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Scientific Article details

Title A New Mindset for Circular Economy Strategies: Case Studies of Circularity in the Use of Water
ID_Doc 3118
Authors Viles, E; Santos, J; Arévalo, TF; Tanco, M; Kalemkerian, F
Title A New Mindset for Circular Economy Strategies: Case Studies of Circularity in the Use of Water
Year 2020
Published Sustainability, 12, 22
DOI 10.3390/su12229781
Abstract In a circular economy (CE) environment, it is important to make good and efficient use of resources and consider that the waste generated in production processes can be a valuable resource. However, the tools and methodologies conventionally used to analyze and evaluate production systems are based on techniques focused on linear production management models, where the primary purpose is to reduce the treatment and management of waste as much as possible and where productive and environmental efficiency are not evaluated simultaneously. Changing the paradigm from a linear to a circular economy requires that a new strategy for production systems be defined, one that makes production processes simultaneously circular and efficient (in terms of quality and productivity). In this context, a holistic vision is needed when implementing CE strategies. Therefore, the main aim of this paper is to provide evidence, through two real case studies in the use of water, that the management of this resource without considering systemic thinking may not be the most circular solution. Main results showed that improvements based on the traditional approach of reducing resource use cannot provide the best results if they are supported only by current process consumption without considering the circularity of resources.
Author Keywords production system; circular economy; case study; UN SDG 17; water management; circularity thinking
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:000594576200001
WoS Category Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Environmental Sciences; Environmental Studies
Research Area Science & Technology - Other Topics; Environmental Sciences & Ecology
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