1. The role of biodegradable plastics in a sustainable economy : progress and challengesTina Kegl, Yee Van Fan, Lidija Čuček, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: The widespread use of plastics has resulted in significant environmental challenges, including pollution, landfill accumulation, and harm to ecosystems and human health. As concerns over plastic waste intensify, biodegradable plastics have emerged as promising alternatives that can decompose under specific conditions and contribute to a circular economy. This review examines how biodegradable plastics can help address these issues, beginning with the distinction between biodegradable polymers, which are long-chain molecules, and biodegradable plastics, which are end-use materials created by blending these polymers with additives and fillers. It explores common biodegradable polymers, their origins, production processes, and key physical and chemical properties. Further, the review covers both the compounding stage, in which polymers and additives are combined, and the subsequent product development and processing steps involved in manufacturing of biodegradable plastics. A criterion is proposed to assess and rank biodegradable plastics based on their biodegradability. The review also discusses applications and the sustainability of their value chains. Key challenges to widespread adoption, such as technological limitations, economic concerns, and environmental or health risks, are highlighted. Finally, the review stresses the importance of advancing biomass cultivation, polymer development, processing techniques, and degradation methods to unlock the full potential of biodegradable plastics. Overall, it emphasizes the need for continued innovation to promote sustainable materials and improve plastic waste management.
Keywords: biodegradable polymers, biodegradable plastics, circular economy, plastics production and consumption, plastic value chains sustainability, environmental impact reduction
Published in DKUM: 19.12.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 1
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2. Strategic integration of sustainability, circular economy, and blockchain in Slovenian urban governanceGorazd Justinek, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Slovenia has 12 urban municipalities, each with a sustainable development strategy aligned with the Agenda 2030 framework and valid through 2030. This paper examines how these strategies incorporate emerging technologies, particularly blockchain, and innovative sustainability concepts such as the circular economy. Achieving the goals of Agenda 2030, especially transitioning to a circular economy, requires doubling energy efficiency by 2030. While blockchain and the circular economy have often been studied separately, this research explores their intersection within the context of urban sustainability. The study applies qualitative content analysis to the official development strategies of all 12 urban municipalities. This analysis is complemented by semi-structured interviews with senior officials from the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy, and the Vice Mayor of Ljubljana, providing institutional perspectives on strategic priorities and implementation logic. This is the first comprehensive analysis of how Slovenian urban municipalities address the interconnected themes of sustainability, circular economy, and blockchain technology. The findings contribute to academic discussions and offer practical recommendations to enhance innovation in urban sustainability planning
Keywords: blockchain, circular economy, energy efficiency, Agenda 2030, urban municipality
Published in DKUM: 02.10.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 8
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3. Circular economy implementation in the electric and electronic equipment industryMargaret Zoka, Romana Korez-Vide, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The circular economy (CE) encourages sustainability by shifting towards business models that prolong resource use. The quantity of waste generated by electric and electronic equipment (WEEE or e-waste) is rapidly rising and is one of the fastest-growing waste streams. Our paper explores the awareness, benefits, barriers, incentives, and implementation of CE in the electric and electronic equipment (EEE) industry in Slovenia and Croatia. In the theoretical section, we review the existing literature on CE, the EEE industry in both countries, and their policy frameworks for developing CE. Based on primary research through a survey and inferential statistical analysis in the empirical section, we investigate the implementation of CE in the EEE industry in both countries. This paper identifies which CE practices companies in the EEE industry implement, how company size affects CE implementation, how companies evaluate institutional support to CE, and their plans regarding CE. The results highlight some differences between the two countries. Drawing on the empirical findings, we determine key challenges and opportunities for increasing CE adoption in this sector and formulate some European suggestions for policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers.
Keywords: sustainability, circular economy, electric and electronic equipment industry, e-waste
Published in DKUM: 01.09.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 7
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4. 8th International Conference on Technologies & Business Models for Circular Economy : Book of Abstracts2025, proceedings Abstract: The 8th International Conference on Technologies & Business Models for Circular Economy (TBMCE) was organized by the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor in collaboration with the Strategic Research and Innovation Partnership - Networks for the Transition into Circular Economy (SRIP- Circular Economy), managed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Štajerska. The conference was held in Portorož, Slovenia, at the Grand Hotel Bernardin from September 3rd to September 5th, 2025. EIT RawMaterials RIS Hub Adria, SPIRIT Slovenia Business Development Agency and Pomurje Technology Park (as part of the GREENE 4.0 and CI-Hub projects) have joined us as co-organizers. TBMCE 2025 was devoted to presentations of circular economy concepts, technologies and methodologies that contribute to the shift of business entities and society as a whole to a more responsible, circular management of resources. The conference program included panel discussions, plenary and keynote sessions, oral and poster presentations on the following topics: Sustainable Energy, Biomass and Alternative Raw Materials, Circular Business Models, Secondary Raw Materials and Functional Materials, ICT in Circular Economy, Processes and Technologies. Panel discussions addressed following topics: Circular Economy Transition in South East Europe, The transition to carbon neutrality in energy intensive industry, Valorization of used and contaminated wood, Circular economy trends in construction, Critical raw materials and circular economy transition, Industrial Symbiosis and its opportunities for industry, AI and circular economy. The event was under the patronage of Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport and Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development.
Keywords: circular economy, sustainable development, processes and technologies, circular business models, research and development
Published in DKUM: 01.09.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 8
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5. Legal regulation of personal assistance in circular economy and quality of life for youth in the Alpine-Adriatic regionManja Kreševič, Suzana Kraljić, 2025, published scientific conference contribution abstract Abstract:
Keywords: personal assistance, legal regulation, circular economy, social inclusion, quality of life, Alpine-Adriatic region, sustainability
Published in DKUM: 29.08.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 1
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6. Towards circularity in Serbian mining: unlocking the potential of flotation tailings and fly ashNela Vujović, Vesna Alivojvodić, Dragana Radovanović, Marija Štulović, Miroslav Sokić, Filip Kokalj, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This paper examines sustainable industrial practices in Serbia, particularly in the mining and energy sector, focusing on the potential of flotation tailings and fly ash, as materials with the largest share in disposed waste in Serbia in 2023 (95%). It highlights the environmental challenges of mining waste and explores innovative approaches to waste management within the circular economy framework. The study analyzes the current state of mining waste in Serbia, particularly in copper mining regions in the east of the country. It discusses the potential for metal recovery from waste and its reuse in various industries. The research also investigates the use of fly ash from thermal power plants as a valuable resource in the construction industry and other sectors. The paper reviews existing initiatives and legislation in Serbia in order to promote sustainable mining practices and waste utilization. By presenting case studies and potential applications, the study demonstrates how implementing circular economy principles in the mining sector can contribute to environmental protection, resource conservation, and economic growth in Serbia. The comprehensive overview of the current state in Serbia provides a solid foundation for establishing a higher degree of circularity in the mining and energy sectors.
Keywords: mining, flotation tailings, fly ash, Serbia, circular economy
Published in DKUM: 17.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 6
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7. When technology meets sustainability: microplastic removal from industrial wastewater, including impact analysis and life cycle assessmentJan Puhar, Michael Toni Sturm, Erika Myers, Dennis Schober, Anika Korzin, Annamaria Vujanović, Katrin Schuhen, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) that are ubiquitous in aquatic environments and industrial wastewater streams have been identified as key hotspots of MP contamination. It is significantly more effective to remove MPs at these points before they enter municipal wastewater streams. This study is an environmental assessment of a novel pilot plant for the removal of MPs and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) from wastewater with a high MP contamination from a plastics manufacturer in Germany. MP removal is based on physical–chemical agglomeration–fixation by organosilanes. Formed agglomerates are separated using a belt filter. The COD is removed by an adsorption process. The resulting MP removal was 98.0 ± 1.1% by mass and 99.9987 ± 0.0007% by particle count, while the COD was reduced by 96 ± 2.7%. The system’s sustainability is evaluated using the Life Cycle Assessment methodology, evaluating system construction, operation, and end-of-life considerations. The current pilot plant is also compared to an optimized circular and sustainable upgrade, where drivers of environmental burdens are eliminated and collected MPs are reused. Significant reductions in environmental impact categories are achieved and the global warming potential is reduced by 96%. This study provides a sustainability assessment of a novel technology and circular solution to remove MPs from highly polluted industrial wastewater.
Keywords: microplastics, life cycle assessment, impact analysis, removal technology, sustainable process design, carbon footprint, water quality, circular economy
Published in DKUM: 14.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 4
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8. 7th International Conference on Technologies & Business Models for Circular Economy : Conference Proceedings2025, proceedings Abstract: The 7th International Conference on Technologies & Business Models for Circular Economy (TBMCE) was organized by the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of the University of Maribor in collaboration with the Strategic Research and Innovation Partnership – Networks for the transition into circular economy (SRIP – Circular economy), managed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Štajerska. The event took place from September 4 to 6, 2024 in Portorož, Slovenia, at the Grand Hotel Bernardin. The conference focused on the current challenges and opportunities related to technological development and society's responsibility in the transition to a more sustainable and circular management of resources. The conference program included a round table on "Circular Economy Transition in the South-East Europe", 5 panel discussions, plenary and 2 keynote speeches as well as oral and poster presentations. The conference was held under the patronage of the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport and the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development. EIT RawMaterials RIS Hub Adria, SPIRIT Slovenia Business Development Agency, and Pomurje Technology Park (as part of the GREENE 4.0 and CI-Hub projects) joined us as co-organizers.
Keywords: circular economy, sustainable development, processes and technologies, circular business models, research and development
Published in DKUM: 03.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 12
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9. Youth awareness and attitudes towards a circular economy to achieve the green deal goalsDamjan Krajnc, Darko Kovačič, Eva Žunec, Kristijan Brglez, Rebeka Kovačič Lukman, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: In order to approach a system change towards a circular economy model (CE) in Europe,
the entrepreneurial activities of young people need to be encouraged to achieve the Green Deal (GD)
goals. This article presents the evaluation results of young people’s awareness and attitudes towards
the CE and the GD. The data used in this study was collected by surveying 286 young people from five
European countries. The questionnaire covered four areas: (1) belief, (2) knowledge, (3) competence,
and (4) young people’s ability to deal with the CE. Descriptive and exploratory factor analysis (EFA)
was conducted to analyse the questionnaire on the basic factors that motivate young people to the CE
and GD. A literature review was conducted to identify the main research concepts and connections.
A review included two phases, the first encompassing a search through the Web of Science (WoS)
Core Collection for research papers meaningful for further research, followed by Leximancer analysis.
The analysis showed that young people believe in the principles and priorities of CE but do not
receive enough support to participate and implement the priorities actively. Formal education does
not provide enough knowledge to work in this field actively. They are primarily undecided about
their understanding of the principles of CE. Responses to whether they can implement the project,
business, or entrepreneurial ideas are also uninspiring. Young people do not see themselves as
creators of change towards the CE. However, it is encouraging that they approach the CE from
different angles and show responsible behaviour in everyday life. Young people’s ability to reason,
think, evaluate, connect, and create new solutions for the CE is not enviable. Most respondents did
not comment on their competence in concepts of the GD and CE. It is encouraging to know that they
have already heard about the CE’s goals and action plan. Young people do not show significant skills
in the practical implementation of CE principles. The analysis has shown that young people are
particularly unable to reason, think, and evaluate in an entrepreneurial way when linking the CE
to business opportunities. Relating them to business models and entrepreneurship also seems to be
problematic. As a result, the majority of them are unable to design, develop, and create new business
solutions.
Keywords: circular economy, Green Deal, youth, awarenes, competecies
Published in DKUM: 14.02.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 6
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10. A multi-level approach to circular economy progress : linking national targets with corporate implementationJan Drofenik, Tine Seljak, Zorka Novak-Pintarič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: An integrated top-down methodology for assessing and promoting progress towards a circular economy at macro (national) and micro (company) levels is presented. It is based on the MICRON (MIcroCirculaR ecOnomy iNdex) framework developed by Baratsas et al. (2022) for companies. In this paper, it has been extended to enable a consistent assessment for companies and countries. The methodology facilitates the analysis of key categories: energy, emissions, water, materials, and waste. A quantitative analysis of circularity, including a sensitivity analysis, is conducted at the macro level, identifying critical areas and the most influential factors for the circular economy. Based on this analysis, existing national strategies are evaluated, and implementation plans with specific measures are developed. This is followed by micro-level implementation, which involves techno-economic assessment of circular projects. Using this methodology, coordinated improvements in circularity are achieved at all levels. The methodology was tested in Slovenia, where the national circularity index revealed stable performance over five years, averaging slightly above 50 points out of 100. Analysis identified significant improvement potential in areas such as energy and emissions, aligning with the country's focus on decarbonization and energy efficiency in its climate strategies. At the company level, circularity assessments highlighted critical challenges in renewable energy use and overall energy efficiency. The proposed measures showed potential for significantly improving circularity and reducing emissions, while the results provided valuable insights into the economic feasibility of these transitions.
Keywords: circular economy, integrated assessment framework, micro level, energy transition, renewable energy
Published in DKUM: 10.02.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 6
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