacles to its implementation for the specific conditions of the Slovak republic. From the results, it is clear that the proposed circular model would be helpful to improve the inefficiencies and disparities on the regional and national level.

Download Full-text

Potential Uses of Copper Wastes in the Building Sector: Inertization and Added Value Solutions

Materials Proceedings ◽

10.3390/materproc2021005025 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 25

Author(s):

Santiago Rosado ◽

Lidia Gullón ◽

Luis Felipe Mazadiego Martínez ◽

Juan Francisco Llamas Borrajo

Keyword(s):

Particle Size ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Construction Materials ◽

Mining Activity ◽

Added Value ◽

The European Union ◽

Leaching Behavior ◽

Reactive Property ◽

New Applications

Mining activity is the second biggest producer of waste in the European Union (EU), so to develop processes that allow the reuse of waste and the consequent creation of markets for these secondary raw materials are relevant for a desirable transition to a circular economy. Copper waste such as cakes, tailings, pyrite roasting residues, or slags present very different physical characteristics and hazards. There are two important aspects to consider for the residue of hazardous determination and its reuse: the particle size and the leaching behavior. Also, the reactive or non-reactive property of the waste depends on their origin, which is important for new applications. Based on these parameters (and other specifics for each application), the intention of this paper is to review and study the different applications of copper residues, aiming for new possibilities of cement-based construction materials with added value that allow to economically justify the use of cement.

Download Full-text

From an idea to a recycling industry

Linnaeus Eco-Tech ◽

10.15626/eco-tech.1997.001 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 17-23

Author(s):

Leif Jilken

Keyword(s):

Raw Materials ◽

Plastic Waste ◽

Conservation Of Resources ◽

Normal Range ◽

Recycling Industry ◽

Industrial Companies ◽

Noise Barrier ◽

Recycled Plastics ◽

Plastics Industry ◽

Recycled Material

Plastic waste from industrial companies and commerce constitutes a considerable potential for recovery and conservation of resources. But there are hundreds of different sorts of plastic, in other words, plastic waste is a problem due to its heterogenous nature. The possibility of manufacturing commmercially saleable products from unwashed recycled plastics has been very restricted. For its normal range of products, the plastics industry has required absolutely pure raw materials and it has not been economically justifiable to wash and to produce this from recycled material. By adding organic fibres, such as short woodfibres, with the mixed recycled termoplastics, a composite material POLYWOOD is produced. The granulate mixture is extruded to different profiles, called POLYPLANK, that can be handle like wood but which withstands rot, moisture, soil, etc.and is completely recyclable several times. Polyplank are used for manufacturing of noise barrier sections, recycling yard enclosures, interior fittings in animal boxes etc

Download Full-text

A Review of Transnational Regulations in Environmental Protection and the Circular Economy

Comparative Economic Research ◽

10.18778/1508-2008.23.32 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. 149-168

Author(s):

Zofia Wysokińska

Keyword(s):

United Nations ◽

Natural Resources ◽

Environmental Protection ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Economic Benefits ◽

The European Union ◽

New Production ◽

Environmental Goods ◽

The United Nations

The aim of the paper is to present a review of transnational regulations (global and European) in the field of environmental protection and the circular economy. The paper discusses the regulations proposed in publications and reports of such global organizations and UN Agencies as the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), as well as the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the European Commission as the Executive Body of the European Union. With regard to the WTO, these regulations concern the effects of liberalizing trade in environmental goods and services and environmentally sound technologies. Sustainable development means, above all, protecting the natural environment and reducing excessive dependence on depleting natural resources, including primary raw materials, in the economic sector. This implies the need to implement a new resource‑efficient development model, based on the principles of the circular economy (CE), which has been proposed for several years by transnational organizations. In the CE model, the use of natural resources is minimized, and when a product reaches the end of its useful life, it is reused to create additional new value. This can bring significant economic benefits, contributing to new production methods and new innovative products, growth, and job creation. The topics mentioned above are the main subject of consideration in the presented paper.

Download Full-text