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Sustainability
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Circular Business Model Innovation for a Circular Bioeconomy
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Circular Business Model Innovation for a Circular Bioeconomy

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioeconomy of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2023) | Viewed by 15666

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Rodrigo Salvador

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Engineering Technology and Didactics, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Lautrupvang 15, Building Ballerup/Room E2.12, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
Interests: circular economy; circular bioeconomy; circular business models; life cycle assessment; sustainable operations
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Marina De Pádua Pieroni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Planning / Sustainable Design & Transition, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
Interests: circular economy; sustainability; business model innovation; product-service innovation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Murillo Vetroni Barros

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Sustainable Production Systems Laboratory (LESP), Postgraduate Program in Production Engineering (PPGEP), Federal University Technology - Parana (UTFPR), Ponta Grossa, Brazil
Interests: circular economy; circularity indicators; life cycle assessment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The circular economy has been pointed to as one alternative to linear practices of traditional businesses, as a way of reverting high rates of resource consumption and waste generation, for the current linear model (extract-produce-consume-dispose) is not sustainable. As the circular economy grows, businesses must prepare for their transition from linear to circular models. If based on bioresources, the circular economy can also lead to regenerative and renewable systems in a so-called Circular Bioeconomy (CBE).

The implementation of CBE requires systemic changes in how industries work, which calls for circular business model innovation (CBMI) at the firm and ecosystem levels. As new business models are already considered to be one of the building blocks of a CE (EMF, 2013), CBMI is crucial for the establishment of a strong CBE. Innovative business models for a CBE can transform a range of sectors by enabling circular businesses to develop viable technologies and scalable solutions to produce biobased products with lower environmental impacts and optimize resource efficiency by reversing cycles of different materials, components, and products in both biological and technical cycles.

Further research is needed to understand how businesses can adapt or develop and manage novel business models that enable them to compete with traditional (often linear and non-bio-based) businesses and products. This Special Issue aims to address this gap and contribute to studying “Circular Business Model Innovation for a Circular Bioeconomy” to accelerate the transition to a more circular and renewable economy based on bioresources.

Papers may address, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Environmental, social, and/or economic assessment of CBE business models
  • The role of CBMI for lowering environmental impacts in CBE business models
  • Technology or business-related practices enabling CBMI for a CBE
  • The role of technology-readiness level in CBMI for a CBE
  • The role and mechanisms for collaboration and strategic alliances in CBMI for a CBE
  • Influence of organizational, managerial, and cultural aspects for CBMI for a CBE
  • Success and/or failure factors, including drivers, opportunities, barriers, and challenges for CBMI for a CBE
  • Lessons learned from cases on CBMI for a CBE
  • CBMI for a CBE and contributions to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals
  • Tools, models, and techniques that can help chart a path for CBMI for a CBE
  • Legal and ethical issues of CBMI for a CBE

Dr. Rodrigo Salvador
Dr. Marina De Pádua Pieroni
Dr. Murillo Vetroni Barros
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bioeconomy
  • biobased
  • circular bioeconomy
  • circular economy
  • circular business model innovation
  • sustainable business model

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 1061 KiB  
Article
The Role of Consumers in Business Model Innovations for a Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy
by Stephanie Lang, Giulia Minnucci, Matthias Mueller and Michael P. Schlaile
Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9573; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129573 - 14 Jun 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2963
Abstract
Over the last decade, various governments and supranational bodies have promoted the development of a circular bioeconomy (CBE) as a response to sustainability challenges. The transition towards a CBE requires the collaboration of different actors in the innovation (eco)system. With this conceptual paper, [...] Read more.
Over the last decade, various governments and supranational bodies have promoted the development of a circular bioeconomy (CBE) as a response to sustainability challenges. The transition towards a CBE requires the collaboration of different actors in the innovation (eco)system. With this conceptual paper, we apply a circular business model lens to address the research question: “What are the archetypical roles of consumers in business model innovations for a sustainable CBE?” We use a combination of complementary theories from the circular economy and bioeconomy literature, evolutionary innovation economics, sustainability transitions research, the business model literature, and the work on active consumers. Considering consumers’ agency as a continuum between the manufacturer-active paradigm and the consumer-active paradigm, we propose: (i) consumers in the manufacturer-active paradigm can actively influence circular business models with their purchase decision; (ii) consumers can act as lobbyists and influencers for circular business model innovation; (iii) in their different roles as customer, user, repairer, and reseller, consumers can incentivize organizations to adapt their business models to their needs; (iv) consumers can become key partners in the process of defining the normative orientation of the innovation paradigm for a CBE; (v) consumers can actively co-create value by means of co-ownership (e.g., through platform cooperatives). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Business Model Innovation for a Circular Bioeconomy)
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17 pages, 760 KiB  
Article
The Relation between Bio-Industry Performance and Innovation Capacity—Focusing on the Korean Bio-Industry
by Ju Han Yeon and Seung-hwan Jang
Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7116; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097116 - 24 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1635
Abstract
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the bio-industry is becoming increasingly important. Therefore, it is necessary to respond to the changed environment after COVID-19 by analyzing the bio-industry situation before the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Korean bio-industry is a very important industry for Korea’s economic [...] Read more.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the bio-industry is becoming increasingly important. Therefore, it is necessary to respond to the changed environment after COVID-19 by analyzing the bio-industry situation before the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Korean bio-industry is a very important industry for Korea’s economic growth, so huge investments are being made in the development of bio-companies. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the effect of innovation capabilities on the performance of the Korean bio-industry. Korea’s bio-industry has been developing under the leadership of the government. Thus, Korea’s bio-companies need various forms of innovation to achieve sustainability through competitive advantage on their own. The objective of this research is to find the competitive advantage factors that improve the innovation ability of the Korean bio-industry. Therefore, the elements that increase a company’s innovation capability were studied in order to uncover competitive advantage factors that improve the Korean bio-industry’s innovation capability, and the effect on corporate performance was analyzed. Using samples from the ‘Korean Bio-industry Survey’, the current state of the Korean bio-industry was examined through a review of all bio-industry enterprises. In addition, each of the eight bio-industries was examined using Korea’s industrial classification system. As an analysis method, multiple regression analysis of SPSS 25 was performed to analyze how the six input factors have a complex effect on the output factor. This study discovered that R&D intensity, machine investment, and human resource characteristics all had an impact on the business performance of Korean biotech enterprises. In eight bio-sectors, elements affecting company success were defined differently. Therefore, through this study, Korean bio-companies must understand their own industrial characteristics, and develop factors that affect business performance through strategic operational management. In addition, based on the results of this study, companies should strengthen the innovation capabilities of the bio-industry to survive post-COVID-19, analyze changes in innovation capabilities, and promote sustainable growth by strengthening key innovation factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Business Model Innovation for a Circular Bioeconomy)
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29 pages, 1701 KiB  
Article
Innovative Business Models for a Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy in the French Agrifood Domain
by Mechthild Donner and Hugo de Vries
Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 5499; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065499 - 21 Mar 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3610
Abstract
In recent years, the circular economy and the bioeconomy have increasingly been developed in France, driven by public policies. In this article, innovative circular bioeconomy business models in the French agrifood domain are studied concerning main drivers, business model elements, circular economy principles, [...] Read more.
In recent years, the circular economy and the bioeconomy have increasingly been developed in France, driven by public policies. In this article, innovative circular bioeconomy business models in the French agrifood domain are studied concerning main drivers, business model elements, circular economy principles, enablers and barriers, and sustainability benefits. The study is based on an online review and analysis of 44 local, collaborative and small-scale initiatives. It appears that the strategies of the businesses are based on the seven circular economy pillars laid out by the French Agency for the Environment and Ecological Transition, mostly recycling, sustainable procurement, and industrial and territorial ecology. Geographical embeddedness and the relational proximity of actors are other crucial factors that play a role in the success of these business models, next to pro-environmental consumer trends and local public support. The outcomes further reveal that all three sustainability dimensions are integrally considered in France, with environmental and social dimensions slightly prominent above the economic one. The application of the game concept and its seven building blocks (time, playing fields, pieces, moves, players, rules, wins or loses) allows this study to demonstrate the essential elements of emerging business models within bioeconomy systems, their dynamic interrelations and the need for full policy attention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Business Model Innovation for a Circular Bioeconomy)
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17 pages, 2024 KiB  
Article
The Application of Circular Footprint Formula in Bioenergy/Bioeconomy: Challenges, Case Study, and Comparison with Life Cycle Assessment Allocation Methods
by Antonio Carlos Farrapo, Jr., Thiago Teixeira Matheus, Ricardo Musule Lagunes, Remo Filleti, Fabio Yamaji and Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2339; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032339 - 27 Jan 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3399
Abstract
Allocation methodological choices in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a relevant issue for the Circular Bioeconomy context. The recent Product Environmental Footprint Guide from the European Commission includes the Circular Footprint Formula (CFF) as a new way to deal with energy recovery/recycling processes. [...] Read more.
Allocation methodological choices in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a relevant issue for the Circular Bioeconomy context. The recent Product Environmental Footprint Guide from the European Commission includes the Circular Footprint Formula (CFF) as a new way to deal with energy recovery/recycling processes. This paper investigated CFF vs. other different LCA allocation methods in Brazilian briquette production. A cradle-to-gate LCA study was conducted considering 1 MJ of energy from recovered and dedicated Eucalyptus briquette production. Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Cumulative Energy Demand (CED) were selected as the impact categories to evaluate the allocation methods choice that influences the potential impacts. LCA results were compared regarding four allocation methods. Eucalyptus wood as a biomass supply scenario achieved impact results up to 4.3 kg CO2-eq. for GWP and 0.0272 MJ-eq. for CED. The recovery wood scenario presented LCA burdens reduction by up to 206% for GWP, however a 492% increase in the CED results. CFF provided the lowest results for both impact categories. However, the CFF method still doesn’t address particular aspects of circular bioenergy systems. Biomass and bioenergy LCA require further adjustments focusing on biochemical flows in the CFF calculation procedure to lead the development of innovative circular business models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Business Model Innovation for a Circular Bioeconomy)
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Review

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27 pages, 2311 KiB  
Review
Life Cycle Thinking for a Circular Bioeconomy: Current Development, Challenges, and Future Perspectives
by Diego Alexis Ramos Huarachi, Cleiton Hluszko, Micaela Ines Castillo Ulloa, Vinicius Moretti, Julio Abraham Ramos Quispe, Fabio Neves Puglieri and Antonio Carlos de Francisco
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8543; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118543 - 24 May 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2573
Abstract
The circular bioeconomy (CBE) is an increasingly popular method used to add value to bio-based products. However, these products entail impacts on sustainability that can be assessed by life cycle thinking (LCT). Therefore, this manuscript aims to describe the current development of using [...] Read more.
The circular bioeconomy (CBE) is an increasingly popular method used to add value to bio-based products. However, these products entail impacts on sustainability that can be assessed by life cycle thinking (LCT). Therefore, this manuscript aims to describe the current development of using LCT for a CBE and to identify challenges and future perspectives with regard to this topic. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), analyzing a final portfolio of 57 documents. The results indicated that the use of LCT for a CBE is very recent and has been increasing over the years, is concentrated in Europe, and mainly assesses the conversion of biowastes in biofuels through biorefinery processes, considering mostly environmental concerns, by applying life cycle assessment; thus neglecting economic and social issues. The use of system boundaries, software, databases, and impact assessment methods was reviewed. Five challenges were revealed (the expansion of system boundaries, the consideration of more endpoints, the development and use of regional databases, the development of policies to encourage CBE, and the addition of economic and social issues. Future perspectives will be aimed at considering microalgae, wastewater, and animal biomass in CBE processes, developing more value-added bioproducts and biofuels, and adding cost assessment and more circularity to CBE processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Business Model Innovation for a Circular Bioeconomy)
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