| Title |
The history and current applications of the circular economy concept |
| ID_Doc |
28489 |
| Authors |
Winans, K; Kendall, A; Deng, H |
| Title |
The history and current applications of the circular economy concept |
| Year |
2017 |
| Published |
|
| DOI |
10.1016/j.rser.2016.09.123 |
| Abstract |
The challenges of balancing industrial development, environmental and human health, and economic growth in China and elsewhere in the world are drivers for recent resource use and low-carbon development strategies that include the application of the circular economy (CE) concept. A central theme of the CE concept is the valuation of materials within a closed-looped system with the aim to allow for natural resource use while reducing pollution or avoiding resource constraints and sustaining economic growth. The objectives of this study are (1) to review the history of the CE concept to provide a context for (2) a critical examination of how it is applied currently. Thematic categories are used to organize the literature review of current applications including policy instruments and approaches; value chains, material flows, and products; and technology, organizational, and social innovation. The literature review illustrates the variability in CE project success and failure over time and by region. CE successes, key challenges, and research gaps are identified. The literature review results provide useful information for researchers as well as multi-stakeholder groups who seek to define the CE concept in practical terms, and to consider potential challenges and opportunities it presents when implemented. |
| Author Keywords |
Industrial ecology; Industrial symbiosis; Closed-loop; Material flow; Waste management; Resource use |
| Index Keywords |
Index Keywords |
| Document Type |
Other |
| Open Access |
Open Access |
| Source |
Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED); Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) |
| EID |
WOS:000391899200060 |
| WoS Category |
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Energy & Fuels |
| Research Area |
Science & Technology - Other Topics; Energy & Fuels |
| PDF |
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