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The consistent rise of the per capita waste generation rate has led to an escalation of waste quantities and the need to expand waste disposal methods. Efforts to develop clean and affordable energy systems are increasingly linked to waste-to-energy as part of the transition to a circular economy (CE). A resource-efficient waste-to-energy business model within a CE offers a variety of environmentally friendly waste management options based on their overall environmental impacts but also makes efficient use of available resources and technologies to convert different types of waste into energy, which helps reduce the adverse effects on the environment and create additional energy sources. This research aims to identify innovative waste management solutions to foster the implementation of CE and a more resource-efficient business model. The research methodology is based on qualitative and quantitative research, triangulation, material flow assessment, and systems dynamics. The value of this study is within the analysis of existing waste-to-energy plant case studies to identify a set of recommendations and appropriate business models for the countries that are at an early stage of evaluation of such facilities. This study found that waste-to-energy plants are critical to achieving the EU's waste disposal targets by 2035. The findings highlight the importance of supporting mechanisms in the waste sector, such as structural funds, as the industry primarily focuses on societal health and safety and environmental protection, alongside resource efficiency and circularity potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate to what extent the construction and demolition waste generated by households is managed by the principles of circularity and to identify the main influencing factors in the behavior of households regarding the circularity-based management of construction waste in Latvia. The current research presents principles of circularity of household-generated waste based on a systematic literature review, and the data obtained from a survey were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. This study clarifies the circular economy rationale for construction and demolition waste (CDW) management in Latvia and proposes further development to promote the achievement of sustainable development goals and increased energy efficiency. The results reveal that the observance of circular economy principles in construction and demolition waste management among Latvian households does not correspond to good circular economy practices due to attitudes toward environmental issues, expenses, and logistics; thus, compliance with these principles and legislation as well as closer cooperation between municipalities and households can promote significant economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy is one of the recent concepts promoted as the pathway for further green and sustainable development, yet entrepreneurs and managers lack the knowledge on implementing circular economy principles. Assuming the multi-dimensional and systemic character of the circular economy, this article provides a road map of 60R circular economy principles that can be adopted in any company to create a positive economic, environmental, and social impact. This set of circular economy principles allows the existing performance of companies within environmental regeneration to be assessed, and identifies possible improvements to business circularity. Identifying additional "R" principles could lead to increased synergy or complementarity between them. These 60R circular economy principles are classified in four groups - reduce, reuse, recycle and reverse logistics. The proposed list of CE principles provides a useful framework for business managers to structure potential tasks and develop strategies for CE implementation and serve as a roadmap for researchers to extend existing research on CE principles. This study is based on the systematic literature review critically examining 148 articles and providing a comprehensive and profound overview of circular economy principles to be considered by business practitioners and entrepreneurs. Previously, CE principles are researched in environmental sciences, engineering, and energy. This article contributes to the existing knowledge gap and builds new knowledge on the discipline of business management, as publications in these fields are scarce. The study highlights the significance of reverse logistics and calls for extensive research on how companies can incorporate material or product returns into their business models or strategies, which is a critical research question for future studies. • Sixty Circular economy (CE) principles (60R) classified within 4 groups - reduce, reuse, recycle, reverse logistics are presented for adoption in any company. • The multi-dimensional nature of 60R principles is presented distinguishing circular practices, activities, and strategies, clarifying the knowledge gap of perspectives of CE principles. • The conceptual models presented indicate the intervention of CE principles to the business strategy and the business model. • This study shows the interrelation between CE principles and strategic aims, values, mission and vision statements of any business strategy, and the allignment of CE principles with Porters' generic strategies. • The article presents the infinity of main pre-conditions for the adoption of CE principles in companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changing business models is a topical issue in a pandemic. Recent research has shown that the search for environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions in various sectors has become relevant. The article aims to promote cooperation and adaptation of good practices between countries. Comparing the country's history and economic situation and economic development and traditions can be seen as a precondition for success. The article examines the introduction of sharing economy and the creation of environment-friendly trends establishing a circular economy by minimizing the population's expenses, online business growth, and accessibility of Internet technologies. The article explores the difference between the linear economic model and the circular model by adopting sharing and the efficient joint use of materials to enhance and assess sustainable development. Based on a combination of theoretical and practical research, the article explores the dynamic system and development model of sharing a circular economy. The new concept of circular economy does not promote the overproduction of new goods but the rational use of already produced ones, which significantly reduces the amount of waste generated at all stages of the product life cycle. Population groups by different income groups for sharing services are analysed. An analysis of the price characteristics of popular sharing products was used from data from Internet portals. One concludes that due to the increase in Internet users, especially mobile apps, and social networks, C2C sharing has become quite popular over the past years. Other areas also show positive development indicators but have less demand, affecting supply. Based on an in-depth study of the economic situation in Ukraine, the authors have critically chosen an industry to set as an example with the actual business situation. Therefore, three packages were created: pessimistic, standard and optimistic ones with different characteristics of implementing circular economic projects. The chosen method allows rational management decisions for attracting financing and sustainable solutions. The company's business scenarios analysed in the article will allow to choose a system based on circular economy principles successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overwhelming goal of large-scale cross-country research is to evaluate consumers' perception of a sharing economy. The research was limited by the number of respondents, as well as by the countries represented in the survey. Latvia, Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus were mostly represented, and only these responses (757) were analyzed. The study used multilevel modelling of sharing economy elements (dependent variable) in relation to personal characteristics (age, gender, income, industry) nested by the self-assessed level of eco-friendliness (a key predictor for the attitude towards sharing economy). Findings: The key personal characteristics, which influence a person's intention to be involved in the sharing economy practices, are level of income, education, and also self-perceived ecological friendliness. The sharing economy is not only a topic for investigation among academicians, but also an issue on the agenda of the European Commission, because it is considered as a driver for growth and job creation in the European Union. Despite an increasing interest and many studies, there is a limited number of studies focused on difference in perception of sharing economy depending on personal characteristics of respondents. This indicates the necessity of conducting such surveys, involving participants from different European countries. The given paper could be used as a methodological framework for other European researchers who are interested in the exploration of the topic regarding perception of the sharing economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]