Open Access Articles
Get ready to be inspired by the physical side of the circular economy with four open access articles
Physics and the circular economy
Circular economy and physics meet in the principles of conservation of energy and matter. In a circular economy, the goal is to keep resources and materials in use for as long as possible, rather than extracting new resources and generating waste. This principle aligns with the laws of physics, specifically the conservation of energy and mass, which state that energy and matter cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. By adopting a physics-based approach to circular economy, businesses and policy makers can optimize resource efficiency and reduce waste, aligning with the laws of physics to achieve greater sustainability.
1
-
This paper proposes a new approach to circular economy based on the conservation of fundamental scalars of physics, which could help to optimize resource efficiency and reduce waste in a more comprehensive and holistic way.
-
By integrating circular economy with the laws of physics, this paper suggests that new design principles can be developed for products and processes that better align with sustainability goals.
-
This paper highlights the importance of applying this physics-based approach across different sectors, emphasizing the potential for widespread application in industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and energy conservation.
2
-
This paper highlights the importance of strategic metal recycling in regards to achieving a circular economy and reducing the reliance on virgin materials. It argues that adaptive metallurgical processing infrastructure and technology are essential to support efficient and effective recycling of metals.
-
The authors discuss the concept of "urban mining" as a potential source of secondary metals, where materials from waste streams, landfills, and other sources in urban areas are collected and recycled.
-
This paper proposes a new framework for strategic metal recycling that emphasizes the need for a collaborative and adaptive approach, where stakeholders across the value chain work together to develop and implement recycling strategies that are tailored to specific materials and markets.
3
-
This paper highlights the need for a more coordinated and strategic approach to jump-starting, diffusing, and sustaining the circular economy across different sectors and regions.
-
The authors argue that achieving a circular economy requires systemic change and collaboration among stakeholders. this includes businesses, policymakers, and consumers.
-
This paper discusses the role of innovation, entrepreneurship, and public-private partnerships in advancing the circular economy, emphasizing the need for a long-term vision and a committed attitude towards sustainability.
4
-
This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of circular economy literatures, with a particular focus on energy markets.
-
The authors argue that a circular economy approach to energy markets can help to reduce waste, optimize resource efficiency, and promote renewable energy sources.
-
This paper highlights the need for a systemic and coordinated approach to circular economy, emphasizing the importance of policy frameworks, business models, and technological innovation to drive the transition towards a circular economy.