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In the context of green development, different types of waste paper were used in this study to prepare environment-friendly nanocellulose membrane by using different pretreatment processes. The results showed that all nanocellulose membranes had a novel microscopic composite morphology: nanocellulose fibers in the middle were tightly arranged and had a certain direction, while nanocellulose fibers at the edge were arranged randomly. Moreover, the type of waste paper affected the formation and property of nanocellulose membranes deeply compared with the pretreatment process. Nanocellulose membrane prepared from office waste paper had a high transmittance (50.8 %) and low oxygen transmission rate (1.548·10−3/cm3mm/(m2·d·KPa)) while that prepared from waste corrugated paper had a high yield (50.63 %), high folding number (81 times), and low water vapor transmission rate (1550.24 g·m−2·day−1). Meanwhile, nanocellulose membrane prepared without any deinking treatment had a significant performance advantage in terms of water vapor barrier and folding resistance. Therefore, in actual application, deinking treatment can be selectivity omitted, which will simplify the preparation process flow and reduce the production cost of nanocellulose membrane. Furthermore, in order to satisfy different application requirements, the appropriate raw materials and treatment processes can be chosen to prepare nanocellulose membranes with different properties. This study provides a simple and low-cost way to prepare high-performance environment-friendly self-assembled nano membrane material, and also achieves the high value utilization of waste paper, which has a certain ecological, economic, and social benefits. [Display omitted] • Prepared CNC membrane with a self-assembled microscopic composite nanostructure. • Produced functional transparent CNC membrane with low cost and high performance. • Facilitated the simply of preparation process of green CNC membrane. • Proposed a novel way to achieve the high value utilization of waste paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A closed-loop material flow analysis model is established for China's pulp and paper industry (CPPI), followed by a comprehensive quantitative analysis from both retrospective and prospective perspectives. • By implementing sound plans and stricter regulations and standards, China has improved recycling and material use efficiency, reduced the organic material with wastewater, and shifted towards recovered paper as a raw material over non-wood fiber. • Lowering the waste paper recycling rate to increase carbon storage is not suitable for China, due to the limited virgin fiber and growing demand. • The growing paper demand requires efforts from both ends of virgin fiber supply and waste paper management towards the sustainable development of CPPI. As the largest global producer and consumer of pulp and paper, China faces significant sustainability challenges in fiber supply and waste paper management. A comprehensive material flow analysis of China's pulp and paper industry (CPPI) is needed to understand the interaction between raw material supply and waste paper management. Here, we construct a closed-loop material flow analysis model for CPPI, examine the evolution patterns of material metabolism from 1990 to 2019, and explore the demand for paper production, waste paper recycling, and virgin fiber supply in 2030 and 2050 under multiple scenarios considering critical factors. Results show that the industry has undergone rapid expansion, increased material use efficiency, and a shift towards recycled pulp from 1990 to 2019. China's paper demand will grow to 186 Mt in the next 30 years, resulting in a significant increase in both demand for fibers (173 Mt) and the generation of waste paper (138 Mt). To ensure a sustainable fiber supply for CPPI, domestic waste paper recycling needs to be prioritized. However, attention should also be paid to the availability of virgin pulp supply and proper disposal of organic solid waste. Proper management of these factors is crucial for achieving a circular economy in the industry and reducing its environmental impact. The findings highlight the importance of addressing both raw material supply and waste paper management for CPPI's sustainable development. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of self-powered UV photodiode on green substrate is still a challenge. In this study, highly conductive Al doped ZnO (AZO) film was sputter-deposited on paper substrate at room temperature; subsequently, paper-based Schottky photodiodes were successfully fabricated by following Au-ZnO-Al and Au-ZnO-AZO-Al structure designs, respectively. These UV light-based devices operate successfully without external power. Au-ZnO-AZO-Al photodiode shows improved response and faster speed compared to Au-ZnO-Al photodiode. The one-dimensional Poisson simulation results demonstrate that the improvement is attributed to the strong electric field in the ZnO-AZO n-n+ high-low junction, thus, enhancing the collection rate and drifting speed of the photogenerated carriers. In addition, AZO can form favorable ohmic contact with the Al electrodes, further improving the device performance. The photo-response of the paper-based photodiode device shows high reproducibility and stability. Based on these outstanding results, we conclude that these paper-based electronic devices have great potential to replace conventional petroleum-based flexible electronic devices, thus, contributing to the green/sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Index of recycling sustainability for assessing waste paper recycling. • Integrating methodology of GIS and value chain model. • Historical changes of informal recyclables distribution sites in Beijing. • Value chain of waste paper recycling in Beijing may face challenges in the future. • Policy implications to improve waste paper recycling in Beijing. China established a self-organized and market-driven recycling system, which was dominated by the informal sectors. In recent years, the amount of domestically-recycled waste paper grew slower than expectation in China, which may be resulted from a decline in economic sustainability of current recycling system. For understanding the waste paper recycling system in most cities in China, the economic mechanism remains unclear and the city-level data is extremely insufficient. In this work, an index of recycling sustainability (IRS, benefit divided by cost) is analyzed with a resolution of 1 km2 grid in Beijing City, by adopting value chain and GIS methodology. Five degrees of IRS are defined, from high-degree (IRS > 1.10) to low-degree (IRS < 0.95). Different stakeholders in the informal waste paper recycling system were interviewed to fill the data gap. Results show that: (1) from 2015 to 2018, the informal recycling of waste paper accounted for approximate 80% in Beijing; (2) the number of informal recyclables distribution sites decreased from 27 to 11, and their average distance to the city-center rose from 27.5 km to 40.9 km; (3) in 2015 and 2018, the grids with high-degree IRS accounted for 99.5% and 89.2%, respectively, indicating a sustainable waste paper recycling industry in Beijing; and (4) according to the scenario analysis, if the operating cost rises by 30%, the grids with low-degree IRS accounts for 98.5%, indicating a nontrivial challenges when the recycling cost keeps increasing in the future. Policy recommendations are put forward for a more sustainable paper waste recycling system in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing pressure on natural resources and the climate has been noted by businesses and governments worldwide, who now face the difficult task of integrating paths of environmental sustainability and economic growth. One promising approach to sustainable development, reducing the pressure on natural resources and solving waste problems is circular economy. From different ways of implementing circular economy, this study focuses on the productization of industrial side streams, which carry a great deal of underutilized potential. In this article, the productization of pulp and paper industry side stream, fiber sludge, for commercial use as a dust-binding agent is studied via a descriptive, in-depth case study. Apart from inconsistent quality, fluctuating supply, cost of storage and logistics, what makes industrial side stream utilization challenging is the lack of knowledge that stakeholders have about side streams and their utilization and the lack of new value chain development for their commercial use. Therefore, it is essential for all parties involved to have a clearer vision of what is being sold for what purposes, through productization. This study found that the productization of side streams follows the same steps as the productization of any other traditional product, and the productized side streams can be added to the company's product portfolio as by-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Superstructure of integrated biorefinery in pulp and paper industry was developed. • It includes pulping, biochemical production and black liquor utilization sections. • Lignocellulosic biomass extracted from eucalyptus and bagasse are the feedstocks. • Potential of integrated biorefinery process was illustrated in three scenarios. • Integrated succinic acid and lactic acid can improve profitability. Abstract This work aims at developing sustainable processes for pulp and paper industry by integration of the biorefinery concept to an existing pulp and paper process. A systematic methodology employing a superstructure-based process synthesis approach is employed with support from computer-aided tools to determine potential pathways for a long-term sustainable growth objective. A superstructure of the multi-product biorefinery process network for the pulp and paper industry is developed. It is divided into three sub-networks, a chemical pulping section, a biochemical production section and a black liquor utilization section. Superstructure optimization is performed with the objective to maximize profit to determine optimal integrated networks for three scenarios. The obtained results provide useful insights for further development of the optimal networks as sustainable integrated biorefinery combined with pulp and paper mills. Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guiding industries to produce in an effective and environmentally sustainable manner has become a key issue for governments around the world. Over the past 15 years, series of regional and industrial development policies have been introduced by the Chinese government. This has influenced the geographical distribution and energy efficiency performance of China’s industries. This paper quantifies the influence of enterprises geographical distribution on energy efficiency improvement in the paper industry and aims at providing some helpful suggestions on industrial development to policy makers. The main results show that, firstly, the paper industry in eastern China shows obvious characteristic of agglomeration. The average location quotient is 1.2278. However, following the industrial and regional development policies, the characteristic of agglomeration is weakening. Secondly, only when agglomeration reaches a certain level (location quotient is above 0.5447) will industrial agglomeration positively impact on industrial energy efficiency improvement (a 1% increase in agglomeration will increase dynamic energy efficiency by at least 0.23%). Thirdly, the regional development policies carried out by the government slow the pace of energy efficiency improvement in China’s paper industry. The empirical results indicate that the government needs to consider regional characteristics and consciously guide industrial enterprises to concentrate in the dominant area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Papermaking enterprises are currently under both environmental pressure and economic pressure for sustainable development in China. Thus, the efficiency, effectiveness, and benefits of resource utilization need to be improved. High-consumption and high-pollution companies should manufacture paper using sustainable methods. This study highlights a resource value flow analysis from the circular economy perspective, developing an extension of material flow cost accounting and modifying it by accounting for environmental damage as well as economic benefits. With reference to the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, this specific case study was conducted to verify the comprehensive utility of resource value flow analysis by establishing decision-making prioritization according to the dualistic diagnosis of "internal resource loss–external environmental damage costs." In general, applying a resource value flow analysis can both reduce resource consumption and minimize environmental damage, enhancing the sustainable development of a process industry with limited resources. Highlights • Material flows and value flows form an interactive unit in the resource value flow analysis model. • The resource value flow analysis model extends the environmental dimension of material flow cost accounting. • A dualistic diagnosis of "internal resource loss and external environmental damage costs" can achieve both economic profits and environmental benefits. • The Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle was introduced to strengthen the practical application of the resource value flow analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the results of an exploratory experimental study to manufacture eco-friendly lightweight bricks through binary mix of paper mill sludge (PMS) and soil. The pre-manufacture activities include mineralogical, chemical, thermal and index properties characterisation of two kinds of soils (laterite and alluvial) and PMS. The mix ratio between PMS and soil was varied (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) and two firing temperatures 850 °C and 900 °C were tested in order to emulate the typical conditions of a kiln. The performance of incorporating PMS into the mix was tested by evaluating properties such as linear shrinkage, compressive strength, water absorption, mass loss on ignition, and bulk density of bricks as recommended by the relevant Indian and ASTM standard codes. X ray diffraction results confirmed that the addition of PMS does not show any phase transformation and only enhances the porosity thereby leading to weight reduction. Based on the results, an optimum mix of 10% PMS with both soil types was found suitable for brick production at a firing temperature of 900 °C. Results obtained in this study will be helpful to brick industry for commercial production of PMS incorporated bricks leading to sustainable use of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) enable the affordable, easy, rapid, and reliable detection of a range of analytes at the point-of-care. Cellulose is a versatile substrate for antibody attachment. However, how immunoreagents are immobilized onto cellulose plays an important role in assay performance. To provide an overview of the different antibody immobilization strategies used for developing PADs, we here critically review the existing literature from the last decade (2013–2023). First, we introduce cellulose as a substrate and summarize the different fabrication techniques for developing PADs. Thereafter, we delve into how antibodies are immobilized onto cellulose passively, covalently, or by affinity linkage. Affinity-based immobilization is further explored in a case study focused on using recombinant bifunctional proteins with cellulose-binding modules to anchor immunoreagents to cellulose. The final section discusses the validation and sustainable development of PADs addressing the existing and future challenges associated with developing such devices. [Display omitted] • Strategies for antibody immobilization onto cellulose substrates are reviewed. • Immobilizing antibodies in a site-selective manner improves analytical performance. • Cellulose requires modification before antibodies can be covalently attached to it. • Cellulose-binding modules facilitate antibody attachment onto unmodified cellulose. • Future challenges of developing sustainable paper-based immunoassays are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic-coated paper straws are insufficient to solve the plastic pollution problem because microplastics are formed during their degradation. In this study, upgraded paper straws were prepared by coating with biodegradable sodium alginate/cellulose nanofiber/stearic acid (SA/CNF/STA) on the surface of paper without additional adhesives. The tensile strength of the paper was enhanced synergistically by the coated SA and CNF after cross-linking with Ca2+ ions, reaching a maximum (26.46 MPa) when the mass ratio of SA to CNF was 4:1. The straws were prepared by spirally winding coated paper into tubes. Subsequent STA modification with different concentration (1–40%) improved the water stability of the paper straws. The paper straws exhibited excellent mechanical properties (including 13.45 MPa of flexural strength, 13.30 MPa of compressive strength) and hydrophobicity (103.67° of maximum water contact angle). After 130 days of soil burial, the paper straws were completely degraded. The comprehensive performance of prepared straws exceeds that of commercially available products in the same category, and they are safe and biodegradable. Paper straw in the work is in line with the concept of green and low-carbon development. [Display omitted] • Processing a paper straw based on biomass resource coatings. • SA/CNF hybrid coating synergistically enhanced the tensile strength of the straw. • The STA imparts satisfactory water stability to the straw. • The comprehensive performance of the straw outperforms commercial straw products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with environmental sustainability and in order to optimize the recycling process of prints from indirect electrophotography with liquid toner the results of investigating the effects of changes in printing conditions on the characteristics of recycled fibres is presented. Changing of printing machine conditions, respecting of voltage variations, comprises of the reverse rollers and intermediate cylinder. Based on the results it can be concluded that the change in the voltage of the reverse rollers more affect the recycling efficiency with respect to the voltage change of the intermediate cylinder. Brightness gain is higher when the print for recycling is made on uncoated paper compared to coated, and dependent on the voltage changes. Effective residual ink concentration decreases far more on handsheets obtained from recycled samples on uncoated paper in relation to both sides coated paper. Increasing the positive voltage of intermediate cylinder and increasing the negative charge of reverse rollers increases the 3 D gamut CIE L*a*b* color cubic units. Guidelines for the size of the voltage in order to obtain optimal print reproduction are provided. The further research will include the development in area of clean technologies, advanced materials, closed loop systems; therefore the significant terms in the area of environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recent years have seen increasing demand for wider application of strategic environmental assessment (SEA), especially SEA of major policies, as a powerful instrument to safeguard the environment during the rapid industrialization and urbanization in China. Debates on SEA are concentrated on its feasibility and effective implementation in practice. This study applies Emergy analysis within the framework of social–economic–natural complex eco-system theory to overcome the limitations of methods used for assessing regional sustainability so far. This established model is tested in the case of Chinese paper industry to assess the sustainability of 5 policy scenarios. The results show that Emergy-based Indices (EbI) are more effective to measure the sustainability of industry complex ecosystem, thus EbI approach is very useful in SEAs on policy scenarios of a given complex ecosystem. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As a traditional energy and carbon intensive sector, it becomes imperative for the global paper industry to realize green development. This paper aims to provide guidance for the green transformation of global paper industry by evaluating the global paper industry green development level in a systematic and dynamic way. This paper employs text-mining method to develop paper industry green development evaluation indicator system and adopts market-extended LCA model and entropy-TOPSIS method to calculate the paper industry green development level of 48 countries/regions. The results show that during 2000–2030 the paper industry green development level of developing countries improves faster than developed countries, where those of developing and developed countries increase from 0.3369 to 0.3938 and from 0.5120 to 0.5517 respectively and the gap between them narrows from 0.1751 to 0.1579. The comparative analysis reveals that the paper industries of developed and developing countries are in different green development stages. Developing countries, represented by China, improve greatly in economic and social dimensions, but decline seriously in ecological dimension due to enlarging resource consumption and environmental damages. On the contrary, developed countries tend to saturate in economic and social dimensions and have been improving fast in ecological dimension, gradually realizing the decoupling of industrial economic development and environmental damages. To further promote the global paper industry green development, developing countries should focus on promoting the coordinated development between economic growth and environment protection and developed countries should play a leading role in the global green transformation by promoting optimal allocation of resources and cross-regional communications of green technologies. • A paper industry green development indicator system is developed based on text mining. • A global paper industry green development model is built with market-extended LCA. • Complex interactions among the indicators are internalized in the evaluation. • A spatial-temporal analysis is performed on global paper industry green development level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a mathematical model has been developed for sustainable inventory, in which the effects of environmental factors on social factors, have been investigated. To this end, first, we revised Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model by adding income from waste sales to this model. Next, considering the emission of sulfur oxides (SO x ), nitrogen oxides (NO x ) gases, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) indicators in waste water as a measure of water organic pollutants, we proposed a Green Economic Order Quantity (GEOQ) model. Then in order to examine interdependency between environmental aspects and social aspects, we introduced the sustainable model by adding environmental ergonomics in the terms of the effect of SO 2 emission on human health. Since the structure of the model consists of nonlinear objective function and linear constraints, the model could be solved based on an exact nonlinear constrained solution method. Finally, we examined the effectiveness of the proposed model demonstrated in a real case study of pulp and paper mill. Validation of the model was done by comparing the cost function of the proposed model with the pure economic model and the actual data. The results of study showed that proposed sustainable model plays a significant role in determining the order quantity and reduction of cost function, sulfur oxides (SO x ) and nitrogen oxides (NO x ) emissions, and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in waste water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on bio-based, fluorine free, and silane free superhydrophobic paper was of great significance in promoting the development of sustainable materials. Herein, we presented a facile and green method for fabricating superhydrophobic paper. First, a cellulose-based hydrophobic material (DAC-ODA) was synthesized by reacting dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) with octadecylamine (ODA) via a Schiff base reaction. Then, silica nanoparticles was used to enhance the surface roughness of the coating. The resulting coated paper exhibited superhydrophobic with a water contact angle of 155 ± 0.6° and a sliding angle of 4.1 ± 0.4°. Moreover, excellent repellent performances towards both cold and hot water were also observed. The superhydrophobicity of the coated paper were well maintained even when exposed to acidic/alkaline erosions and high temperature environment. Additionally, the coated paper demonstrated good recyclability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. Thus, this cellulose-based superhydrophobic paper would be potential candidates for fabricating disposable superhydrophbic packaging materials with broad applications. [Display omitted] ● A green and facile approach to prepare cellulose-based superhydrophobic paper. ● The fabrication process is free of organic solvents and fluorinated reagents. ● Superhydrophobic paper has degradability, recyclability, and biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campaigns by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) pressuring companies to adopt sustainability standards have caught academic interest in recent years. Critics of this approach toward increasing biodiversity protection and social justice argue that campaign successes are often short-lived while proponents emphasize the potential of NGO campaigns to achieve positive environmental and social change in the absence of governmental legislation. Focusing on the recent forest conservation policy of Asia Pulp and Paper (APP), a leading pulp and paper company operating in Southeast Asia, we analyze the challenges companies face in implementing sustainability commitments made as a result of NGO and market pressure. Drawing from research on policy implementation and corporate greening we identify key activities to help entrench APP's commitments in the company's operations. Furthermore, we suggest that a range of actions by different stakeholder groups can achieve broader effects of APP's commitments toward better environmental and social stewardship in the region's pulp and paper sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recovered paper is one of the major raw material for recycled papermaking industry. In China, the domestic recovered paper recycling system is incomplete and the amount of recyclable recovered paper cannot satisfy the papermaking demand. Therefore, the recycled papermaking industry is extremely dependent on imported recovered paper as their raw fiber source. In 2018, Chinese government announced a ban on unsorted recovered paper and tightened the import quota for recovered paper, which resulted in a dramatic drop in the importing amount of recovered paper. It is an urgent issue to explore alternative production routes that are more economical and environmentally friendly. Herein, life cycle cost assessment is used to compare and analyze the recycled papermaking industry based domestic recovered paper and three alternatives (including straw, imported deinked pulp and imported wood pulp) as the raw materials. The results show that the life cycle cost of domestic recycled paper based recovered papermaking is significantly lower than the other three alternatives, whereas its external cost is higher than that of the production routes based on the imported deinked pulp and imported wood pulp. With the increasing price of the domestic recovered paper, imported deinked pulp is the trend of recycled papermaking industry in China. • Life cycle cost assessment is applied to the recycled paper industry in China. • LCC of four papermaking schemes based on different raw materials were assessed. • LCC for six types of paper products ranges from 924 to 1227 USD/t in 2017. • Imported recovered pulpboard is the best choice of wastepaper material supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Waste generated from pulp and paper industry is revisited. • The review covers serious impacts of waste on human health and environment. • Resource generated (energy, product) from different waste materials are reviewed. • Alternative resource generation reduces pollution load of industry. • Integration of industries for waste utilization will help in zero waste emission. Pulp and paper industry is swiftly budding to fulfill industrial needs and with the growth of this industry, a large amount of waste has also generated which includes biological sludge generated from the wood digestion process, fly ash accumulation and lime mud produced in chemical reagent recovery circuit. There are many health hazards associated with generated wastes and this waste material can be utilized in sustainable ways to generate useful resources through technological innovations. This review highlights a few useful aspects of waste conversion to resources like the production of green energy, sorbent development, and clinker preparation. The generation of resources from such wastes is a revolutionary and innovative concept for sustainable development including valorization of the generated waste to integrate pulp and paper industry with biorefinery. This review paper focuses on the sustainable utilization of waste from such industry along with its efficiency and future challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-quality materials contained in separately collected (SC) packaging waste generate environmental and economic burdens associated to both sorting operations of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and landfilling of non-recyclable materials. In this study, based on quantification of both impurities and recyclable fractions, the quality of SC municipal packaging waste streams was determined by compositional analysis of the waste entering a MRF throughout a year. Foreign materials (% w/w) found in the monitored SC glass, paper plus cardboard and lightweight packaging waste, were on average 5.0, 14.7 and 23.0, respectively, while landfilled materials (% w/w) after MRF sorting operations were on average 4.3, 10.3 and 22.0, respectively. A Life Cycle Assessment study was conducted to determine the environmental impact of SC packaging waste streams quality of three different scenarios: current situation (CS), better (BS) and ideal (IS) scenario with reduced presence and absence, respectively, of improper materials in the three examined SC packaging waste streams. Emission of 32.1 kg CO 2 eq/t waste was calculated for the current situation with a reduction by 66.1% and 98.0% in CO 2 eq emission for BS and IS scenario, respectively. Similar emission reductions were calculated for ozone depletion, ionizing radiations, particle matter formation, fossil fuel depletion and primary energy demand impact categories. The environmental life cycle costing study demonstrated that total savings of € 35.2 and € 66.6 for each ton of SC packaging waste stream entering the MRF could be obtained for BS and IS scenario, respectively. [Display omitted] • Impurities in packaging waste streams generate environmental and economic burdens. • 23.0% of impurities were found in separately collected lightweight packaging waste. • Plant sorting operations generate 32.1 kg CO 2 eq for each ton of packaging waste. • € 35.2/ton of sorted packaging waste could be saved by reducing impurities content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The European fisheries policy has undergone a substantial reform. The reform process was initiated by a Green Paper published by the European Commission in 2009. It was recently finalised with an agreement on a new Basic Regulation between the European Commission, the Council and the Parliament in October 2013. The reform of the Common Fisheries Policy will be an important step towards a more sustainable fisheries policy in Europe. The most important reform steps are the introduction of maximum sustainable yield as the new management target, a landing obligation for bycatch and a governance shift towards regions. Although the mentioned reform elements are in generally very promising, their concrete design does not always meet existing expectations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper forms a rejoinder to the paper by David Weaver (‘Organic, incremental and induced paths to sustainable mass tourism convergence’). It fully agrees with David Weaver that a sustainable development of tourism should focus on sustainable mass tourism development and not, as is currently the case, so much on niche products labelled ‘sustainable’. However, it critiques Weaver''s operationalization of sustainability, his assumption that sustainable mass tourism (SMT) will be the ‘emergent norm’ due to external factors, and his destination development theory showing different paths that, however, all end in SMT. Finally it is shown that the path development idea might be at odds with systems thinking. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The relation between access to energy and indicators of development is well established. It is directly related to most pressing social, economic, environmental, and security issues like poverty, jobs and income level, access to social services, population growth, industrial and agricultural production, food security, health, climate change and environmental quality which affect sustainable development. It is predicted that access to energy will become an acute problem in developing countries in the near future, mainly under the impact of population growth and the rising cost of fuels. This paper looks at how access to and use of energy are related to poverty. It also provides an overview of Pakistan''s energy sector, discusses levels of energy services available to people in Pakistan, and potential future energy resources available at local level and their benefits. The study concludes by addressing the growing energy challenges; it has become inevitable for Pakistan to diversify its energy resources through developing indigenous energy resources, especially the renewables. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Inkjet printing Ag nanoparticles on paper coated with chitosan or N,N, N -trimethyl chitosan to obtain SERS substrates. • Biopolymer coatings not only reduce the rugosity and porosity of the paper but also confer hydrophobicity to the paper. • SERS sensitivity and reproducibility was improved when compared with non-coated counterparts. Paper-based sensors for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of water pollutants have gained much attention in the last decades. However, most of the fabricated paper-based SERS substrates still face some limitations regarding reproducibility and uniformity. In this work, we report the fabrication of hydrophobic paper-based SERS substrates with high reproducibility and uniformity by inkjet printing Ag colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) on office paper pre-treated with chitosan (CH) or N,N, N -trimethyl chitosan (TMC). We demonstrate that the previous coating of paper with such biopolymers substantially improves the SERS performance of the paper substrates. In screening experiments, crystal violet (CV) 100 μM was used as molecular probe, leading to an increase of about 9- and 7-fold in the observed SERS intensity when the papers were coated with CH and TMC, respectively. Also, the reproducibility of the substrates coated with the biopolymers increased more than 2 times compared to non-coated office paper. We suggest that the improved performance of the coated substrates is related to a more uniform deposition of the AgNPs on the paper surface due to the hydrophobic nature, low porosity and roughness of the coated paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Electrochemical properties were explored using smartphone photos. • The paper microzones method is accurate for high dye concentrations. • Using the paper microzones and smartphone to make experiments more green chemistry. • The spectrophotometric method is more adaptable than the paper microzones method. Methods of electrochemical correlation are becoming more complex and costly with the lack of a simple electrolytic analysis method. Herein, an interesting analysis of the performance of electrocatalytic degradation of different dyes was carried out using a modified paper microzones method (PMZs) performed with a smartphone, and data from spectrophotometers were used for comparative analysis. At the same voltage and in the same reaction cell, the same mass of sodium sulphate, acetic acid and pure water were added according to the strength of the electrolyte to degrade methyl orange(MO), fuchsin basic(FB), methylene blue(MB) and the mixture of these dyestuffs. When measured by the PMZs method, the correlation coefficients were above 0.9 in the concentration range of 5–50 mg/L, the range of variation of LOD values was 3.843–9.561 mg/L and the range of variation of LOQ was 11.646–28.973 mg/L. When measured by the spectrophotometric method, some of the dyes only had a greater correlation in the range of 5–40 mg/L. The range of variation of LOD values was 0.900–9.213 and the range of variation of LOQ was 2.727–27.917 mg/L. When FB was used as a degradation object, the decrease in absorbance at 80 min was 21.83%, 35.93%, 60.90% and the increase in grey value was 0.40%, 3.04%, 3.25% under the conditions of electrolytes only water, CH 3 COOH, Na 2 SO 4 , respectively, and maintained P less than 0.05 at different moments. Hence, the related results contribute to the further application and development of green chemistry PMZs in electrochemical analysis and environmental science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Offering a novel fuzzy robust approach for closed-loop supply chain network design. • Examining the hybrid uncertainties and flexibility of constraints in the problem. • Considering economic, responsibility, and environmental subjects in modeling. • Using the interactive fuzzy programming approach to solve the multi-objective model. • Introducing a new application for stone paper closed-loop supply chain network design. Nowadays, the production of stone paper, in addition to its widespread utilization in various fields, does not require water consumption, cutting down trees, and stone paper products are easily recyclable and recoverable. Due to the importance of developing and using stone paper and paying attention to environmental matters, Closed-Loop Supply Chain Network Design (CLSCND) is very important for stone paper products. Moreover, due to epistemic, randomness uncertainties, the uncertainties in Objective Function (OF), and the flexible constraints for CLSCND in the real world, this paper introduces a novel Mixed Robust Stochastic, Possibilistic, and Flexible Programming (MRSPFP) approach based on credibility theory. The different attitudes of the Decision-Makers (DMs) are addressed by a more flexible measurement of the optimistic and pessimistic parameters using the criterion of credibility. In the study, a comprehensive procedure is proposed for stone paper CLSCND, to minimize costs, increase responsiveness by minimizing transit time between different facilities, and regarding environmental concerns into account through minimizing carbon emissions. The model is solved utilizing an interactive fuzzy programming solution procedure and the Best-Worst Method (BWM). The results of sensitivity analysis, the effect of changing the problem parameters, and the performance of the proposed model are investigated and compared. The results show that the MRSPFP model has a better performance compared to other previous models. The MRSPFP model performs better in strategic decisions that require high investment costs due to the minimization of the absolute deviation of OF from its mean. Also, the applied results of the study show that CLSCND has a good capability and potential for sustainable development in the field of stone paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this paper, we analyze the diffusion and adoption of paper making machinery in the Indonesian pulp and paper industry, from 1923 till 2000. We develop a machine level index of technological sophistication (mach), which measures the technological distance of each paper machine to the world technological frontier. The data reveal a pattern of rapid technological catch up. But catch up was not an industrywide phenomenon. Some modern firms installed state-of-the-art machinery, while others installed older vintages. The paper argues that industrial policy has played an important role in the speed and nature of diffusion of paper making machinery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The sustainable application of an up-flow anaerobic baffled reactor (UABR) to treat real paper and cardboard industrial effluent (PCIE) containing bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropan-1, 3-diol) was investigated. At a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 11.7 h and a bronopol concentration of 7.0 mg L−1, the removal efficiencies of total chemical oxygen demand (COD total), COD soluble , COD particulate , total suspended solids (TSS), volatile suspended solids (VSS), carbohydrates, and proteins were 55.3 ± 5.2%, 26.8 ± 2.3%, 94.4 ± 4.6%, 89.4 ± 2.6%, 84.5 ± 3.2%, 72.1 ± 1.8%, and 22.4 ± 1.8%, respectively. The conversion of complex organics (e.g., carbohydrates and proteins) into bio-methane (CH 4) was assisted via enzyme activities of, in U (100 mL)−1, α-amylase (224–270), α-xylanase (171–188), carboxymethyl cellulase (CM-cellulase) (146–187), polygalacturonase (56–126), and protease (67,000–75300). The acidogenic condition was dominant at a short HRT of 2.9 h, where methane yield dropped by 32.5%. Under this condition, the growth of methanogenic bacteria could be inhibited by volatile fatty acids (VFA) accumulation. The analysis of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra detected peaks relevant to methylene and nitro groups in the sludge samples, suggesting that entrapment/adsorption by the sludge bed could be a major mechanism for removing bronopol. The economic feasibility of UABR, as proposed to receive 100 m3 d−1 of PCIE, showed a payback period (profits from environmental benefits, biogas recovery, and carbon credit) of 7.6 yr. The study outcomes showed a high connection to the environmental-, economic-, and social-related sustainable development goals (SDGs). [Display omitted] • First study on biogas recovery from real paper and cardboard industry effluents (PCIE). • Up-flow anaerobic baffled reactor showed 55.3% COD removal and 191 mL CH 4 (g COD removed)−1. • The acidogenic condition was dominant at a short HRT of 2.9 h. • Sustainable application of UABR was evaluated via cost benefits analysis. • Payback period from pollutant removal, biogas recovery, and carbon credit was 7.6 yr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Genetics/genomics offer new opportunities for personalized treatment in oncology. • The model of mutational oncology is extremely complex. • Universal access, homogeneity and sustainability should be warranted. • The Molecular Tumor Board empowerment in clinical oncology practice is a challenge. The development of innovative technologies and the advances in the genetics and genomics, have offered new opportunities for personalized treatment in oncology. Although the selection of the patient based on the molecular characteristics of the neoplasm has the potential to revolutionize the therapeutic scenario of oncology, this approach is extremely challenging. The access, homogeneity, and economic sustainability of the required genomic tests should be warranted in the clinical practice, as well as the specific scientific and clinical expertise for the choice of medical therapies. All these elements make essential the collaboration of different specialists within the Molecular Tumor Boards (MTBs). In this position paper, based on experts' opinion, the AIOM-SIAPEC/IAP-SIBioC-SIC-SIF-SIGU-SIRM Italian Scientific Societies critically discuss the available molecular profiling technologies, the proposed criteria for the selection of patients candidate for evaluation by the MTB, the criteria for the selection and analysis of biological samples, and the regulatory and pharmaco-economic issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses farmers’ networking strategies for sustainable agricultural development. The focus is on internal barriers of farmers’ networks with respect to the management of the group and collective learning processes. These aspects determine to an extent the success or failure of collective strategies. Based upon case study material we will draw lessons and present ideas on how management and learning can be enhanced. We argue that in collective strategies the focus should not only be on the goal of the group, but that attention to the process of cooperation such as safeguarding coherence, monitoring and evaluation of goals and views, shared responsibility and balanced leadership is a prerequisite for effective collective action. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Agnostic markers represent the novel frontier of precision medicine. • The first agnostic drugs have been approved regardless of tumor histology. • This model presents a great potential to change the oncological therapeutic scenario. • Despite the clinical opportunity, critical aspects are emerging. • A governance is mandatory to ensure genomic testing homogeneity and sustainability. The personalized medicine is in a rapidly evolving scenario. The identification of actionable mutations is revolutionizing the therapeutic landscape of tumors. The morphological and histological tumor features are enriched by the extensive genomic profiling, and the first tumor-agnostic drugs have been approved regardless of tumor histology, guided by predictive and druggable genetic alterations. This new paradigm of "mutational oncology", presents a great potential to change the oncologic therapeutic scenario, but also some critical aspects need to be underlined. A process governance is mandatory to ensure the genomic testing accuracy and homogeneity, the economic sustainability, and the regulatory issues, ultimately granting the possibility of translating this model in the "real world". In this position paper, based on experts' opinion, the AIOM–SIAPEC-IAP–SIBIOC–SIF Italian Scientific Societies revised the new agnostic biomarkers, the diagnostic technologies available, the current availability of agnostic drugs and their present indication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The applicability of the parameters was tested on the pulp industry, in the south of the state of Bahia, Brazil. • The importance of different worldviews of social groups and cultures in the search for sustainability is emphasized. • Seven parameters for sustainability are provided to guide political decision-making in urban planning. • The applicability of the parameters was tested on the pulp industry, in the south of the state of Bahia, Brazil. • The outcomes show the limitations of certification schemes for sustainability like the Forest Stewardship Council. Abstract The search for sustainability, particularly in an urban context, is in full swing. Based on a review of mainstream environmental management and the critical environmental justice perspective, this analysis proposes that concepts of space, territory, and livelihood which are operating at the interface of the social and physical world, offer possibilities to understand urban and rural metabolisms in a global context. The second part of the paper focuses on the main obstacles to achieve sustainability, arguing that the underlying causes for conflicts between urban and non-urban traditional territorial livelihood metabolisms are not being adequately addressed. The challenges of implementing sustainability often involve dealing with dynamic contradictory processes with unpredictable outcomes. Therefore, sustainability should not be seen as a certain state of the society, but as a kind of structuring structure characterized by the necessity of permanent rearrangement. Finally, to make this finding more applicable, we present seven parameters to evaluate socio-spatial relationships as a dialectical cognitive framework for planning towards more sustainability and environmental justice. The application of these parameters has been tested on the "sustainable" pulp industry in Bahia – Brazil, which is often regarded as sustainable due to certification by the Forest Stewardship Council. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: EcoDesign is a concept including human sustainability priorities together with business interrelations. Its main objective in the improvement of product development methods is to reduce environmental loads. EcoDesign also includes a more open ambition to use inspiration from a wider field of positive examples of smart products and methods, effective system solutions and attractive designs. It is not clear what sustainable product development is; what we can do is to try our best to find better solutions, get going and make sure that we learn from what happens. Our main goal with this issue was to monitor “How to make it happen?” but we ended up with more questions and the lower ambition of, “What''s happening”. Life-style elements such as brand label economy, development of new economies in Asia, aging populations in the old economies etc. makes the picture even more complex and we still wonder, “How to make it happen”. However, a few focal points can be observed: The tools in EcoDesign are not as important as specification and goal setting in early product development phases. How to organize product development is crucial in order to reach higher degrees of sustainability. The interrelations between resources and functionality must be enhanced. Environmental affection must be integrated into the human life-style and throughout the entire life-cycle of all products and services. To us it seems impossible to define a sustainable life-style and force everyone to follow. We must engage all stakeholders in envisioning and creating the sustainable societies we hope to achieve. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The demand for hydropower production, as a prominent sustainable development strategy, has created a boom in the number of planned hydropower projects, especially small ones. These projects are mainly located in post-socialist transition and developing countries. However, emerging evidence suggests that most of the projects remain on paper. One reason for this is prevalent corruption. In the literature, corruption has been identified in megaprojects but a significant number of hydropower projects are smaller in size. This leaves a literature gap and a subsequent lack of understanding regarding corruption and its potential connection to the absence of hydropower construction. We argue that it also creates a 'safe space' for corrupt actors who use the sector for personal gain. In this paper, we address this nexus of unfinished hydropower projects, sustainable development in transition countries, corruption, and lack of scholarly attention by presenting empirical evidence from Bosnia and Herzegovina. We highlight that sustainability goals associated with hydropower might be distorted, especially in transition countries as they are intermingled with hydropower projects that are embedded in complex bureaucratic structures. We conclude that focusing on the sector might improve its management, thus contributing to sustainable development, and also help to decrease the corruption risk. • Small hydropower projects have an increased risk of corruption. • Overlooking small projects create a "safe space" for corrupt actors. • Administrative complicatedness is one key factor behind corruption in the hydropower sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanosized plasmonic metallic nanoparticles such as Pd have gained significant attention due to their diverse applications in catalysis, sensing, and light-to-heat conversion. However, the development of scalable and environmentally friendly synthesis routes for such nanoparticles is crucial for the sustainable development of industrial applications. In this work, we address this challenge by synthesizing Pd-nanoparticles on the cellulose filter paper (Pd-Cellulose) via two scalable green synthesis routes: low-temperature thermal and plasma synthesis. We found that adjusting synthesis conditions allowed us to achieve an optimum morphology that maximizes light absorptance. The nature of the reduction species during synthesis significantly impacts the morphology and heat-transfer properties of the resulting material. Compared to thermally synthesized Pd-Cellulose, the absorbers synthesized with plasma have smaller particles size and higher coverage, which leads to higher broadband light absorptance and more intense heat transfer to the surroundings. The optimized Pd-based light absorbers were utilized in a solar-to-steam desalination system, resulting in an evaporation rate of 1.30 kg/m2h for the open system and a filtration rate of 0.7 kg/m2h for the closed system. Our findings provide insights into the green and scalable synthesis and optimization of Pd-based light absorbers and their potential application in sustainable renewable energy systems. [Display omitted] • Pd-nanoparticles are synthesized via two synthesis routes: thermal and plasma synthesis. • The optimum morphology is achieved for maximized light absorptance. • The nature of the reduction species impacts the morphology and heat-transfer properties of nanoparticles. • A new lab-scale solar-to-steam desalination system with Pd-Cellulose is developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high costs of environmentally responsible and socially just approaches are some of the factors that hinder the implementation of sustainable projects in the industrial sector. However, upstream collaborative integration in the corrugated cardboard industry in southeastern Brazil is a reality. In this context, this study aimed to highlight the structure of a collaborative sustainable project in the context of the corrugated cardboard industry, to analyze ESG risk management in the corrugated cardboard industry in the Southeast Region of Brazil, the relationship between ESG risk management and social responsibility in corrugated cardboard industries, the strengths and weaknesses of risk management models in use by the consulted participants, and to propose innovations regarding risk analysis, applicable in sustainable projects with a collaborative bias. The methodology adopted was the case study, with consultation with managers in professional activity in the industrial sector, corroborated by document analysis and systematic review of the literature. We identified preliminary risk analysis (PRA) and failure mode analysis (FMEA) as key practices used by managers in the corrugated paper industry in the region. These practices are insufficient in the convergence of objectives, engagement with the community, and extension of the lifecycle of products and processes. Our findings show that the sustainability of a project may be an extension of the risk analyses carried out in the initial phase, mainly about strategic decision-making and the operationalization of investments. Without bias to the need for risk analysis, the life cycle analysis is also an effective way of highlighting the critical factors, weaknesses, and strengths of a sustainable project. The study indicates the so-called GUT matrix approach (gravity – urgency – tendency) as the most suitable for innovation in risk analyses oriented towards sustainable projects in the analyzed sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Designed a micro-governance framework of multi-government environmental regulation (ER) synergy. • Developed a synergistic-based measure to quantify the degree of heterogeneous multi-government ER synergy. • Heterogeneous multi-government ER synergy has dissimilar impacts on corporate environmental responsibility (CER). • Financing constraints and executives' attention to CER play mediating roles in the mechanism. • The impact of multi-government ER synergy is heterogeneous among different types of firms. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) calls for enhanced global efforts to achieve the 17 sustainable development goals by 2030, highlighting the crucial role of corporate environmental responsibility (CER) in advancing global sustainability. As a significant participant, China is leveraging its government-led environmental regulation (ER) system, which has a multi-level and multi-sectoral structure, to effectively combat climate change. However, the effect of this ER system, especially collaborative efforts among multiple government subjects, on CER remains unknown. Thus, this paper is the first attempt to investigate the effect and underlying mechanisms of multi-government ER synergy on CER from the perspective of government subject synergy. Using a dataset of Chinese A-share listed manufacturing firms from 2010 to 2021, this study finds the following. First, multi-government ER synergy boosts CER. Direct ER synergy, stemming from joint policy-making across departments, encourages CER in end-of-pipe governance. Indirect ER synergy, arising from administrative hierarchy constraints among multi-level governments, fosters CER in front-end governance. Second, financing constraints and executives' attention to CER are two key channels through which multi-government ER synergy influences CER. Third, firms with political connections, those in heavily polluting industries, or those located in central and western regions adopt more proactive CER strategies under multi-government ER synergy. This paper expands research on government collaborative governance from the regional macro-perspective to the micro-firm level, providing valuable insights for countries worldwide, particularly emerging economies that share similar characteristics with China, to contain rapidly growing environmental challenges and advance global sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As an integral part of individual lives and one of the strongest inputs to global economies, tourism is affected by such social tensions and can play an important role in reducing them; therefore it offers an interesting challenge for serious discussions regarding tourism and regional sustainability. Tourism is traditionally associated with pleasure, leisure and escape from the ordinary world and is often contrasted with other, more serious economic activities such as manufacturing and extraction. As a result governments and planners often ignore tourism; furthermore, outside of the field of tourism academic research, the relationship between tourism and sustainability received too little attention considering that tourism can play an increasingly integral role in regional sustainable development processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hospitals in the Netherlands generate approximately 1.3 million kg of waste from the polypropylene (PP) wrapping paper (WP) used to wrap surgical instruments each year. The aim of this study was to develop a method to recycle WP waste into new medical devices. WP was recovered from Maasstad Hospital, Netherlands. The WP was melted into bars, granulated, and mixed with virgin material at different ratios and temperatures. Dog bones were injection-molded from volume (v.%) virgin, mixed (%R), and recycled (100%R) granulate, and a tensile testing machine was used to compare the material properties before and after ten disinfection cycles at the sterilization department. Then, 25 instrument openers were made from the 50%R material and circulated for four weeks. The data indicated no significant differences in the mechanical properties at different melting temperatures. For dog bones made from the 100%R, 50%R, and virgin granulate, the Young's moduli were 1021 (SD13), 879 (SD13), and 795 (SD14) MPa, and the strains were 8%, 12%, and 14%. Ten disinfection cycles did not significantly change the material properties. After one month, the openers did not show any deterioration or damage other than surface scratches. The results indicated that the initial WP melting temperature did not influence the mechanical properties. Although devices could be produced directly from the recycled WP granulate, increasing the recycled granulate in the mix ratio increased the strength and brittleness. It is feasible to recycle WP waste into a high-quality raw material for the injection molding of medical devices without using additives. This would allow hospitals to become more compliant with the circular economy enabling economically viable and circular processes that positively contribute to cleaner technical processes, sustainable products, and the reduction of medical waste. ⁃ Circular reprocessing of surgical waste into high quality raw material. ⁃ Enables cleaner processes for reduction of medical waste. ⁃ Increases sustainable development. ⁃ A new method to decrease the production of medical waste. ⁃ Decreases the shortage of base materials and costs. ⁃ Environmental and sustainability assessment: designs for products based on the "green" wishes of customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The FOS is strategic for companies to fulfill their sustainable development plan. • There is enough legal security in contracts between industries and farmers. • There is a growing trend of expansion of forest Outgrower Scheme. Outgrower schemes are an alternative for supplying companies and can generate benefits for both the farmers and for the community. The main reasons that lead companies to adopt this type of strategy are the reduction of investment in land purchases, lower cost of wood at the factory, to increase the diversification of sources of raw materials, as well as greater integration with landowners close of companies. Of the total of 7.84 million hectares of trees planted in Brazil in 2016, 34% belonged to companies in the pulp and paper industry, 29% were independent operators and participants in outgrower schemes, and the charcoal-fired steel industry represented 14% of the planted area. In 2016, 19,900 people benefited from the outgrower programs adopted by Brazilian Tree Industry (IBÁ) member companies, planting 545,000 ha. For rural producers, the forest development consists of an alternative to traditional income generation to their properties, which may use idle or underused areas with low technical risk due to production inputs and technical assistance provided by the companies. The most frequent outgrower modalities include providing forest species seedlings, revenue anticipation programs and wood purchase guarantee at harvest time. For the community, these include the possibility of creating new wood-based forest business and generating jobs in the region. This program prevents land concentration, makes local activities feasible, creates opportunities of additional income and assists in settling people in the countryside. Also, greatly improves the acceptability of eucalypt plantations in the region and is positive for the certification of forest products. From the environmental standpoint, outgrower scheme mitigates the pressure on native forests, recovers degraded soils and promotes soil conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the quest for a sustainable future, the bio-economy and biorefineries have emerged as pivotal agents of transformation. This review paper offers an accessible and comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted bio-economy landscape. Environmental concerns, resource scarcity, and the demand for renewable and bio-based products are the key drivers shaping this sustainable paradigm. Agriculture and agro-industry play an indispensable role, acting as the primary suppliers of the essential feedstock for biorefineries. They not only fuel the bio-economy but also foster sustainable farming practices and rural development, forming a mutually beneficial relationship. Biorefineries, the workhorses of the bio-economy, optimize resource usage, minimize waste, and produce a diverse range of bio-based products. Innovative biorefinery techniques are at the forefront, revolutionizing efficiency and expanding the array of feedstock's, thereby creating higher value-added derivatives. These value-added products, spanning biofuels, bio-plastics, and more, drive the market towards a greener and circular economy. The bio-economy's commitment to sustainability is evident through waste reduction and the promotion of circular economy principles. Policy, regulation, and market developments shape the bio-economy by promoting bio-based industries while favouring eco-friendly alternatives, creating a competitive and healthy ecosystem. While the bio-economy shows promise, it faces challenges. Optimizing conversion efficiency, discovering new feedstocks, and solving biorefinery environmental issues need technological breakthroughs and research. In summary, the bio-economy and biorefineries orchestrate a sustainable symphony, driven by environmental consciousness, rooted in agriculture, refined by innovative techniques, and harmonized by the production of bio-based products. The stage is set for a greener, more sustainable future. Bio-economy and biorefineries have become crucial drivers of transformation in the pursuit of a sustainable future. The review paper provides a thorough and easily understandable examination of the diverse bio-economy landscape. Environmental concerns, limited resources, and the need for biodegradable and renewable products are some of the main things that are shaping the sustainable paradigm. Agriculture and the agro-industry play a big role in this because they provide biorefineries with the feedstock they need. The bio-economy is not only fuelled by them, but they also contribute to sustainable farming practices and rural development, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. Biorefineries are the backbone of the bio-economy as they effectively utilize resources, minimize waste, and generate a wide array of bio-based products. At the forefront of innovation, biorefinery techniques are revolutionizing efficiency and expanding the range of feedstock's available. This, in turn, leads to the creation of higher-value derivatives and value-added products, such as biofuels and bioplastics, promoting a greener and more circular economy. The commitment of the bio-economy to sustainability is demonstrated through its efforts to reduce waste and promote the principles of a circular economy. Policy, regulation, and market developments impact the bio-economy by working together to support bio-based industries and encourage the use of eco-friendly alternatives. As a result, a competitive and healthy ecosystem is created. Although the bio-economy holds promise, it also encounters various challenges. Technological breakthroughs and research are necessary for optimizing conversion efficiency, discovering new feedstock's, and solving biorefinery environmental issues. In essence, a commitment to the environment guides how the bio-economy and biorefineries collaborate in a sustainable manner by utilizing innovative methods to refine and produce bio-based products. This harmonious process creates a symphony of sustainability, paving the way for the dream of a greener, more sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A system of indicators has been established for the high-quality economic development index developed by the Chinese government. • High-quality economic development is divided into five dimensions. • Reliance on the resource industry has significantly reduced the level of high-quality economic development. • The theoretical mechanisms of the impact of resource industry dependence on high-quality development are analyzed. • Government governance capacity weakens the impact of resource industry dependence on high-quality economic development. In resource-dependent regions, the meaning of high-quality economic development has yet to be clarified by published research, despite substantial scholarly interest in the topic. With the help of the economic development index developed by the Chinese government, this paper accurately measures high-quality economic development in 30 provinces in China and investigates how resource dependence and government governance capability affect regional high-quality economic development. Research has found that resource industry dependence has a significant inhibitory effect on high-quality economic development. Additionally, the analysis of the mechanisms revealed that resource industry dependence reduces high-quality economic development through a series of effects including crowding out innovation, weakening coordination, lagging green development, hindering global openness, and sharing in weakening. Further research has revealed that government governance capacity weakens the impact of resource industry dependence on high-quality economic development. A detailed analysis of three subsystem indicators of government governance capacity, namely policy planning, capability commitment, and performance assessment, indicates that they all have a weakening effect. To this end, the paper proposes policy recommendations, including increasing innovation inputs, advancing industrial restructuring, promoting green development, enhancing marketization levels, and constructing a diversified employment system. These measures aim to transform resource disadvantages into resource advantages and facilitate high-quality economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eco-friendly cellulosic paper-based mulch film has become an alternative to petroleum-based plastics. However, the integration of black, hydrophobic and high mechanical performances into cellulose mulch film still remained challenge. Herein, multifunctional (P/SLS-Fe/CA) black mulch film with the sandwich structure was designed by layer-by-layer assembly (LBL) strategy using filter paper (P) as the substrate, sodium lignosulfonate chelated with iron (SLS-Fe) as black factor and cellulose acetate (CA) as the hydrophobic layer. The quinone structure formed by the chelation and redox reaction between Fe3+ and SLS induced the color change from brown-yellow to black of lignin. Moreover, the dynamic reversible physical bonds between P, SLS-Fe and CA endowed the composite with enhanced mechanical performance. The dry and wet tensile strength of the composite were 1.6 times and 21.3 times higher than pristine filter paper, respectively. The water contact angle increased from 58.4º for pure filter paper to 138.7º for the optimized P/SLS-Fe 4 /CA. Furthermore, the prepared black paper-mulch has low water vapor transmittance, heat preservation properties and good water resistance, which promote the growth of cabbage seeds. This work provides a prototype for the design and preparation of black cellulose fiber base membrane, and promotes the green development of agriculture. [Display omitted] • Water resistant and structurally robust black paper mulch film was prepared. • Water contact angle of P/SLS-Fe 4 /CA was increased to 138.7°. • The wet tensile strength of P/SLS-Fe 4 /CA was improved by 21.3 times. • The germination rate of cabbage seeds was improved by covering P/SLS-Fe 4 /CA. • Black mulch films can be degraded in natural soil by microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]