Evaluating the Environmental Dimension of Material Efficiency Strategies Relating to the Circular Economy

Abstract

Abstract:Material efficiency is a key element of new thinking to address the challenges of reducing impacts on the environment and of resource scarcity, whilst at the same time meeting service and functionality demands on materials. Directly related to material efficiency is the concept of the Circular Economy, which is based on the principle of optimising the utility embodied in materials and products through the life-cycle. Although materials such as steel, on account of high recycling rates at end-of-life, are amongst the most 'circular' of manufactured materials, significant opportunities for greater material efficiency exist, which are yet to be widely implemented. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is commonly used to assess the environmental benefits of recovering and recycling materials through the manufacturing supply chain and at end-of-life. Using an example taken from renewable energy generation, this paper explores the correlation between product circularity and the environmental case for strategies designed to improve material efficiency. An LCA-based methodology for accounting for the recovery and reuse of materials from the supply chain and at end-of-life is used as the basis for calculating the carbon footprint benefits of five material efficiency scenarios. The results are compared with a number of proposed material circularity indicators. Two conclusions from this exercise are that (i) LCA methodologies based around end-of-life approaches are well placed for quantifying the environmental benefits of material efficiency and circular economy strategies and (ii) when applying indicators relating to the circularity of materials these should also be supported by LCA-based studies.

Circular Economy Concept in the Context of Economic Development in EU Countries

“…In line with this, and for the purpose of intensifying the implementation of a circular economy, it is important to analyse the indicators that measure and quantify the improvement in the concept's implementation [65][66][67].…”

Resources Sustainability through Material Efficiency Strategies: An Insight Study of Electrical and Electronic Companies

“…Material efficiency can be an effective strategy to enhance sustainable raw material utilization in order to reduce the environmental impacts and fulfilment of the requirements of the circular economy [12,13,15,[19][20][21][22][23][24]. In the manufacturing industry, material efficiency is defined as the practices and strategies to enhance the usability of raw materials without compromising the original functions and purpose of a product [21].…”

The Sustainability of Romanian SMEs and Their Involvement in the Circular Economy

“…Different studies based on the design, investigation and creation of a general framework on the ecological side of the circular economy have been carried out by specialists around the world, including circular design [30], design for circular behavior [31,32], the incorporation of ecosystem services [33], evaluating the environmental dimension based on material efficiency strategy [34], and the analysis of consumer behavior related to the circular economy [35].…”