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Circular Economy, Sustainable Production and Consumption

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 26823

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ming-Lang Tseng

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Guest Editor

Institute of Innovation and Circular Economy, Asia University, Taichung 41345, Taiwan
Interests: municipal solid wastes; green supply chain management; corporate sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Yeneneh Tamirat Negash

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Guest Editor

Institute of Innovation and Circular Economy, Asia University, Taichung, TaiwanDepartment of Business Administration, College of Management, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
Interests: sustainable supply chain management; product service system; waste management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Tat-Dat Bui

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Institute of Innovation and Circular Economy, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
Interests: sustainable supply chain management; corporate sustainability; sustainable department indicators; sustainable consumption and production

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Waste generation rates are high due to the linear supply chain, or the take–make–waste model followed by industry, instead of reusing or recycling concepts (Wijewickrama et al., 2021). To overcome this challenge, introducing the circular economy (CE) concept at the production and consumption phases is ideal for meeting client demands and achieving the expected outcomes through sustainable production and without negative consequences (Bressanelli et al., 2021). Circular supply chain management linking CE philosophy into supply chain management emerges as a solution requiring a thorough reform of the entire production processes and consumption activities (Farooque et al., 2019). CE brings about numerous benefits, such as improved resource availability, reduced waste generation, and better social benefits (Despeisse et al., 2017). Previous studies have acknowledged the importance of applying circular supply chain management but do not sufficiently address enabling a successful transition from an end-of-life system to a CE model (Hussain and Malik, 2020). Prior studies have strived to reduce the environmental impacts, improve economic benefits, and enhance social welfare (triple bottom line, TBL) through the employment of the concept of CE. Although these studies attempted to improve the understanding and overcome the gaps between practices and theories of CE, arguments remain concerning sustainable production and consumption for addressing the uncertainties in achieving a CE (Tsai et al., 2021). This Special Issue aims to narrow the knowledge gap by discovering the core enablers of CE to achieve better material flow and reduce waste generation.

Topic of Interests

Circular economy and sustainable production and operation
Circular supply chain management
Sustainable development goals and sustainable lifestyle
Business and economic decision-making model
Sustainable operations research
Green innovation
Sustainable finance and supply chain management

References

Bressanelli, G., Pigosso, D. C., Saccani, N., & Perona, M. (2021). Enablers, levers and benefits of Circular Economy in the Electrical and Electronic Equipment supply chain: a literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 126819.
Despeisse, M., Baumers, M., Brown, P., Charnley, F., Ford, S. J., Garmulewicz, A., Knowles, S., Minshall, T.H.W., Mortara, L., Reed-Tsochas, F.P., & Rowley, J. (2017). Unlocking value for a circular economy through 3D printing: A research agenda. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 115, 75-84.
Farooque, M., Zhang, A., Thurer, M., Qu, T., & Huisingh, D. (2019). Circular supply chain management: A definition and structured literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 228, 882-900.
Hussain, M., & Malik, M. (2020). Organizational enablers for circular economy in the context of sustainable supply chain management. Journal of Cleaner Production, 256, 120375.
Tsai, F. M., Bui, T. D., Tseng, M. L., Ali, M. H., Lim, M. K., & Chiu, A. S. (2021). Sustainable supply chain management trends in world regions: A data-driven analysis. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 167, 105421.
Wijewickrama, M. K. C. S., Rameezdeen, R., & Chileshe, N. (2021). Information brokerage for circular economy in the construction industry: A systematic literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 127938.

Prof. Dr. Ming-Lang Tseng
Dr. Yeneneh Tamirat Negash
Dr. Tat-Dat Bui
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

circular economy
circular supply chain management
sustainable production
sustainable consumption

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stakeholder Pressure Engaged with Circular Economy Principles and Economic and Environmental Performance

by Juan Cristóbal Hernández-Arzaba, Sarfraz Nazir, Sandra Nelly Leyva-Hernández and Sanar Muhyaddin

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16302; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su142316302 - 06 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2434

Abstract

The study aims to investigate the impacts of internal and external stakeholder pressures on the adoption of circular economy (CE) principles. The study explores the primary barriers to and causes (external or internal stakeholder pressures) of CE’s transition across Mexico and explores the effects of stakeholder pressures (internal and external) on the adoption of CE principles on economic and environmental performance. For this, data were collected from 433 respondents using a structured questionnaire. For analysis, the study used the PLS-SEM technique to examine internal and external stakeholders as barriers and motivators of economic and environmental performance through CE principles. Both the structural model and the measurement model were assessed. As well as mediation analysis, the direct and indirect effects were determined. The study found that economic (β = 0.178, p = 0.000) and environmental performance (β = 0.233, p = 0.000) is affected by most external stakeholders through the adoption of circular economy principles. Although the internal stakeholders don’t affect the environmental performance (β = 0.040, p = 0.492), with the adoption of circular economy principles mediating the relationship, internal stakeholders encourage environmental performance (β = 0.201, p = 0.000). The study motivates the public, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the government to adopt CE principles for the achievement of economic and environmental performance and participation in the sustainable development agenda. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy, Sustainable Production and Consumption)

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26 pages, 2344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Influence of Environmental Values on Green Consumption Behavior of Apparel: A Chain Multiple Mediation Model among Chinese Generation Z

by Jianfang Liang, Jingjun Li and Qinyuan Lei

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12850; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su141912850 - 09 Oct 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5501

Abstract

There is a problem among Generation Z regarding the insufficient perception of green apparel consumption and the “perception–action paradox”, which presents a great challenge to China’s future sustainable development. To address this problem, we constructed a chain multiple mediation research framework that explored the transmission paths between the environmental value and green consumption behavior of apparel, as well as the associated influence mechanisms; this was performed by integrating environmental responsibility and green consumption intention. Data for this study were collected through a multistage sampling survey of 657 Chinese Gen Z members born between 1995 and 2002. Our results reveal that all three types (egoism, altruism, and biospheric values) of environmental values had different direct and indirect effects on the green apparel consumption behavior for Gen Z members, but the indirect effects of each aspect significantly outweighed their direct effects. In terms of the direct effects, egoistic values had no significant direct negative effect on green apparelconsumption behavior, whereas the significant positive direct effect of the biospheric values was greater than that of altruistic values. The greatest mediating effect between the environmental values and green apparelconsumption behaviorwas green consumption intention, followed by environmental responsibility, and ending with the chain mediation effect of environmental responsibilityand green consumption intention. These findings suggest that it is imperative to stress the cultivation of green consumption intentions, environmental responsibility, and environmental values and bridge the seamless link among these variables for the promotion of green apparel consumption practices in Generation Z. This is the first study that explicitly identifies the significant chain mediating effect of environmental responsibility and green consumption intention between the environmental values and green apparel consumption behavior. Our findings broaden the theoretical research perspective of green apparel consumption behavior and provide a reference for the guiding of green consumption practices and policy formulation for the global population of Generation Z. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy, Sustainable Production and Consumption)

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25 pages, 2120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Patterns of Consumer Spending in European Households

by Marlena Piekut and Kamil Piekut

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12794; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su141912794 - 07 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4176

Abstract

Consumption is an important concept in economics and many social sciences. The aim of the study is to compare consumption in European households in the years 2004–2020 and to identify groups of countries with similar consumption–expenditure structures. Statistical methods were used: trend analysis, cluster analysis. Between 2004 and 2019, the consumption expenditures of European households gradually increased. In all countries, spending on categories such as food, housing maintenance, and food and accommodation rose. Most countries also saw an increase in spending on other categories of consumer goods and services, although there were also countries where some types of spending decreased during the period under study. Our research grouped countries according to their consumption structure in 2004, 2019 and 2020. In Europe, several groups of countries can be distinguished according to their consumption structure. Similarities between EU countries’ consumption change through time. Ward’s clustering and k-means methods allowed to reduce a large number of countries to a few basic groups, which can be perceived as the subject and direction of further analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy, Sustainable Production and Consumption)

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18 pages, 822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Critical Success Factors for Circular Business Model Innovation from the Perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals

by Lukas Alexander Benz

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5816; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14105816 - 11 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3896

Abstract

Circular business model innovation offers a path for the transformation of companies, enhancing resource productivity and efficiency, while also contributing to sustainable development. These fundamental changes in business are accompanied by a variety of challenges and barriers. To support companies on their journey, only a few studies have investigated the critical success factors for circular business model innovation through literature analysis. To contribute to this research, in this study, a methodological approach, mainly based on expert interviews, is proposed to gain in-depth insight into critical success factors for circular business model innovation. As a result, a framework covering critical success factors for circular business model innovation is developed, comprising nine top-codes and 37 sub-codes, and an analysis of each factor’s contribution to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals is performed. The study thereby extends the theoretical basis for further research on circular business model innovation, as well as identifies their practical implications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy, Sustainable Production and Consumption)

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16 pages, 4390 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Luxury in Emerging Markets: An Investigation of the Role of Subjective Social Class and Conspicuous Consumption

by Jiajia Chen, Jingke Gao, Ziyuan Liu, Yang Luo, Mengge Chen and Lingxue Bu

Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 2096; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14042096 - 12 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3375

Abstract

This study is based on the relationship between the anxiety of social groups (especially the young) in today’s social environment and the increasingly younger and more sociable consumer groups in China’s luxury market. In combination with the new consumption characteristics of sustainable luxury goods, we rethink the factors that contribute to conspicuous consumption behavior in which social groups exhibit differences. In order to test our research hypothesis, two questionnaires were conducted through online channels. In the first survey, data from 135 valid subjects showed a significant negative correlation between subjective social class and conspicuous consumption behavior. In the second survey, data obtained from 255 valid subjects again verified the main effect hypothesis of this study, which is that subjective social class has a significant negative influence on conspicuous consumption. Additionally, it is verified that status anxiety plays a mediating role in the influence mechanism of subjective social class on conspicuous consumption, and the social comparison orientation of individual consumers moderates the influence of subjective social class on status anxiety. This study reveals the applicability of subjective social class to Chinese scenarios and finds that individuals of different social classes have different conspicuous consumption behaviors, which expands the research on the antecedents of conspicuous consumption and enriches the research on consumer psychology and social behavior. In practice, the results of this study will play a positive guiding role in rationally regulating psychology, dispelling social anxiety, reshaping the moral concept of conspicuous consumption, and promoting the sustainable development of luxury consumption at the individual or social level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy, Sustainable Production and Consumption)

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27 pages, 1920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consumption-Based CO₂ Emissions on Sustainable Development Goals of SAARC Region

by Mohammad Mazibar Rahman, Rafiuddin Ahmed, Abu Hashan Md. Mashud, Asif Iqbal Malik, Sujan Miah and Mohammad Zoynul Abedin

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1467; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14031467 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3827

Abstract

Consumption-based CO₂ emission (CBE) accounting shows the possibility of global carbon leakage. Very little attention has been paid to the amount of emissions related to the consumption of products and services and their impact on sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially in the SAARC region. This study used a CBE accounting method to measure the CO₂ emissions of five major SAARC member countries. Additionally, a Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (FMOLS) and a causality model were used to investigate the long-term effects of the CBE and SDG variables between 1972 and 2015. The results showed that household consumption contributed more than 62.39% of CO₂ emissions overall in the SAARC region. India had the highest household emissions, up to 37.27%, and Nepal contributed the lowest, up to 0.61%. The total imported emissions were the greatest in India (16.88 Gt CO₂) and Bangladesh (15.90 Gt CO₂). At the same time, the results for the long-term relationships between the CBEs and SDGs of the SAARC region showed that only the combustible renewables and waste (CRW) variable is significant for most of these countries. The sharing of the responsibility for emissions between suppliers and customers could encourage governments and policymakers to make global climate policy and sustainable development decisions, which are currently stalled by questions over geographical and past emission inequities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy, Sustainable Production and Consumption)

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Review

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21 pages, 2199 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Keyword, Taxonomy and Cartographic Research Review of Sustainability Concepts for Production Scheduling in Manufacturing Systems

by Massimo Bertolini, Francesco Leali, Davide Mezzogori and Cristina Renzi

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6884; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15086884 - 19 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1170

Abstract

The concept of sustainability is defined as composed of three pillars: social, environmental, and economic. Social sustainability implies a commitment to equity in terms of several “interrelated and mutually supportive” principles of a “sustainable society”; this concept includes attitude change, the Earth’s vitality and diversity conservation, and a global alliance to achieve sustainability. The social and environmental aspects of sustainability are related in the way sustainability indicators are related to “quality of life” and “ecological sustainability”. The increasing interest in green and sustainable products and production has influenced research interests regarding sustainable scheduling problems in manufacturing systems. This study is aimed both at reducing pollutant emissions and increasing production efficiency: this topic is known as Green Scheduling. Existing literature research reviews on Green Scheduling Problems have pointed out both theoretical and practical aspects of this topic. The proposed work is a critical review of the scientific literature with a three-pronged approach based on keywords, taxonomy analysis, and research mapping. Specific research questions have been proposed to highlight the benefits and related objectives of this review: to discover the most widely used methodologies for solving SPGs in manufacturing and identify interesting development models, as well as the least studied domains and algorithms. The literature was analysed in order to define a map of the main research fields on SPG, highlight mainstream SPG research, propose an efficient view of emerging research areas, propose a taxonomy of SPG by collecting multiple keywords into semantic clusters, and analyse the literature according to a semantic knowledge approach. At the same time, GSP researchers are provided with an efficient view of emerging research areas, allowing them to avoid missing key research areas and focus on emerging ones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy, Sustainable Production and Consumption)

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