1. Barriers and influencing factors in the implementation of circular economy in Slovenian road transportKristijan Brglez, Mateja Čuček, Andjelko Andy Kober, Rebeka Kovačič Lukman, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The European Union’s commitment to sustainable development, exemplifed by the Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, highlights the importance of the circular economy, especially for road transport companies. This study examines the current state of circular economy practices in Slovenian road transport through an inquiry of 151 logistic companies. Utilizing principal component analysis, fve key factors infuencing circular economy implementation were identifed: knowledge and competences, company practices, strategies, regional development, and market presence. Additionally, seven barriers were noted: lack of knowledge, fnancial constraints, time limitations, space constraints, limited technology, management issues, and supply chain coordination challenges. Findings suggest that circular practices are often secondary to business proftability, with fnancially stable companies more likely to adopt these practices. Success in circular economy implementation requires investments in innovative technologies, capacity building, and strong management support. Companies in more developed regions tend to adopt circular practices due to better access to knowledge and incentives. These insights provide a foundation for future research, including comparative studies across transport sector in European Union and globally.
Ključne besede: circular economy, logistics sector, PCA, barriers, road transport
Objavljeno v DKUM: 25.11.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
 Celotno besedilo (2,02 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
2. Conceptualizing a new circular economy feature - storing renewable electricity in batteries beyond EV end-of-life : the case of SloveniaMatevž Obrecht, Rhythm Singh, Timitej Zorman, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Purpose: This paper aims to forecast the availability of used but operational electric vehicle (EV) batteries to integrate them into a circular economy concept of EVs’ end-of-life (EOL) phase. Since EVs currently on the roads will become obsolete after 2030, this study focuses on the 2030–2040 period and links future renewable electricity production with the potential for storing it into used EVs’ batteries. Even though battery capacity decreases by 80% or less, these batteries will remain operational and can still be seen as a valuable solution for storing peaks of renewable energy production beyond EV EOL.
Design/methodology/approach: Storing renewable electricity is gaining as much attention as increasing its production and share. However, storing it in new batteries can be expensive as well as material and energyintensive; therefore, existing capacities should be considered. The use of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is among the most exciting concepts on how to achieve it. Since reduced battery capacity decreases car manufacturers’ interest in battery reuse and recycling is environmentally hazardous, these batteries should be integrated into the future electricity storage system. Extending the life cycle of batteries from EVs beyond the EV’s life cycle is identified as a potential solution for both BEVEOL and electricity storage.
Findings: Results revealed a rise of photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants and an increasing number of EVs EOL that will have to be considered. It was forecasted that 6.27–7.22% of electricity from PV systems in scenario A (if EV lifetime is predicted to be 20 years) and 18.82–21.68% of electricity from PV systems in scenario B (if EV lifetime is predicted to be 20 years) could be stored in batteries. Storing electricity in EV batteries beyond EV EOL would significantly decrease the need for raw materials, increase energy system and EV sustainability performance simultaneously and enable leaner and more efficient electricity production and distribution network.
Practical implications: Storing electricity in used batteries would significantly decrease the need for primary materials as well as optimizing lean and efficient electricity production network.
Originality/value: Energy storage is one of the priorities of energy companies but can be expensive as well as material and energy-intensive. The use of BEV is among the most interesting concepts on how to achieve it, but they are considered only when in the use phase as vehicle to grid (V2G) concept. Because reduced battery capacity decreases the interest of car manufacturers to reuse batteries and recycling is environmentally risky, these batteries should be used for storing, especially renewable electricity peaks. Extending the life cycle of batteries beyond the EV’s life cycle is identified as a potential solution for both BEV EOL and energy system sustainability, enabling more efficient energy management performance. The idea itself along with forecasting its potential is the main novelty of this paper.
Ključne besede: circular economy, renewable electricity, storing renewable electricity, batteries, renewable energy
Objavljeno v DKUM: 04.10.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 1
Celotno besedilo (696,15 KB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
3. 7th International Conference on Technologies & Business Models for Circular Economy : book of abstracts2024 Opis: The 7th 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 4th to September 6th, 2024. 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 2024 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.
Ključne besede: circular economy, sustainable development, processes and technologies, circular business models, research and development
Objavljeno v DKUM: 22.08.2024; Ogledov: 93; Prenosov: 16
Celotno besedilo (3,27 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. A conceptual model for measuring a circular economy of seaports: a case study on Antwerp and Koper portsRebeka Kovačič Lukman, Kristijan Brglez, Damjan Krajnc, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This paper introduces a conceptual model for evaluating seaports’ acceleration towards the circular economy. The model is based on the identification and definition of circular economy indicators, weighted according to the 9 R-strategy transitions towards the circular economy. We have employed the analytical hierarchy process for weight detection and further calculations of the final seaport circularity value. Our results suggest conceptual validity and provide a detailed insight into the circular activities of the seaports from the indicators, as well as 9 Rs and sustainability perspectives.
Ključne besede: circular economy, ports, methodology, circular economy indicators, Koper, Antwerp
Objavljeno v DKUM: 19.06.2024; Ogledov: 174; Prenosov: 8
Celotno besedilo (1,37 MB) |
5. The reusage of water and steam utilities by using the integrated fork technique and the complete circular economyAnita Kovač Kralj, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The reusage of water and steam utilities plays a key role in the mitigation of decarbonising and climate change, including reduced fossil-fuel energy consumption and reducing the dependence on natural gas. The water condensates can be used for utility and heat-recovery systems by an integrated fork technique, achieving economic benefits and a complete circular economy, presented in two steps. The main novelty of this fork technique includes the determination of a regulated heat flow rate for the integration between the dryer and evaporator, which enables an evaporation of the same water mass flow as by the existing evaporating system, which is performed in the first step. The main significance of this technique presents the manner of a fork system as a superstructure for waste condensates’ collection separately and combinedly, and sustainable reusage's alternatives of the condensates, such as steam or electricity cogeneration, presented in the second step. This technique is carried out in two steps, including real-simulated results using an Aspen Plus® simulator. This approach is illustrated using an existing sugar production, which is selected as the waste mass and energy reusage from the evaporator and dryer for low-pressure steam production, generating a possible increase profit of 1.9 MEUR/a. The saving of the heat flow rate after the integrated dryer with evaporator should be 15,816 kW, or 73 %, presenting as a percentage.
Ključne besede: steam utility, water condensate, fork technique, circular economy, integrated units, food industry
Objavljeno v DKUM: 10.05.2024; Ogledov: 229; Prenosov: 10
Celotno besedilo (479,20 KB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. |
7. Review of bioplastics characterisation by terahertz techniques in the view of ensuring a circular economyAndreja Abina, Tjaša Korošec, Uroš Puc, Aleksander Zidanšek, 2023, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: The increasing scarcity of natural resources, worsening global climate change, environmental degradation, and rising demand for food are forcing the biotechnology and plastics industries to seek and apply circular economy models that would lead to a sustainable transition in the production and use of bioplastics. Circular economy models can improve the economic productivity of bio-based plastics and have a positive impact on the environment by reducing conventional plastic waste and the consumption of petrochemical feedstocks for plastic production. In addition, some agricultural wastes that have the potential to be used as bioplastics can be reused. Terahertz (THz) systems are already used in the plastics and rubber industries for non-destructive testing, detection, imaging, and quality control. Several reports have highlighted the potential applications of THz spectroscopy and imaging in polymer analysis and plastics characterisation. This potential is even greater with chemometric methods and artificial intelligence algorithms. In this review, we focus on applications that support the transformation of the biotechnology sector to the circular economy, particularly via the transition from conventional plastics to bioplastics. In this review, we discuss the potential of THz systems for the characterisation and analysis of bioplastics and biopolymers. The results of previous studies on biopolymers in the THz frequency range are summarised. Furthermore, the potential of using artificial intelligence approaches such as machine learning as advanced analytical methods in THz spectroscopy and imaging, in addition to the conventionally used chemometric methods, is discussed. The results of this review highlight that THz technology can contribute to closed technological circles in important areas of biotechnology and the related plastics and rubber industries.
Ključne besede: terahertz spectroscopy, terahertz imaging, circular economy, biopolymer, biotechnology, bioplastics
Objavljeno v DKUM: 16.04.2024; Ogledov: 354; Prenosov: 187
Celotno besedilo (5,14 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
8. The complexity and interconnectedness of circular cities and the circular economy for sustainabilityKristijan Brglez, Matjaž Perc, Rebeka Kovačič Lukman, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: In our study, we are evaluating the dynamic interplay between circular cities and the circular economy, revealing connections shaped by new research insights, using Web of Science database. We have in depth analysed 671 publications from 1990 to mid- 2023, employing Leximancer and VOSviewer tools. Our analysis uncovered key themes, including buildings, waste management, value chains, and sustainable development, linking the circular cities concept and circular economy framework. Emerging research trends, such as urban metabolism, urban mining, governance models, the built environment, sustainability benchmarks, and value chain management, signify deliberate shifts towards higher circular development and implementation. These trajectories harmonise with overarching sustainable development goals. Contemporary research emphasises urban mining, circular indicators, adaptive resource reuse, and urban structure regeneration. This focus facilitates transitioning from linear models to heightened circularity within urban contexts. Research inclination is shifting from traditional economic and environmental concerns towards holistic urban configurations that prioritise social integration, communal well-being, and the dynamics of the social economy. Through this analytical expedition, we offer novel insights that enhance our understanding of the intricate symbiosis between circular cities and the circular economy. Our findings provide a scientific foundation for formulating targeted strategies by decision-makers and guiding urban landscapes towards transformative trajectories aligned with sustainable development objectives and sustainable cities.
Ključne besede: bibliometric analysis, circular city, circular economy, content analysis, Leximancer, sustainability, sustainable development goals
Objavljeno v DKUM: 29.03.2024; Ogledov: 268; Prenosov: 22
Celotno besedilo (3,76 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
9. Drivers and barriers for the adoption of circular economy principles towards efficient resource utilisationVesna Alivojvodić, Filip Kokalj, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Contemporary societies, whether they have reached advanced levels of economic and social development or are still developing, need to prioritise the implementation of circular economy practices. This will facilitate the shift towards regenerative, sustainable, and closed-loop industrial systems. For now, there are some efforts to encourage patterns of production and consumption through changes in economic trends, development of institutional frameworks, harmonising regulations in the field of environmental protection, and raising the level of social awareness to achieve, above all, greater efficiency of resources. Extensive literature that deals with monitoring the implementation of the circular economy already indicates the existence of numerous barriers in this process but also notices some incentives for raising the degree of circularity of the observed systems. In this paper, the question of whether a single value can represent the level of circularity of the chosen material/product chain is researched. An overview of barriers and drivers for implementing circular economy strategies is given to structure a proper metric framework in correlation to the research question. The objective was to simplify the monitoring of circularity by developing a unique index for comparing material/product chains in similar systems. This was accomplished by using the circular material use (CMU) rate introduced in the European Union and modifying it for financial data calculation. As a result, the circular economy index, which covers all 9R strategies (CEIR), is obtained. The practical verification of model applicability was shown by determining the degree of circularity achieved for passenger cars in the four observed EU countries.
Ključne besede: barriers, 9R framework, circular material use rate, circular economy index, passenger cars
Objavljeno v DKUM: 19.03.2024; Ogledov: 296; Prenosov: 17
Celotno besedilo (671,51 KB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
10. 6th International Conference on Technologies & Business Models for Circular Economy : conference proceedings2024, zbornik Opis: The 6th 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 cooperation with 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 conference was held in Portorož, Slovenia, at the Grand Hotel Bernardin from September 6th to September 8th, 2023. TBMCE 2023 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 a round table Standardization for circular economy – more secure and less complicated closing of material loops, 6 panel discussions, 1 plenary and 3 keynote lectures, oral and poster presentations. The event was under the patronage of Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport and Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development. The Netherlands joined us as a partner country.
Ključne besede: sircular economy, sustainable development, processes and technologies, circular business models, research and development
Objavljeno v DKUM: 26.02.2024; Ogledov: 646; Prenosov: 581
Celotno besedilo (24,07 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
