The transition towards a Circular Economy (CE) has gained significant traction as a vital strategy for advancing sustainability and waste reduction across diverse industrial sectors. In their publication titled “On the Definition, Assessment, and Enhancement of Circular Economy across Various Industrial Sectors: A Literature Review and Recent Findings,” Christina Vogiantzi and Konstantinos Tserpes, from the Department of Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Patras (UPAT), present a thorough exploration of CE’s nuances, drawing insights from the the RECREATE project.
The paper offers a comprehensive overview of the definition, assessment, and enhancement of circularity, with a specific focus on five key industries: aerospace, wind energy, transportation, automotive, and sports goods. By leveraging data and information from reputable sources, Vogiantzi and Tserpes provide a holistic examination of the circular economy’s landscape.
The survey meticulously reviews various definitions, assessment methods, and metrics employed to explore and evaluate circularity. Notably, the authors delve into assessment frameworks such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and assessment indicators, shedding light on their significance in gauging circular practices within industries.
Furthermore, the publication explores the challenges faced by industries in adopting circular practices and identifies possibilities and available tools for enhancing circularity. A particular emphasis is placed on the role of digital tools in this enhancement process, highlighting the potential they hold in overcoming challenges and unlocking new avenues for circularity in industrial contexts.
Vogiantzi and Tserpes underscore the importance of a holistic and systemic approach to circularity, emphasizing the involvement of all stakeholders along the value chain. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of entities within the circular economy framework, promoting collaboration and shared responsibility for sustainable practices.
To access the ful publication please, visit: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/23/16532
