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1.	Aristi Capetillo, Alejandro, et al. (author) Emerging Technologies Supporting the Transition to a Circular Economy in the Plastic Materials Value Chain 2023 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2730-5988 .- 2730-597X. ; 3:2, s. 953-982 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Plastic waste has come to the forefront of academic and political debates as a global problem that demands an urgent solution. Promoted by policymakers, academia, and corporations alike, the circular economy model presents a viable path to reach more sustainable levels of development. Emerging and disruptive technologies can catalyse the transition to a circular economy, but their application to the transition of the plastic materials realm is not fully understood. Based on a systematic review of the literature, this paper aims to understand the role of key emerging technologies in the transition towards a circular economy in the plastic materials value chain, their potential impact, as well as the barriers of adoption and diffusion. Employing the ReSOLVE framework, the analysis reveals that rather than individual technologies, four technology sets associated with Industry 4.0, distributed economies, bio-based systems, and chemical recycling stand as major enablers of this transition. The complementarity of technologies and the change needed from a systemic perspective are discussed along with a proposal for governance and practical implementation pathway to overcome barriers and resistance to the transition.
2.	Bitencourt de Oliveira, Felipe, 1982, et al. (author) Assessing Metal Use and Scarcity Impacts of Vehicle Gliders 2024 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - 2730-597X .- 2730-5988. ; In Press Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract This study assesses the metal composition of two vehicle gliders, configured with different equipment levels and evaluates the risk of short and long-term metal scarcity. Entropy analysis is also used for insights on secondary metal recovery strategies. Fifty-five metals are evaluated, with gold, copper, bismuth, lead, molybdenum, and certain rare-earth metals (REMs) subject to the largest supply risks. Differences in equipment levels significantly impact the short-term supply risk for specific metals. Entertainment and communications equipment contain significant amounts of REMs, whereas mirrors and electrical infrastructure contain considerable shares of gold, silver and copper. Some metals are concentrated in a few components while some are dispersed across thousands, impacting recycling opportunities. The broad metal demand of the gliders underscores the automotive industry's role in supply risks for its own manufacturing needs and other societal domains. This emphasizes the significance of comprehensively evaluating metal requirements beyond powertrains for informed resource management.
3.	Chizarfard, Armaghan, et al. (author) Managing Structural Tensions in the Transition to the Circular Economy: the Case of Electric Vehicle Batteries 2022 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - : Springer Nature. - 2730-597X .- 2730-5988. Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract The circular economy (CE) has recently gained attention as a key transformative strategy. However, as with previous transformation processes, the transition towards the CE is not a smooth process since there are underlying structural tensions in incumbent systems that need to be overcome. One industry that is currently undergoing transformative pressure is the automobile industry where the transition to electric vehicles that use lithium-ion bat- teries is creating structural tensions. In this paper, we adopt a multi-actor perspective and analyze the strategies that different actors pursue to manage the structural tensions that are induced by the transition towards lithium-ion batteries with the goal of creating and sus- taining a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) model. Through a case study of the key actors (mining firms, material manufacturers, vehicle manufacturers, and recyclers), we reveal the particularities of managing structural tensions which are influenced by temporal, spatial, and contextual factors. We demonstrate our claim by first expanding the application bound- ary of the concept of structural tensions to show the interconnection between strategic choices made by actors at operational and technological levels; and second, unfolding the dynamics of managing structural tensions in the CE transitions from a multi-actor perspec- tive. The results of this study may support industrial actors to achieve a better understand- ing of the consequences of their short- and long-term CE transition strategies, and resolve conflicts in visions and priorities during the transition process.
4.	Dalhammar, Carl, et al. (author) Enabling Reuse in Extended Producer Responsibility Schemes for White Goods : Legal and Organisational Conditions for Connecting Resource Flows and Actors 2021 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2730-5988 .- 2730-597X. ; 1:2, s. 671-695 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes have proliferated across Europe and other parts of the world in recent years and have contributed to increasing material and energy recovery from waste streams. Currently, EPR schemes do not provide sufficient incentives for moving towards the higher levels of the waste hierarchy, e.g. by reducing the amounts of waste through incentivising the design of products with longer lifespans and by enhancing reuse activities through easier collection and repair of end-of-life products. Nevertheless, several municipalities and regional actors around Europe are increasingly promoting reuse activities through a variety of initiatives. Furthermore, even in the absence of legal drivers, many producer responsibility organisations (PROs), who execute their members’ responsibilities in EPR schemes, are considering promoting reuse and have initiated a number of pilot projects. A product group that has been identified as having high commercial potential for reuse is white goods, but the development of large-scale reuse of white goods seems unlikely unless a series of legal and organisational barriers are effectively addressed. Through an empirical investigation with relevant stakeholders, based on interviews, and the analysis of two case studies of PROs that developed criteria for allowing reusers to access their end-of-life white goods, this contribution presents insights on drivers and barriers for the repair and reuse of white goods in EPR schemes and discusses potential interventions that could facilitate the upscale of reuse activities. Concluding, although the reuse potential for white goods is high, the analysis highlights the currently insufficient policy landscape for incentivising reuse and the need for additional interventions to make reuse feasible as a mainstream enterprise.
5.	Du Rietz, Sabina, 1983-, et al. (author) Consumer Behavior as a Challenge and Opportunity for Circular Food Packaging : a Systematic Literature Review 2024 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - : Springer. - 2730-597X .- 2730-5988. ; 4, s. 413-438 Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract The food sector has been targeted as a potential site for the implementation of circular economy strategies. Food packaging, in particular, has caused concern due to its high production volume, short usage time, and problems related to waste management and littering. Circular economy strategies could potentially address these concerns if there is consumer acceptance and participation in circular systems. The present review seeks to inform future studies of the need for further research in this area by reviewing current knowledge of consumer behavior in relation to circular food packaging. When doing so, the study finds that studies have primarily focused on recycling, foremost in the European and American setting. However, less is known about consumers and circular packaging in developing countries. While reuse strategies were more prevalent in studies from the 1970–1980s, the review finds that such initiatives are yet again researched, which is promising given their generally favorable environmental footprint.
6.	Fuertes Giné, Leticia, et al. (author) Public Procurement for the Circular Economy : a Comparative Study of Sweden and Spain 2022 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2730-597X .- 2730-5988. ; 2, s. 1021-1041 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract This article examines the relationship between circular economy and public procurement by regarding green procurement as an enabler for the transition from sustainable to circular public procurement. Considering the different green procurement uptakes under the common legal framework of the European Union, and particularly, the contrasting practice results of Spain and Sweden and the opposed legal configuration of their procurement Acts, a comparative law study of the exclusion of suppliers, awarding criteria and special conditions of performance’s Articles is conducted.
7.	Govindarajan, Venkatesh, 1972- (author) Circular bio-economy – paradigm for the future : Systematic review of scientific journal publications from 2015-2021. 2022 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - : Springer. - 2730-597X .- 2730-5988. ; 2:1, s. 231-279 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract While ‘renewable’ is the keyword in a bioeconomy and resource conservation is the motivation behind a circular economy, a circular bioeconomy is one in which waste streams from renewable bio-resources are looped back into the technosphere – open-loop or closed-loop recycling or conversion from matter to energy. This systematic review brings together 385 publications from 2015-2021, 50 countries and 150 journals, into a coherent account of the status quo of published research on circular bioeconomy. The numbers bear testimony to the growing interest in this field of research. Germany is the leading contributor to the scientific literature-base (10%), while the Journal of Cleaner Production (9%) tops the list of journals in the fray. The methodology adopted has been clearly explained, and the discussion has been segmented into sub-sections and sub-sub-sections to do justice to the diversity of the nature of the publications. A little flexibility in organisation of the flow of the text has been availed of, to improve readability. The circular bioeconomy can be visualised as a set of ‘many through many to many’ relationships, enabling both economies of scale and scope in the longer run. This calls for extensive collaboration and cooperation among the numerous stakeholders in the fray. Several barriers will have to be overcome. Technology impact assessments and sustainability risk appraisals need to be carried out in order to ensure and convince stakeholders that they are on the right path. But as one knows and will appreciate, challenges lurk where there exist opportunities to be availed of, to replace the take-make-use-dispose paradigm of a linear economy to the grow-make-use-restore alternative.
8.	Hajoary, Pinosh Kumar, et al. (author) New for Some, Old for Others : Circular Economy Practices in Ancient Time 2024 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - : Springer Nature. - 2730-597X .- 2730-5988. ; 4:2, s. 815-825 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract The circular economy (CE) model has recently gained considerable attention from academics and policy bodies as a key approach to tackling environmental problems. On the scholarly front, we have, in recent years, witnessed an exponential growth of publications with focus on CE practices. On the policy front, the CE model is embraced by regional, national, and supernational bodies who have instituted legislation to promote its evolution and sustention. The CE model is often depicted as a novel approach to transforming industries and societies in literature and policy circles. But is its practice novel? This perspective paper highlights some practices predating the recent popularization of the CE model by presenting historical illustrations. We argue that while the CE model is an important approach to mitigate climate change and is also gaining importance in the literature, some of the currently promoted CE principles were already in place in ancient times due to necessities emanating from resource scarcity.
9.	Horn, Erin Kelly, et al. (author) Translating Environmental Potential to Economic Reality: Assessment of Commercial Aquaponics through Sustainability Transitions Theory 2024 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - 2730-597X .- 2730-5988. ; 4:1, s. 523-554 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Despite popular interest and recent industry growth, commercial-scale aquaponics still faces economic and regulatory barriers primarily resulting from political and economic systems which insufficiently address pressing environmental challenges. The sustainability potential of aquaponic food production can help address and overcome such challenges while contributing to the broader development of circular economy and sustainable development of food systems. In response to the current counterproductive gap between potential applications and industry development, the interdisciplinary team of authors identifies pathways to translate the environmental potential of commercial aquaponics into economic success through a sustainability transition theory lens. To evaluate the industry’s current state-of-the-art, drivers, barriers, and future potential, interview data from 25 North American producers collected in 2021, literature, and policy are analyzed through a Technological Innovation System (TIS) assessment within a Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) approach. This supports the consideration of pathways for industry development of aquaponics as an aspect of circular economy within a dynamic sustainable development context. These pathways for action include (1.) advancing clear standards and policies for aquaponics as part of a circular economy, increasing funding and incentives, and reducing support and subsidies for competing unsustainable food production; (2.) developing and promoting cost-effective technologies; and (3.) bolstering consumer preferences for sustainable and healthy food sources.
10.	Hultberg, Emelie, et al. (author) Exploring Scalability from a Triple Bottom Line Perspective : Challenges and Strategic Resources for Fashion Resale 2023 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - 2730-597X .- 2730-5988. Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Resale-based circular business models (CBMs) hold immense potential to contribute towards sustainability in fashion retail. To significantly impact triple bottom line (TBL) sustainability, these fashion CBMs need to be scalable. This paper investigates the challenges for scaling resale-based fashion from a TBL perspective, as well as the strategic resources required to solve these. Based on 15 semi-structured interviews, six key scalability challenges and six main strategic resources are identified. Findings show that even though challenges are mostly referred to in economic terms, environmental and social challenges are also present. The difference is that those challenges are less visible, partly due to the lack of clear and standardised tools and definitions to interpret scale. Lessons from the study can be insightful for practitioners in reflecting on the scalability potential of their CBMs from a TBL perspective and understanding what resources to make use of or develop.
11.	Ingemarsdotter, Emilia, et al. (author) Quantifying the Net Environmental Impact of Using IoT to Support Circular Strategies—The Case of Heavy-Duty Truck Tires in Sweden 2021 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability, 2021. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2730-597X .- 2730-5988. ; 1:2, s. 613-650 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract The idea of leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) to support strategies in line with the circular economy (CE) has been gaining traction in literature. However, previous work has predominantly focused on the opportunities that these technologies can bring, and few studies have critically assessed the environmental viability of the proposed strategies. In this study, we assess the net environmental impact of IoT-enabled circular strategies in the specific case of truck tires in the Swedish context, in order to gain insight into when and how it makes environmental sense to embed IoT hardware into products to support circular strategies. We quantify (1) the potential environmental savings in the different life cycle phases made possible through access to sensor data, and (2) the environmental impact from the added technology needed to provide and process the data. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is used to evaluate the difference in impact between the current state and an ‘IoT scenario’. We find that the IoT scenario gives a 4% lower weighted life cycle impact than the current state. Through sensitivity analysis, we show that the conclusions are sensitive to assumptions made about the expected benefits of adding IoT, which depend on the technological context as well as the current and IoT-induced behavior of stakeholders along the product life cycle. The results are also sensitive to assumptions about the environmental impact of the IoT hardware components, implying that design decisions at this level can be important for ensuring a net environmental impact reduction from IoT-enabled circular strategies.
12.	Johansson, Nils, 1981- (author) Circular Agreements : Exploring the Role of Agreements and Deals as a Political Tool for a Circular Economy 2021 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2730-597X .- 2730-5988. Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract A problem for a circular economy, embedded in its policies, tools, technologies andmodels, is that it is driven by the interests and needs of producers, rather than customersand users. This opinion paper focuses on an alternative form of governance—agreements,which thanks to their bargaining approach brings actors from across the value chain intothe policy process. The purpose of this opinion paper is to uncover and analyse thepotential of such agreements for a circular economy. Circular agreements aim at increasingthe circulation of materials and are an emerging form of political governance withinthe EU. These agreements have different names, involve different actors and govern indifferent ways. However, circular agreements seem to work when other types of regulationsfail to establish circulation. These agreements bring actors together and offer aplatform for negotiating how advantages and disadvantages can be redistributed betweenactors in a way that is more suitable for a circular economy. However, circular agreementsare dependent on other policy instruments to work and can generate a free-rider problemwith uninvolved actors. The agreements may also become too detailed and long term,which leads to problem shifting and lock-ins, respectively.
13.	Kremel, Anna, 1965- (author) Consumer Behaviour in a Circular System – How Values Promote and Hinder the Participation of Young Adults in the Swedish Deposit-Refund System for Beverage Packaging 2023 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - : Springer. - 2730-597X .- 2730-5988. Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract This study contributes to the understanding of how values promote and hinder circular consumer behaviour by examining and learning from the Swedish deposit-refund system for beverage cans and PET bottles. We have used the consumption value theory in our analysis, building on the concepts of circular economy, sustainable consumption and recycling. Data was collected from focus group interviews with young adults in order to identify and explore the ways that values promote and hinder participation. Functional values were found to be at the core of sustainable consumption as a result of financial incentives and the fact that consumers value convenience. The study also highlights the importance that young adults place on emotional values, in particular embarrassment, which hinders them from recycling. When it comes to sustainable consumption, young adults are driven by selfish behaviour, prioritising personal comfort. Social settings were also found to promote and hinder participation in the deposit-refund system. The study finds that an understanding of the reasons why different social groups and age groups approve or disapprove of participation in circular solutions may help design solutions to increase participation in circular solutions and circular economies. The results show that it is important to study the combinations of value dimensions to understand consumer behaviour in a circular system fully.
14.	Martin, Michael, et al. (author) From Circular to Linear? Assessing the Life Cycle Environmental and Economic Sustainability of Steel and Plastic Beer Kegs 2022 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - : Springer Nature. - 2730-597X .- 2730-5988. ; 2:3, s. 937-960 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract In the craft brewing industry, kegging solutions have changed dramatically in recent years. While steel kegs once dominated the draught beer market, single-use plastic kegs have increased in popularity due to their convenience, especially in the craft brewing sector. With the increasing importance of the circular economy and the introduction of policies in Europe to move away from single-use plastic systems, this study aims to assess and compare the sustainability of conventional steel and single-use plastic kegs. The environmental and economic performance are assessed through life cycle assessment and life cycle costing approaches. The results suggest that steel kegs have better environmental performance and life cycle costs. However, these are limited to the local markets, and with larger distances, plastic kegs may become the better option due to their lower weight, suggesting that both kegs are useful in certain situations. This is especially important in countries that have long distances between breweries and their markets. The importance of extending the lifetime of the keg fleet is also highlighted to improve the environmental performance as the results are influenced by the assumption on the lifetime of the steel kegs. To improve the environmental performance of plastic kegs, efficient closed-loop recycling systems should be developed. Careful decision-making is needed to ensure that more sustainable packaging options are chosen for draught beer and that sustainability aspects be taken into account beyond convenience.
15.	Milios, Leonidas (author) Towards a Circular Economy Taxation Framework : Expectations and Challenges of Implementation 2021 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2730-5988 .- 2730-597X. ; 1:2, s. 477-498 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract The transition to a circular economy is a complex process requiring wide multi-level and multi-stakeholder engagement and can be facilitated by appropriate policy interventions. Taking stock of the importance of a well-balanced policy mix that includes a variety of complementing policy instruments, the circular economy action plan of the European Union (COM(2020) 98 final) includes a section about “getting the economics right” in which it encourages the application of economic instruments. This contribution presents a comprehensive taxation framework, applied across the life cycle of products. The framework includes (1) a raw material resource tax, (2) reuse/repair tax relief, and (3) a waste hierarchy tax at the end of life of products. The research is based on a mixed method approach, using different sources to analyse the different measures in the framework. More mature concepts, such as material resource taxes, are analysed by reviewing the existing literature. The analysis of tax relief on repairs is based on interviews with stakeholders in Sweden, where this economic policy instrument has been implemented since 2017. Finally, for the waste hierarchy tax, which is a novel proposition in this contribution, macroeconomic modelling is used to analyse potential impacts of future implementation. In all cases, several implementation challenges are identified, and potential solutions are discussed according to literature and empirical sources. Further research is required both at the individual instrument and at the framework level. Each of the tax proposals needs a more detailed examination for its specificities of implementation, following the results of this study.
16.	Niskanen, Johan, 1984-, et al. (author) The Political Economy of Circular Economies: Lessons from Future Repair Scenario Deliberations in Sweden 2023 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - : Springer. - 2730-597X .- 2730-5988. ; 3, s. 1677-1701 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract The dominant technocratic and neoliberal imaginary of a circular economy dependent on corporate leadership, market mechanisms, and changed consumer behaviour is here explored using the findings of deliberative stakeholder workshops examining diverse scenarios for the promotion of repair as part of a circular economy. Stakeholder responses to four scenarios—digital circularity, planned circularity, circular modernism, and bottomup sufficiency—are described with reference to the ideologies, interests, and institutions involved. We distinguish two levels of discourse in the stakeholder discussions. The main narrative in which individualist and consumerist ideologies dominate, even within ideals of sustainability, reflects a conjunction of corporate, labour, and public interests in the market liberal social democratic state, with proposed interventions focused on the institutions of markets and education. A subaltern narrative present in the margins of the discussions challenges the consumerist and productivist presumptions of the market liberal political economy and hints at more transformative change. These conflicting responses not only cast light on the ways in which the political economy of contemporary Sweden (within the European Union) constrains and conditions current expectations and imaginaries of circularity, but also suggest ways in which the future political economy of circular economies might be contested and evolve.
17.	Palm, Celinda, 1970-, et al. (author) Making Resilient Decisions for Sustainable Circularity of Fashion 2021 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2730-597X .- 2730-5988. ; 1:2, s. 651-670 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract The fashion and textiles industry, and policymakers at all levels, are showing an increased interest in the concept of circular economy as a way to decrease business risks and negative environmental impacts. However, focus is placed mainly on the material ‘stuff’ of textile fashion and its biophysical harms. The current material focus has several shortcomings, because fashion is a social-ecological system and cannot be understood merely by addressing its environmental dimensions. In this paper, we rethink the fashion system from a critical social-ecological perspective. The driver-state-response framework shows social drivers and ecological impacts as an adaptive social-ecological system, exposing how these interacting aspects need to be addressed for sustainable and resilient implementation of circular economy. We show how current responses to global sustainability challenges have so far fallen short. Our overall aim is to expand possibilities for reframing responses that better reflect the complex links between the global fashion system, culture and creativity and the dynamics of the living planet. We argue that reducing planetary pressure from the global fashion and textiles industry requires greater recognition of the system’s social drivers with more emphasis on the many cross-scale links between social and ecological dimensions. Resilient decisions aiming for sustainable circularity of the fashion industry must therefore pay attention to social activities beyond the industry value chain, not just material flows within it.
18.	Svensson-Hoglund, Sahra, et al. (author) A Process Approach to Product Repair from the Perspective of the Individual 2023 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2730-597X .- 2730-5988. ; 3:3, s. 1327-1359 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Product repair plays an important role in the realisation of a circular economy (CE) and sustainable consumption, yet little is known about what repair entails for individual product owners or users, particularly in a realised CE. This paper proposes a comprehensive approach by conceptualising repair as a multi-stage, cyclical process, shaped by previous experiences and, in turn, impacting future repairs. Moreover, we acknowledge and consider that the repair experience is determined by both internal (to the individual) and external (environmental) factors, which overlap in the individual’s interpretation of the process, primarily as perceived cost vs. benefits. Using a literature review, the role of the individual and key factors influencing the repair experience are discerned and organised according to their relevance within the process. This comprehensive perspective of the repair experience of individuals generated a wide range of insights, including the existence of general vs. specific factors and the prevalence of themes in the repair process. Implications for the upscaling of repair and future research are suggested.
19.	Velter, M. G.E., et al. (author) A Boundary Tool for Multi-stakeholder Sustainable Business Model Innovation 2022 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2730-597X .- 2730-5988. ; 2:2, s. 401-431 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Sustainable business model innovation cannot reach its full sustainability potential if it neglects the importance of multi-stakeholder alignment. Several studies emphasize the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to enable sustainable business model innovation, but few studies offer guidance to companies for engaging in such a collaborative process. Based on the concept of boundary work, this study presents a tested process tool that helps companies engage with multiple stakeholders to innovate sustainable business models. The tool was developed in three iterative phases, including testing and evaluation with 74 participants in six sustainable business model innovation cases. The final process tool consists of five steps to facilitate multi-stakeholder alignment for sustainable business model innovation: (1) defining a collective ambition, (2) mapping and negotiating the changing organizational boundaries, (3) exploring opportunities and tensions for aligning stakeholders, (4) defining first interventions and (5) developing a collaboration pitch. We found that the tool enables discussions and negotiations on sensitive topics, such as power reconfigurations and mutual responsibilities to help stakeholders align. For companies, the boundary tool enriches sustainable business model innovation by offering guidance in the process of redesigning their multi-stakeholder system, assessing their own organizational boundaries, exploring, negotiating and prioritizing strategic actions based on organizational boundary changes and kick-starting new partnerships.
20.	Radelyuk, Ivan, et al. (author) Sustainable Water Use in Industry—Reasons, Challenges, Response of Kazakhstan 2023 In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - 2730-597X. ; 3, s. 2267-2283 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Industrial development poses significant challenges to water resource management, both in terms of quality and quantity. In response to these challenges, the concept of sustainable water use has been proposed as a means of addressing these issues. However, this concept is not yet widely adopted in developing countries, particularly in Kazakhstan. This paper examines the extent to which water use is sustainable on the example of the oil refinery sector in Kazakhstan. The investigation revealed a two-fold problem: the discharge of contaminated wastewater into the environment, which poses a risk of contamination transport, and the irrational use of water within the refinery. These issues are rooted in low water fees, low penalties for pollution and the gaps in legislation that allow for high maximum allowable concentrations of pollutants in discharges. As a result, toxic contaminants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons, are present in high concentrations exceeding permissible limits in groundwater up to 6 km away from the point of wastewater discharge. Based on the findings of the environmental impact assessments carried out in the sector, the authors propose a response that involves revising and implementing suitable legislative standards with requirements for transparent practices for environmental impact assessment and new efficient environmental monitoring programs to prevent water pollution. These measures have been adopted in the new Ecological Code and require proper control to ensure their effective implementation. However, the perspective of implementing efficient water-saving techniques and water integration is not yet widely visible and needs to be considered in order to achieve the sustainable water use in the industry.
21.	Reindl, Katharina, et al. (author) Circular Economy Integration in Smart Grids: A Nexus for Sustainability In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - 2730-5988. Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract The increased electrification of society and the development of smart grids are often seenas central in the transition towards a more sustainable and secure energy system and necessaryto address the challenges of increasing energy demand and limited resources. Thereare many visions and ideas on what a smart grid is or could be. While most research relatedto environmental impacts on the smart grid focuses on the energy and climate implications,there is a growing interest in looking into material aspects and resource use, i.e., the CircularEconomy (CE) dimensions of the grid. It is increasingly understood that the varioustechnologies in the grid, such as grid infrastructure and electric vehicles, will require massiveamounts of natural resources. This research explores how smart grids can integrate CEconsiderations and the current state of knowledge related to CE issues in smart grid discussionsin Sweden. The main methods employed were a literature review and semi-structuredinterviews with 19 stakeholders. The results show that limited literature deals directly withhow CE issues can be integrated with smart grid development. The interviews show thatvarious stakeholders have started to discuss these issues, but the discussion is still in itsinfancy for most of them. The interviewees also pointed to several barriers to developing amore “circular” grid, such as regulatory frameworks, network maintenance, financing, andcost considerations.
22.	Strupeit, Lars, et al. (author) Towards a circular solar power sector: Experience with a support framework for business model innovation In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. - 2730-5988. Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract The rapid expansion of the global solar photovoltaic (PV) market as part of the transition to a low-carbon energy future will increase both demand for raw materials used in PV product manufacturing as well as future PV panel waste volumes. There is an urgent need for solar industry businesses to adopt circular business models, and to support this process through targeted tools and methods that can facilitate the innovation process of such models. This paper employs an action-oriented case study methodology, drawing on insights garnered from five demonstrator cases that have applied and validated a Circular Business Model Innovation (CBMI) framework within the PV sector. Results show how this framework was applied in practice during the ideation, design, experimentation, and scaling phases of the innovation process. Specifically, results show how an experimental and iterative approach was found critical to assess viability, desirability, and feasibility of circular business strategies. The study’s empirical testing of tools with the context of a Circular Economy complements earlier theoretical conceptualizations of business model innovation processes. It illustrates how using multiple tools can provide firms with complementary insights in each stage of ideation, design, testing, and scaling of business models. It is recommended that policy makers and business leaders endorse such co-creative and experimental approaches to foster learning and business model innovation, thereby catalysing the transformation of an entire renewable energy industry sector towards Circular Economy.

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