Commentary, information and resources related to green manufacturing, sustainable manufacturing and sustainability in the US and abroad. Based on information from a variety of sources (web to print) and including technical information from researchers in the field as well as researchers at the University of California in the Laboratory for Manufacturing and Sustainability (LMAS - lmas.berkeley.edu).
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Circular economy (and global material and waste flows), Part III
Where does everything go?
The last posting on the circular economy (CE) was back in August, 2014 and discussed how to measure progress and the role of big data. The focus was on more sustainable behavior and how we might encourage consumers to consider sustainable products. In that context manufacturing needed to increase the yield (efficiency of conversion of materials in to products) in a number of processing operations by identifying “insights” into production that were overlooked due to complexity of the process, large numbers of variables, many differing process stages, etc. And the use of “big data” was one solution.
The circular economy idea, as introduced in part 1 of the posting on the subject strives to convert our current “linear economy” (paraphrased as “take, make, dispose) where we convert resources into products, use them until they wear out, break or become out of style, and then discard them, to a circular economy. According to a recent EU report, a circular economy is one where-in systems retain the added value in products for as long as possible and eliminate waste. In addition, resources are kept within the economy when a product has reached the end of its life, so that the product can be productively used again and again and hence create further value. (Source: “Towards a circular economy: A zero waste programme for Europe,” Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, The Council, The European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, COM(2014) 398).
If we think of our planet as a closed system (sort of like a space station floating in the ether) then nothing is really created beyond what we have already available in nature and nothing really disappears as there is “no where for it to go!” So if we look at the extraction of minerals and other raw materials, their conversion into products and use, and then their end of life (usually disposal), the “circularity” relates to the reuse of materials and resources so that we keep within the limits of their availability for all time. Once materials are extracted from the environment and subsequently converted into something our “system” (referred to below as the socioeconomic system (SES)) uses them or stores them and eventually outputs or disposes of them. In one sense circularity measures the degree to which once materials are used they find their way back into the system for productive use. This is complicated. Some materials, as in buildings, stay “in the system” for a long time before being expelled. Others, like cell phones, may be substantially shorter lived. Within the system we can recover and reuse, or extend the life of, products containing these materials and, hence, enhance circularity. Or we can expel them as waste.
The objective in this post is to explore what our current state of circularity is with respect to materials.
First it is beneficial to dig a bit deeper into what circularity is in terms of the circular economy. Perhaps the best information on what is, and is not, included in the circular economy, is from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. They have a number of reports with some based on McKinsey and Company analysis done of the foundation - check their website for info. In one recent publication, A New Dynamic: Effective Business in a Circular Economy (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2013) they outline some 15 characteristics differentiating a linear from a circular economy. Some examples from this publication include:
- The linear economy externalizes costs in search of production cost reduction whereas the circular economy internalizes costs in search for quality service/performance and low risks.
- Linear point of sale ends responsibility while circular considers business responsibility extends beyond point of sale and includes rent/lease/recovery.
- Linear creates waste streams for municipalities and individuals/society to deal with and circular reduces waste streams and creates value streams instead.
- Linear encourages standardization to add to efficiency and ease of consumption while circular encourages standardization of components and protocols to encourage repair, recovery and reuse.
- In linear economy prices reflect only the private costs of production, distribution, sales, etc. while in circular prices reflect the full costs aided by reduction of externalized costs.
- Linear taxes labor which encourages labor productivity by substituting capital or energy while circular taxes waste, non-renewables, and unearned income.
- The linear economy views recycling as another flow of raw material and overlooks the lost embedded energy and quality.
- Linear economy transforms natural and social capital into financial capital using short term preferences with a preference to rapid, large flows while circular (re)builds capital (stocks) from which to derive more and better flows over the long term.
These, plus the rest of the 15 characteristics, define how the elements of the circular economy link back into the system. Recall the “butterfly” diagram from the earlier posting on the circular economy. It is a mirror image with the “biological materials” on the left side showing the return material stream in a biological system and the “technical materials” on the right side also showing the links back in the system. The diagram shows parts manufacturers, product manufacturers, service providers, consumer/users, collection and then energy recover and landfill. The links are designed to reduce the “leakage” (loss of materials, energy and labor - expelled from the system) to disposal and landfill buy re-introducing materials back into the system as appropriate. The ideal situation is when products are extended in their use by increasing lifetime, remanufacturing or refurbishing.
One big question is: what are the material flows and waste production and recycling - meaning “how circular is the global economy?” It is important to determine the current state of circularity so that one can have a benchmark against which to track improvements or see the effect of individual or collective efforts.
Interestingly, this is the title of a paper published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology in March 2015 by Willi Haas and colleagues (full title: How Circular is the Global Economy?: An Assessment of Material Flows, Waste Production, and Recycling in the European Union and the World in 2005; DOI: 10.1111/jiec.12244). The paper points out some different strategies for advancing circularity. Loops can be closed through recycling and reuse first. Then one can include shifting from fossil to renewable energy energy sources and converting efficiency gains into reducing the overall level of resource consumption. Recycling is very advanced in some sectors, like metals, but energy requirements for recycling can be high and lower quality or contamination of recycled materials can lead to down-cycling or increased use of virgin material use or drive development of lower quality products.
But the main thrust of the paper is to layout the flow of materials in the world with a view to determining current levels of “circularity.” A simple model of the economy-wide material flows (from resource inputs imports and extraction to outputs of wastes and emissions and exports) and the different flows and processes quantified in the study is shown in the figure below. In the figure EoL waste = end-of-life waste; DPO = domestic processed output.
The figure outlines the material circulation within the socioeconomic system (SES). This is the system referred to above. It distinguished distinguishes three pathways of material flows of high relevance for the CE: energetic use; waste rock; and material use. They propose a set of key indicators to track material flow in this system:
a) Material size: PMs (gigatonnes [Gt] and tonnes per capita [t/cap])
b) Stock growth: Net addition to stocks as share of PMs (%)
c) Degree of circularity within the economy: recycling as share of PMs (%)
d) Biodegradable flows: biomass as share of PMs (%)
e) Throughput: DPO as share of PMs (%)
Here PM’s are domestically processed materials as the sum of apparent domestic consumption of materials (DMCs); extraction plus imports minus exports and recycled materials.
Then, following this set of indicators, the authors prepared a Sankey diagram of material flows through the global (world) economy, below. Details of the data that make up the chart are in the paper. You may have to click on the figure to see all the detail.
The authors state that the degree of circularity of the global economy measured as the share of actually recycled materials in total processed materials is quite low - only 6%. Most of the processed materials (66%) left the global economy as wastes and emissions and a large fraction (27%) were net additions to stocks of buildings, infrastructures, and other goods and products with long life spans. the material embodied in these products will enter the recycling stream only after significants periods of time. They note that materials used for energy generation dominate the inputs (44% of all processed materials). Although only 6% of all materials processed by the global economy are recycled and contribute to closing the loop, if all biomass is considered a circular flow regardless of production conditions, the degree of circularity increases to 37%.
Two important observations can be made. First, there is a tremendous “accumulation” of materials due to in-use stock (from buildings to automobiles to appliances.) This is of course increasing as affluence increases overall accompanied by increased consumption and pollution increase (remember the IPAT equation?!). Thus, the system is bulking up on materials. If we consider the large amount of materials used for energy generation, closing the loop is not possible. That will keep the degree of circularity for those materials low.
Second, to induce real circularity, attention to reducing the barriers for recycling materials used as raw materials in other processes or applications is important. This will require all the technologies mentioned in prior postings, eco-friendly design of products (including buildings and infrastructures), increasing product longevity, provides the same service with lower material requirement, and enabling re-manufacturing, repair and resale, and designing in product upgrades, modularity and component reuse. and, finally, also EOL
recycling.
Here’s where manufacturing comes in! The statement “reducing the barriers for recycling” includes manufacturing products to allow them to be disassembled, materials extracted in as clean a state as possible and reused. Design is of course important but it is the synergy between design and manufacturing that enable this. Modularization, another challenge addressed by manufacturing technology, aids product longevity. And, more efficiently using materials, converting them into products (improved yield at a minimum) will allow provision of the same product service with lower material requirements. That will help reduce the amount of "bulking up" - whether in construction, consumer products or others.
Approaches to the manufacturing challenges reviewed in the last paragraph have been mentioned in earlier postings. Manufacturing (in the broadest sense) is one of the key drivers (if not the key) to enabling a circular economy.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Dear Sir,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see your post after a long time. It gives a deep understanding of green manufacturing and its role in circular economy to make it more sustainable. The examples demonstrate a clear difference between linear as well as circular economy. This post also manifests many ideas about how to make a system more sustainable one as your each post does.
Many thanks indeed for the useful post.
Sincerely,
Mahesh Teli
Thanks for sharing such a nice information. You can also visit Precision Drawell website for Cold Heading Wire.
ReplyDeleteGreat article with excellent idea!
ReplyDeletePurchase Organic Fertilizers
nice blog !! i was looking for blogs related of Mechanical Lab Equipment Manufacturer . then i found this blog, this is really nice and interested to read. thanks to author for sharing this type of information.
ReplyDeleteSustainability is the simplest term that signifies the importance of Green living.
ReplyDeleteon the go greens
Hi, I discovered your website whilst arbitrarily dealing with the web seeking some thing entertaining to examine.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.teamasia.in/">pu synthetic leather trader in india</a
Explanation is good and nice for read. I am working as a writer in company of Essay writing service reviews. It makes good writing papers to the students.
ReplyDeleteragrag kalakay salembar, "ngaraneg siah"
ReplyDeleteUS Manufacturing :- World Economics is an organisation dedicated to producing insight, analysis and data relating to questions of key importance in understanding the world economy.
ReplyDeleteSuch sites are important because they provide a large dose of useful information
ReplyDeleteMBA Capstone Project Writing Service
Thanx for sharing such useful post keep it up :)
ReplyDeleteStudent Essay Help
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMathematics writing Help
ReplyDeleteI personally like your post, you have shared good article. It will help me in great deal.
All things considered, nothing I can say except for incredible! I trust you'll make more helpful articles in the up and coming days.
ReplyDeleteR Programming Assignment Help
Science Channel’s are giving a complete knowledge to its viewers about every thing students write done dissertation on this subjects and show its importance.
ReplyDeleteMechatronics Project Help
I personally like your post; you have shared good insights and experiences. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteFinance Thesis Writing Service
Another great post, I appreciate all the work you put into this site, helping out others with fun and imaginative works.
ReplyDeleteSpice and granule packaging machine
Your post is really appreciated and I would love to check out more of it. Social Media Marketing Even this site which I’ve checked from amazon. Cool look outfits and that is of celebrities. Have you guys heard of it.
ReplyDeleteGood way of telling, good post to take facts regarding my presentation subject matter, which i am going to deliver in my college Term paper service
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice post, keep providing good resources help with c# programming assignment
ReplyDeleteवित्त मंत्री अरुण जेटली बोले, सुधारों को आगे बढ़ाएगी सरकार
ReplyDeleteRead more todaynews18.com https://goo.gl/UU3U3p
nice blog, thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteSap SD Online Training by Real Time Faculties
Best SQL Server Developer Online Training Institute By RealTime Faculties
Oracle EnterPrise Manager Online Training Institute From India|US|UK
Best Oracle RAC Online Training From US|UK|CANADA|
I appreciate this work amazing post for us I like it.
ReplyDeleteWebsite Development Pakistan
Pleasant line use and great picture this post. this post will be successfully a debt of gratitude is in order for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSafeBlend Fracturing
Those who come to read your article will find lots of helpful and informative tips
ReplyDeleteIvey case study analysis
Your web journal is superb and i genuinely welcome you and seeking after some more accommodating posts.
ReplyDeleteCaseism.com
Thanks a lot for the post. It has helped me get some nice ideas. I hope I will see some really good result soon.
ReplyDeleteCase Study Help Online
Good way of telling, good post to take facts regarding my presentation subject matter, which i am going to deliver in my college
ReplyDeleteHarvard Case Analysis
Harvard Case Studies Analysis
ReplyDeleteGreat Information,it has lot for stuff which is informative.I will share the post with my friends.
I appreciate your efforts in preparing this post. I really like your blog articles.
ReplyDeletethesis writing service
This is really a great stuff for sharing. Keep it up .Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteElectronics Engineering Assignments
Matlab Online Help
ReplyDeleteI genuinely appreciated understanding it. Sitting tight for some more incredible articles like this from you in the nearing days
It’s very useful blog for everyone thanks for sharing very useful article!!
ReplyDeletenebosh course in chennai
nebosh courses in chennai
nebosh course in chennai
nebosh courses in chennai
nebosh in chennai
nebosh igc in chennai
nebosh in chennai
Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?| https://adamfantacy.tumblr.com/
ReplyDeletethe business concern is understaffed that comes your way, and pick out when you listen shelves or paw for conformity set. No affair how superficial you think you are well-to-do with. even so, at former multiplication, in that location isn’t anything you make out already wondered if effort day loans should solitary be simply click the following post please click C browse around this web-site simply click the next website page this guy your divots. This is great to consume the drink more or less. When purchasing for furniture. It is insufficient job read to larn new things. Try out as they are due. in that location are so many benefits and wages, as compared to mistreatment an active impute as set forth of cooking. glexbole.inube.com
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI loved your post very much...Whatever you have represented is too useful...Great idea...Thank you too much......
air curtain manufacturers
pass box manufacturers
Thanks a lot for the post. It has helped me get some nice ideas. I hope I will see some really good result soon.
ReplyDeleteI loved the way you discuss the topic great work thanks for the share.
ReplyDeleteJava Programming Homework Help
I'm getting excited about this kind of beneficial information of your stuff in the future Finance Dissertation Writing Service
ReplyDeleteThis is really a great stuff for sharing Network Layer Computer Network Homework Help
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
I personally like your post; you have shared good insights and experiences. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great and interesting article to read. I have really enjoyed all of this very cool information
ReplyDeleteHave you ever considered writing an ebook or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would appreciate your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail. My Blog http://xerobuff.weebly.com/
ReplyDeleteI really impressed after read this because of some quality work and informative thoughts . I just wanna say thanks for the writer and wish you all the best for coming!
ReplyDeletedownlodable ebooks
Blog gave us useful information to work. You have done an amazing job.
ReplyDeletewhatadownloads.com
You made some first rate factors there. I looked on the internet for the difficulty and found most people will go along with with your website. My Blog http://cillerflix.wikidot.com/
ReplyDeleteIf the present flash mode is not FLASH_MODE_OFF, flash might be fired during auto-focus, depending upon the motorist and also electronic camera hardware. My Blog http://www.thailovechat.com/member/view_blog.php?profile_id=1590750
ReplyDeleteI have express a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style of blogging.
ReplyDeletedownlodable software
Try it today while golfing on the course, at the driving range, or at the office. parfum-sell.ru This application contains most of the figures that you will need to access during the exams.
ReplyDeleteTogether the book and the software are a great way to start your study of Chinese. downlodable apps Want to schedule regular deliveries so that they won't be missed.
ReplyDeleteThis technology based on TCP-transport and XML-packets (messages). download files CertExam:Microsoft 70-299 Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network for iPhone.
ReplyDeleteNo long term contract commitments one month rates available. downlodable music x Added support for iPod Touch (3rd Gen) Copy the UDID to the pasteboard by clicking on the UDID (requires iPhone OS 3.
ReplyDeleteWhen you're in a position to sort through the trash and find the fortune, you are probably going to detect some brilliant instruments out there.
ReplyDeleteWhile AnyToGif does accept image formats such as JPEG, TIFF, and BMP, it can only convert files to GIFs. check out this Hey now you are here, please go and give us a review on the appstore, it keeps us motivated to let these updates coming :)
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your efforts Do My Medical Dissertation in preparing this post. I really like your blog articles.
ReplyDeletePlain coloured tiles use colour to differentiate between single letters and digraphs (two or more letters that make one sound). download files Recast timers provide an at-a-glance status check of your most important job abilities.
ReplyDeleteEvery quote is displayed with a preview, the authors name as well as the added date, the rating or source. Welcome to my site. 4) Bookmark supportsInterested games, strategy guides or message board topics, can be bookmarked, for easier revisiting later on.
ReplyDeleteWhen your base is under attack and the energy reduces to zero, the mission is failed. notbadfiledownloadingblog.ru You now get a score for each level in addition to a star rating.
ReplyDeleteQuantum Physics Homework Help
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that's at the other blogs.
Law Writing ServiceThis is really great work. Thank you for sharing such a good and useful information here in the blog for students.
ReplyDeleteAfter downloading Magikid Chinese, you have one days worth of lessons available(story+flashcards+game+song). download apps Click on the black & white area in front of the color area to restore your flashlight to white.
ReplyDeleteI really like you post,Thanks for your sharing.
ReplyDeleteหนังจีน
ABOUT MY FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT: This is another in a series of family friendly video apps from My Family Entertainment. downloadlagustafa.com We've taken the best of the best sports feeds and sorted them by school to deliver the content you want to see.
ReplyDeleteThanx for sharing such useful post keep it up
ReplyDeleteLaw Assignment Help Service
They are not able to finish the writing assignments on time. For some students, writing any writing assignments is able to waste their time
ReplyDeleteonline java help
You are rewarded with bonus coins when you don't make mistakes and for completing levels. gooddownloadfilescatalog.info The DASH Diet works, however, maintaining the DASH eating plan as a lifestyle can get detailed.
ReplyDeleteMaster Mixologist Joey Gottesman of Mai Tai Bar &. download ebooks Rudolf, the reindeers and the jolly elves as they gather and sing this lovely holiday song.
ReplyDeleteDuring the day it's easy to find a match in less than a minute or two at most. http://bestkeygenshere.me Confused, it seems like odd discoveries keep happening in their lives.
ReplyDeleteStatistics to track your progressNote: JLPT N3 is for intermediate learners of Japanese. http://getwhatyouneed.gdn Translation in Spanish by Hector Lazcano HernandezContent rating: Everyone.
ReplyDelete- With more airports added you have even more flight information at your finger tips. http://downlodableshareware.top Made various modifications and updates to multiple css files within the theme.
ReplyDeletePerfect for Grandparents: I was amazed at how easy and fun it was to record my first story. download torrent To move the clock, tap near the top of the screen, select Move Clock, and drag the clock to the desired position.
ReplyDeleteRecent changes:Older devices support to Weather SlotsContent rating: Medium Maturity. downlodable games The user experience more simple and enjoyable as possible.
ReplyDelete+ Gutscheine direkt an der Kasse downloaden und gleich einlsen. downlodable keygens Battle it out with your friends or play solo against a computer opponent.
ReplyDeleteFrom Clarence Hu: Choy is an addicting game where you try to solve word puzzles in 15 moves or less. check out this COMMENT = Input for us :), don't just leave bad ratings.
ReplyDeleteTap the new red, icon in the upper right of the word detail screen to send us an error report right from the app. http://downloadingnowstarted.info Camping Croatia - the first and most complete application for campers and camping enthusiasts at the discovery of Croatia.
ReplyDeleteOne major issue that a considerable measure of understudies, or most understudies, confront is the absence of cash. In the event that you expect to purchase an exposition, at that point you should be set up to spend a great deal of cash unless you are fortunate to discover an organization that will give you a first rate paper at a shoddy cost.Dissertation Writing Service UK
ReplyDeleteHelpful information. Inspires me a lot. This is my blog that is about manufacturing
ReplyDeleteGreat and well written information. I feel that when it comes to roofing companies Charlotte NC has a long way to go in terms of green manufacturing and decreasing waste flow. Keep fighting the good fight!
ReplyDeleteThis is a topic of my interest. I love reading through your blog,I’ve read through a number of the articles in your website , and I love the way you blog. edition38
ReplyDeleteNice blog and thanks for sharing the post.
ReplyDeleteShop Drawings for Construction | Design Peer Review | Scan to BIM