Perception and awareness of circular economy within water-intensive and bio-based sectors: Understanding, benefits and barriers

Mariana Cardoso Chrispim*, Marie Mattsson, Pia Ulvenblad

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

Perception and awareness can affect behaviour and decision-making, for example, how companies implement Circular Economy (CE) practices. However, there is limited empirical research about this topic. Thus, we investigated the perception and awareness of representatives from water-intensive and bio-based sectors regarding the CE concept based on interviews and a survey with 10 companies in Sweden. Our results indicate that CE is understood mainly as zero waste and its key principles are resource efficiency and ecodesign. Missing (or partially addressed) important elements of CE are consumption, social aspects, regenerative role of CE, collaboration, and Industrial Symbiosis. The main benefit from implementing circular strategies is economic, and the main barrier is the lack of financial resources. The bio-based companies have a broader understanding of CE and its benefits than the water-intensive companies, and more clarification and standardisation of the CE concept is necessary to avoid misunderstanding with other concepts such as sustainability.
Original languageEnglish
Article number142725
Number of pages38
JournalJournal of Cleaner Production
Volume464
Early online date28-May-2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20-Jul-2024

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