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Water and wastewater sector actively participates in circular economy (CE) transition; however, there is no official CE monitoring framework to measure the level of progress toward the CE model in this sector. The paper presents a set of environmental indicators that could support water and wastewater treatment companies in the assessment of CE implementation. CE indicators were grouped into six areas of CE implementation in this sector: reduction—prevention of wastewater generation; reclamation (removal)—contamination removal from water and wastewater; reuse—water reuse for nonpotable usage; recycling—water reuse for potable usage; recovery—recovery of raw materials and energy from water‐based waste; and rethink—rethinking use of raw materials. The following indicators were proposed in specific CE areas: reduction—tap water consumption reduction, wastewater generation reduction, waste reduction, sewage sludge generation reduction, and water footprint; reclamation—pollutants removal from water and pollutants removal from wastewater; reuse—water reuse from wastewater for nonpotable usage and recycling of technical water for nonpotable usage; recycling—water reuse from wastewater for potable usage; recovery—raw materials recovery, bio‐based fertilizers, energy recovery, processing of sewage sludge, composting of sewage sludge, biogas production, and processing of ashes; and rethink—CE technologies, life cycle assessment reports, CE products, and CE business models, industrial symbiosis, and carbon footprint. The proposed CE indicators can be used not only to assess the level of transformation toward CE but also to support further policies on strategic CE initiatives in organizations operating in the water and wastewater sector. Moreover, they could support the strategic planning of further CE initiatives in organizations. The proposed list of CE indicators is not closed because in the coming years, more and more CE solutions are expected to be developed and implemented in water and wastewater treatment plant companies, involving also economic and social aspects, in order to support the sustainable development.
Water and wastewater sector actively participates in circular economy (CE) transition; however, there is no official CE monitoring framework to measure the level of progress toward the CE model in this sector. The paper presents a set of environmental indicators that could support water and wastewater treatment companies in the assessment of CE implementation. CE indicators were grouped into six areas of CE implementation in this sector: reduction—prevention of wastewater generation; reclamation (removal)—contamination removal from water and wastewater; reuse—water reuse for nonpotable usage; recycling—water reuse for potable usage; recovery—recovery of raw materials and energy from water‐based waste; and rethink—rethinking use of raw materials. The following indicators were proposed in specific CE areas: reduction—tap water consumption reduction, wastewater generation reduction, waste reduction, sewage sludge generation reduction, and water footprint; reclamation—pollutants removal from water and pollutants removal from wastewater; reuse—water reuse from wastewater for nonpotable usage and recycling of technical water for nonpotable usage; recycling—water reuse from wastewater for potable usage; recovery—raw materials recovery, bio‐based fertilizers, energy recovery, processing of sewage sludge, composting of sewage sludge, biogas production, and processing of ashes; and rethink—CE technologies, life cycle assessment reports, CE products, and CE business models, industrial symbiosis, and carbon footprint. The proposed CE indicators can be used not only to assess the level of transformation toward CE but also to support further policies on strategic CE initiatives in organizations operating in the water and wastewater sector. Moreover, they could support the strategic planning of further CE initiatives in organizations. The proposed list of CE indicators is not closed because in the coming years, more and more CE solutions are expected to be developed and implemented in water and wastewater treatment plant companies, involving also economic and social aspects, in order to support the sustainable development.
The management of package waste has become a critical concern in pursuing sustainable development, particularly within the European context, where environmental regulations and sustainability goals are stringent. This paper presents a comprehensive strategic and efficiency analysis of waste packaging management across Europe, examining current practices, policies, and technological innovations in a sample of countries. The work identifies critical challenges and opportunities in the sector using Data Envelopment Analysis and Multicriteria decision analysis. Our findings reveal significant variations in the efficiency and effectiveness of waste packaging management practices among European countries, influenced by differing policy frameworks, recycling infrastructures, and public awareness levels. Sweden and Luxembourg excel in the sustainable and technical model for recycling, while Austria prevails for recovery in both. The strategic vision suggests an emphasis on green premium, and the most sustainable alternatives are those marked by natural fibres and respect for human conditions. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and communities to enhance waste packaging management efficiency. These include policy harmonisation at the EU level, investment in innovative recycling technologies, and fostering public–private partnerships to drive systemic change. By adopting these strategies, Europe can move closer to achieving its sustainability targets, reducing environmental impact, and promoting a circular economy. So, the implications of this paper are both strategic and political. The former is related to identifying the best strategy related to packaging waste, and the latter is to uniform the efficiency of waste packaging management in Europe.
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