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Sustainable Industrial Systems—from Theory to Practice
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Sustainable Industrial Systems—from Theory to Practice

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2023) | Viewed by 33743

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Athanasios Angelis Dimakis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
Interests: industrial ecology; waste management; circular economy; life cycle assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A great challenge for today’s industrial sector is to meet all the targets set for reducing resource consumption and waste generation, while maintaining (or increasing) production output toward a viable economic development. In order to achieve that, industries should focus on implementing novel production methods, with an improved efficiency (in terms of energy, material, and water resource usage) which are at the same time environmentally benign and socially beneficial and acceptable. Moreover, industries should also aim to convert their production lines from linear to circular, by reusing resources, recycling waste streams and redesigning products, and adapting to the current paradigm shift of the circular economy.

Under that perspective, there is a lot of research published in various areas, including (a) industrial metabolism, (b) industrial symbiosis, (c) environmental impact assessment, (d) eco-efficiency assessment, (e) eco-design, (f) decoupling economic development and resource consumption, and (g) environmental policy.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to address issues of sustainability of industrial systems, from an economic, environmental and social perspective, focusing on real-life examples and applications. Manuscripts can address any step of the industrial value chain and lifecycle of products/services, from the development to the end of life stages. Researchers are encouraged to submit applied papers to explore the various aspects of sustainable industrial systems.

Dr. Athanasios Angelis Dimakis
Guest Editor

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

  • sustainable production and consumption
  • life cycle assessment
  • circular economy
  • eco-efficiency assessment
  • industrial systems
  • industrial symbiosis

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 4832 KiB  
Article
Technological Evaluation of Algae-Based Fillers for Polymer 3D Printing
by Maximilian Fiedler, Oliver Schoemig, Fabian Fischer and Klaus Droeder
Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4039; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054039 - 22 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1722
Abstract
One approach to reducing the environmental footprint of conventional polymers is to compound them with bio-based fillers. Plant-based materials have already been successfully used as polymer fillers. In this context, algae-based fillers received minor attention. Due to their unique growth efficiency and ability [...] Read more.
One approach to reducing the environmental footprint of conventional polymers is to compound them with bio-based fillers. Plant-based materials have already been successfully used as polymer fillers. In this context, algae-based fillers received minor attention. Due to their unique growth efficiency and ability to capture large amounts of CO2, the use of algae-based fillers could have economic and ecologic advantages. In this work, a possible use of algae as a sustainable filler for filament materials was technologically evaluated. In practical investigations, conventional polyethylene-terephthalate-glycol (PETG) was mixed with the microalgae spirulina platensis and chlorella vulgaris and extruded to 3D printing filaments. Based on printed test specimens and material samples, the printability, mechanical, and thermal properties of the composite were determined. Filaments with a homogeneous distribution of algae particles and stable diameters up to a filler content of 30 wt.% could be produced. All filaments had good printability and adequate moisture sensitivity for higher algae contents. For 30 wt.% the tensile strength of the produced filaments decreases from 54 MPa to 24 MPa, the flexural strength decreases from 87 MPa to 69 MPa, and the material operating temperature decreases slightly from 70 °C to 66 °C. The addition of smaller amounts of algae results in minor changes regarding the overall performance. The properties of the material were comparable to those of other natural fillers such as wood, bamboo or cork. The main objective of adding bio-based materials to polymeric matrices can be achieved. Our results suggest that algae-based filaments can be produced as a more sustainable and low-cost material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Industrial Systems—from Theory to Practice)
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20 pages, 838 KiB  
Article
Willingness to Pay for Environmental Quality Improvement Programs and Its Determinants: Empirical Analysis in Western Nepal
by Uttam Paudel, Shiva Raj Adhikari and Krishna Prasad Pant
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2176; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032176 - 24 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1681
Abstract
Environmental conditions in western Nepal are experiencing a possible threat to economic losses and sustainability, especially due to decreased productivity and increased health risks. This research investigates the maximum willingness to pay (WTP) of the local community for environmental quality improvement programs by [...] Read more.
Environmental conditions in western Nepal are experiencing a possible threat to economic losses and sustainability, especially due to decreased productivity and increased health risks. This research investigates the maximum willingness to pay (WTP) of the local community for environmental quality improvement programs by using the contingent valuation technique. It also explores socio-economic and behavioral determinants that influence the maximum WTP for environmental quality improvement. A cross-sectional analytical design is employed using primary data obtained through in-depth face-to-face interviews with people in the community, interviews with key informants, focus group discussions and direct observations. Of the total of 420 households sampled, 72% were willing to pay for the environmental improvement program. The average WTP of households per annum for environmental protection at the community level is given as Nepalese rupees (NPR) 1909 (confidence interval—CI: 1796–2022). Environmental factors (prolonged drought, sporadic rains and drying sprout), socio-economic factors (family size, occupation, regular saving habits in microfinance, distance to the nearest health facility, health insurance enrollment, owning a home and owning arable land) and behavioral factors (cleanliness of the toilet) are the major factors influencing the household’s WTP decision. The findings of this study provide an important guideline and basis for the implementation of cost sharing in environmental quality improvement programs among the community, governments and other stakeholders in this sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Industrial Systems—from Theory to Practice)
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16 pages, 1083 KiB  
Article
Application of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment to Used Lubricant Oil Management in South Brazilian Region
by Malaquias Zildo António Tsambe, Cássio Florisbal de Almeida, Cássia Maria Lie Ugaya and Luiz Fernando de Abreu Cybis
Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 13583; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132413583 - 08 Dec 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2493
Abstract
Used Lubricant Oil (ULO) is a hazardous waste resulting from lubricant oil used in motorized equipment to reduce friction between moving surfaces that, over time, wear outs and becomes contaminated. The purpose of this study is to compare the sustainability of two ULO [...] Read more.
Used Lubricant Oil (ULO) is a hazardous waste resulting from lubricant oil used in motorized equipment to reduce friction between moving surfaces that, over time, wear outs and becomes contaminated. The purpose of this study is to compare the sustainability of two ULO management systems in Brazil: one designated in this study by the TTR scenario (which includes transportation, trans-shipment, and re-refining phases), the other designated by the TsTR scenario (without the trans-shipment phase) to evaluate which scenario is socially, economically, and environmentally more efficient. The study uses the life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) methodology. As a combination of life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle cost (LCC), and social life cycle assessment (s-LCA), it integrates the three sustainability dimensions (environmental, social, and economic). The sustainability index was calculated by aggregating data from eight environmental indicators, five economic indicators, and five social indicators. The results showed that the TsTR scenario presented the best values for the sustainability assessment than the TTR scenario. The TsTR scenario had the best social and economic performance, and the TTR scenario had the best environmental performance. The differences observed in those scenarios’ performances were noted by the absence or presence of the trans-shipment center. The absence of this center improved the social and economic performance of the scenario. The social dimension was improved by the elimination of the stage that causes problems related to social and economic dimensions by reducing several costs that can be associated with it. The presence of the trans-shipment center improves the environmental performance scenario by reducing the number of hazards that could impact the re-refining phase. The LCSA methodology enables a comparative life cycle assessment of two alternative system evaluations of ULO management by the sustainability index of each scenario. This index helps to analyze the contributions of each of the 18 categories and subcategories in the perspective of the sustainability dimensions and, consequently, to carry out their integrated evaluation, aiming to define the best sustainability scenario. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Industrial Systems—from Theory to Practice)
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13 pages, 1106 KiB  
Article
Techno-Economic Assessment of Polysaccharide Extraction from Baobab: A Scale Up Analysis
by Maria Dimopoulou, Vivian Offiah, Kolawole Falade, Alan M. Smith, Vassilis Kontogiorgos and Athanasios Angelis-Dimakis
Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9915; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179915 - 03 Sep 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2276
Abstract
This research studied the commercial exploitation of an indigenous African crop in order to formulate high value products, with a potential significant impact on the local economy. More specifically, the present work investigated the extraction of polysaccharides from baobab in a bench-scale unit, [...] Read more.
This research studied the commercial exploitation of an indigenous African crop in order to formulate high value products, with a potential significant impact on the local economy. More specifically, the present work investigated the extraction of polysaccharides from baobab in a bench-scale unit, focusing on the overall yield and the techno-economic assessment of the extraction process. Preliminary technoeconomic analysis for two scenarios (with and without ethanol recycling) was performed to determine the economic viability of the process and the development of the baobab market both in Nigeria and the UK. A full economic analysis was undertaken for each of the two scenarios, considering all operating and capital costs, and the production cost of baobab polysaccharides was estimated based on a constant return on investment. Combining the operating cost with the average polysaccharide yield, the minimum profitable selling price in the UK was estimated to be between £23 and £35 per 100 g of polysaccharide, which is comparable to the commercial selling price of high purity polysaccharides. An assessment of a scaled-up plant was also performed under Nigerian conditions and the results showed that such an investment is potentially viable and profitable, with a minimum profitable selling price of £27 per 100 g, a value comparable to the UK-based scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Industrial Systems—from Theory to Practice)
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Review

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20 pages, 2188 KiB  
Review
A Brief Review on the Development of Alginate Extraction Process and Its Sustainability
by Sijin Saji, Andrew Hebden, Parikshit Goswami and Chenyu Du
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5181; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095181 - 25 Apr 2022
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 9800
Abstract
Alginate is an attractive marine resource-based biopolymer, which has been widely used in pharmaceutical, food and textile industries. This paper reviewed the latest development of the conventional and alternative processes for alginate extraction from brown seaweed. To improve extraction yield and product quality, [...] Read more.
Alginate is an attractive marine resource-based biopolymer, which has been widely used in pharmaceutical, food and textile industries. This paper reviewed the latest development of the conventional and alternative processes for alginate extraction from brown seaweed. To improve extraction yield and product quality, various studies have been carried out to optimize the operation condition. Based on literature survey, the most commonly used protocol is soaking milled seaweed in 2% (w/v) formaldehyde, overnight, solid loading ratio of 1:10–20 (dry weight biomass to solution), then collecting the solid for acid pre-treatment with HCl 0.2–2% (w/v), 40–60 °C, 1:10–30 ratio for 2–4 h. Next, the solid residue from the acid pre-treatment is extracted using Na2CO3 at 2–4% (w/v), 40–60 °C, 2–3 h, 1:10–30 ratio. Then the liquid portion is precipitated by ethanol (95%+) with a ratio of 1:1 (v/v). Finally, the solid output is dried in oven at 50–60 °C. Novel extraction methods using ultrasound, microwave, enzymes and extrusion improved the extraction yield and alginate properties, but the financial benefits have not been fully justified yet. To improve the sustainable production of alginate, it is required to promote seaweed cultivation, reduce water footprint, decrease organic solvent usage and co-produce alginate with other value-added products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Industrial Systems—from Theory to Practice)
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21 pages, 3453 KiB  
Review
Date Palm Tree Waste Recycling: Treatment and Processing for Potential Engineering Applications
by Ali Faiad, Muath Alsmari, Mohamed M. Z. Ahmed, Mohamed L. Bouazizi, Bandar Alzahrani and Hussien Alrobei
Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1134; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031134 - 19 Jan 2022
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 12675
Abstract
Date palm, the most important tree in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, produces a huge amount of waste yearly in the form of fibrous materials, dried fruits, and seeds. Such waste is a great source of excellent degradable biomass that can be [...] Read more.
Date palm, the most important tree in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, produces a huge amount of waste yearly in the form of fibrous materials, dried fruits, and seeds. Such waste is a great source of excellent degradable biomass that can be used in numerous applications as natural fiber composites, active carbon precursors, and even nano-featured sheets. That rich resource is yearly burned on date palm farms due to the lack of effective processing strategies. This review offers a scientific evaluation for date palm waste in terms of specifications and applications, and it proposes pre-treatment processes to produce fibrous and powder raw materials to be used in some engineering and industrial applications. Additionally, some possible advanced industrial applications, such as active carbon and natural fiber composites, will be discussed and reviewed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Industrial Systems—from Theory to Practice)
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19 pages, 1092 KiB  
Review
Basic Steps to Promote Biorefinery Value Chains in Forestry in Italy
by Swati Tamantini, Alberto Del Lungo, Manuela Romagnoli, Alessandro Paletto, Michael Keller, Jacques Bersier and Florian Zikeli
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11731; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111731 - 23 Oct 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1824
Abstract
Biorefineries are an important pillar to conduct the transition toward a circular bioeconomy. Forestry value chains produce wood biomass from harvesting and processing residues that have potential to be used in biorefineries, but currently, these residues are mostly used for energy generation. New [...] Read more.
Biorefineries are an important pillar to conduct the transition toward a circular bioeconomy. Forestry value chains produce wood biomass from harvesting and processing residues that have potential to be used in biorefineries, but currently, these residues are mostly used for energy generation. New biorefineries and new methodologies of wood fractionation allow the production of high value-added products based on carbohydrates and lignin. However, biorefineries based on lignocellulosic feedstock are still few in European countries and even less in Italy. The present study analyses the processes involved in a scenario of establishment of forest biorefineries, reviewing the main components and the actual organization of forestry value chains in Italy. The aim is to have a general vision, to identify and to focus the possibilities of the actual value chains and to fill gaps. The development of the territories is thought of in a perspective of a broader repertoire and more branched value chains than simple energy-generation end use, reviewing the tool for a feasibility study that could potentially involve lignocellulosic biorefineries also based on forest-wood industry feedstocks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Industrial Systems—from Theory to Practice)
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