STREAMLINING PACKAGING AS PART OF SUSTAINABLE REVERSE LOGISTICS PROCESSES

The aim of the article is to present streamlining reverse logistics challenging the trends of increased amount costs of packaging and a need to meet sustainable development goals. Analysis of the packaging process has identified increased costs for the purchase of packaging, increased volume of imported and produced packaging material, increased volume of packaging waste and thus high recycling fees (related to producer responsibility). A proposed solution for streamlining reverse logistics processes have been introduced, including workflow of the packaging process, a new packaging registration system and measures for standardisation of the packaging process. The solution's main benefits are economical and ecological: first, cost reduction for purchasing new packaging materials and cost reduction for recycling fees, the second elimination of negative influence on the environment by respecting the waste management hierarchy and principles of the circular economy. Other benefits expected for the company are shorter, more informative, and practical training of new employees, reduced time for packaging process through its standardisation and visualisation, and more efficient separation of reusable packaging.

Optimization of the precision gear grinding operation based on integrated information system

In accordance with the principles of hierarchical management, a comprehensive two-level management system is presented for the development and manufacturing of products for the stages of pre-production (the upper level of the management hierarchy) and for the actual production stage (the lower level of the management hierarchy). At the stage of pre-production, the gear grinding operation design on the “MAAG” type machines was carried out. For this purpose, a technique for optimizing the gear grinding parameters for a two dish-wheel rolling scheme has been developed, a mathematical optimization model containing an objective function with restrictions imposed on it has been created. The objective function is the gear grinding machine time, which depends on the operation parameters (gear grinding stock allowance, cutting modes, grinding wheel specification, part material) and the design features of the gears being ground (module, diameter, number of teeth, radius of curvature of the involutes). The article shows that at the stage of pre-production, the gear grinding optimization is a method of operation design. At the stage of actual production, a closed-loop automatic control system with feedback on the deviation of the adjustable value (gear grinding power) automatically supports the numerical power values that were found at the operation design stage, taking into account ensuring defect-free high-performance gear grinding (minimum number of working strokes and maximum longitudinal feeds). At this stage, i.e. when a robust longitudinal feed automatic control system is operating, the optimization carried out at the previous stage (pre-production) sets the functioning algorithm for the adaptive system with corresponding control algorithm. Thus, at the production stage (when the gear grinding machine is running), the operation optimization is a control method. Therefore, it is shown that with two-level control, the gear grinding operation optimization performs a dual function. On the one hand, it is a design method (at the pre-production stage), and on the other – a management method (at the actual production stage). With this approach, i.e. with the integration of production and its preparation based on a single two-level management, the efficiency of a single integrated design and production automation system is significantly higher due to general (unified) optimization, rather than partial one.

A model of response efficiency in the hierarchical control system based on the assessment of readiness of fire departments

Introduction. The readiness of all levels of subsystems that comprise the Unified State System for Emergency Prevention and Liquidation (USSEPL) is one of the most important characteristics that determine its effectiveness. To support decision-making at the upper levels of the management hierarchy, it is important to have a set of models that adequately represent the dependence between key response efficiency indicators and particular indicators of lower levels of the system (fire and rescue departments). In most cases, a regulatory approach to the construction of such models, by virtue of which analysts set their structure and parameters, turns out to be unproductive due to their non-adaptive nature in the context of dynamically changing external conditions and technological capabilities of modern devices. The use of an approach based on solving inverse problems that close the feedback loop and provide for an adaptive adjustment of parameters and the structure of models, ensures the current adequacy of models amid changing conditions.The relevance of the study lies in the development of a technology for constructing polynomial models that allow to assess the USSEPL response effectiveness based on estimated indicators of readiness of subsystems at lower levels obtained using expert evaluation techniques (testing) by means of internal control.Goals and objectives. The aim of the work is to build and test the technology for developing analytical polynomial models that allow to adequately assess performance indicators of the USSEPL response depending on the readiness indicators of lower-level subsystems (fire and rescue departments). In compliance with this goal, the tasks of choosing the type of model and methods of obtaining the necessary initial data are also set.Methods. The study uses methods of analysis of hierarchically organized systems, mathematical statistics, simulation modelling, and methods of expert evaluation. The research is backed by materials from domestic and foreign publications.Results and discussion. The proposed method of constructing an efficiency model of the USSEPL operation, relying on the readiness of subsystems, serves as the basis for constructing models that can take into account other indicators of subsystems.Conclusions. The solution to the problem of constructing a polynomial model, that features dependence between the USSEPL response efficiency and lower-level readiness indicators, serves as the basis for other similar models that will support decision making systems.

Correspondence Between Technology Options Available for Chemical Industries and the Levels of the Waste Management Hierarchy: A Case Study Approach

The Waste Management Hierarchy is used as a guiding principle for waste management of industrial solid waste. Further, it is extended for the management of industrial liquid effluents as well. The Waste Management Hierarchy consists of the five levels namely; waste prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery, and disposal. This five-tiered Waste Management Hierarchy has been adopted by the European Union under the Waste Framework Directive as a decision-making tool. This paper explores some of the technology options known and available and categorizes them according to the five levels of the Waste Management Hierarchy. This paper presents brief case studies that highlight some benefits to those who embrace this decision-making tool.

Challenges in Managing Waste from Extractive Industries during the Transition to a Circular Economy Model in Poland

Proper waste management is an essential part of the efficient use of natural resources and sustainable economic growth. One of the largest waste streams in the European Union and in Poland is waste from extractive industries. Appropriate treatment of this waste stream should therefore be a priority, based on the applicable waste hierarchy. The use of the waste management hierarchy was confirmed by the analyzed data. Despite the growing demand for mineral resources, the amount of generated extractive waste is decreasing and waste recovery is increasing. The paper presents the main challenges in the management of waste from the mining industry in Poland, taking into account not only the existing regulations but also future actions resulting from the Polish Road Map toward the transition to a circular economy.

Challenges for Upcycled Foods: Definition, Inclusion in the Food Waste Management Hierarchy and Public Acceptability

Upcycled foods contain unmarketable ingredients (e.g., damaged food produce, by-products and scraps from food preparation) that otherwise would not be directed for human consumption. Upcycled food is a new food category and thus faces several challenges, such as definition development, inclusion in the food waste management hierarchy and public acceptability. This review provides an overview of these three challenges. The upcycled food definitions have been developed for research, food manufacturers, and multi-stakeholders use. Thus, there is a need for a consumer-friendly definition for the general public. A simplified definition is proposed to introduce these foods as environmentally friendly foods containing safe ingredients that otherwise would not have gone to human consumption such as damaged food produce, by-products and scraps from food preparation. Moreover, an updated version of the food waste management hierarchy has been proposed by including the production of upcycled foods as a separate waste management action that is less preferable than redistribution but more favourable than producing animal feed. Furthermore, consumer sociodemographic characteristics and beliefs, as well as food quality cues and attributes, were identified as crucial factors for the public acceptability of these foods. Future research should address these challenges to facilitate the introduction of upcycled foods.

Grinding, Melting and Reshaping of EoL Thermoplastic Polymers Reinforced with Recycled Carbon Fibers

This article assesses the technical feasibility of a recycling process based on grinding, melting and re-shaping of carbon fibers (CFs) reinforced thermoplastic polymers, in order to obtain new products that can be introduced in different markets, depending on mechanical properties retained. The idea at the basis of our study is that this kind of recycling process lies at the edge of the stages of recycling and re-use of materials, considering that the latter is preferable when considering the waste management hierarchy. Lower cost and similar mechanical strength of virgin CFs allowed the spread of recycled CFs in the automotive sector in the form of composite materials. Taking into account the Directive 2000/53/EC that sets out measures to prevent and limit waste from end-of-life (EoL) vehicles and their components, and ensures that where possible this is reused, recycled or recovered, we considered worth to investigate the recyclability of composite materials made with recycled CFs when they will reach the state of EoL materials. Considering this premise, an additional scope of this paper is therefore to provide some useful information about the possibility to perform a multiple closed loop recycling of rCF thermoplastic composites. Experiments carried out demonstrated that re-shaping of composites is technically feasible. Some square plates were produced without any setback. The mass balance of the recycling process demonstrated that about 88% of the EoL material can be recovered. Calculation of energy consumption showed that approximately 16 MJ are necessary in the treatment of 1 kg of EoL composites.

The Objectives of Sharia Management Accounting Information Reporting

There is an idea to build sharia management accounting starting from constructing the sharia management accounting conceptual framework. The framework has been developed, one of which contains the objectives of sharia management accounting information reporting. This article aims to develop further the objectives of sharia management accounting information reporting to find the value and characteristics of sharia management accounting information. Qualitative research is used in this study. The data in the form of text were analyzed using the reflective method. The analysis uses a quadrant that articulates the objectives of sharia management accounting information reporting with the management hierarchy and the network of value-creating activities. The study found the nature, type, and value of information that should be presented by a sharia management accounting information system.

Enterprises' perception and practice of humane entrepreneurship

PurposeAs a new concept for humane entrepreneurship (HumEnt) evolves, many new research questions arise. At the exploratory stage, the authors found it relevant to examine and discuss the perception of the fundamental assumptions of the HumEnt concept and activities undertaken in this area by business practice.Design/methodology/approachTo thoroughly understand the studied phenomenon, a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was used. An exploratory survey was obtained from 126 purposefully selected enterprises in Poland; then, a single case study was analysed.FindingsThe conducted analysis showed differences between the activities of enterprises and the perception of the HumEnt concept among employees that are especially noticeable at different levels of the management hierarchy.Research limitations/implicationsThe multifaceted nature of the results obtained is limited by the inability to infer international differences, to capture trends over time and to generalise to the total population of enterprises.Practical implicationsAlthough the surveyed companies recognise the importance of the HumEnt concept, it is not tantamount to its execution. The research results may be valuable, especially for smaller enterprises, where the business practice may require support in applying the HumEnt approach.Originality/valueThe research explored both the actual state confirmed by the actions taken and the perception of the importance of individual elements of HumEnt. A knowing–doing gap has been demonstrated between these planes. Moreover, thanks to a two-stage study, practices were selected that can be successfully implemented also in small and medium-sized enterprises.