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On the Spatial Dimension of the Circular Economy

Author

Listed:
  • T. E. Graedel

    (Center for Industrial Ecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA)

  • Barbara K. Reck

    (Center for Industrial Ecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA)

  • Luca Ciacci

    (Center for Industrial Ecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
    Department of Industrial Chemistry “Toso Montanari”, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna 40136, Italy)

  • Fabrizio Passarini

    (Department of Industrial Chemistry “Toso Montanari”, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna 40136, Italy)

Abstract

The concept of a “circular economy”, in which material in society is regarded as “a transient phase in anthropogenic resource utilization”, is a growing topic for discussion. The primary motivations for supporting a circular economy include a reduction of environmental impacts and conservation of natural resources. Australia is a vivid example of a country whose large metal extraction capacity is not balanced as it has neither an extensive product manufacturing capability nor a large domestic market. Consequently, Australia must rely on the global resource network to achieve circularity and carbon neutrality. This work illustrates this situation with quantitative material flow cycles for Australian aluminum, nickel, copper, zinc, and stainless steel, and comments on the implications of the results for Australia and for circular economy prospects more generally.

Suggested Citation

  • T. E. Graedel & Barbara K. Reck & Luca Ciacci & Fabrizio Passarini, 2019. "On the Spatial Dimension of the Circular Economy," Resources, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-10, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:8:y:2019:i:1:p:32-:d:203097
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Luca Ciacci & Philip Nuss & Barbara K. Reck & T. T. Werner & T. E. Graedel, 2016. "Metal Criticality Determination for Australia, the US, and the Planet—Comparing 2008 and 2012 Results," Resources, MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-8, September.
    5. Ruth Lane, 2014. "Understanding the Dynamic Character of Value in Recycling Metals from Australia," Resources, MDPI, vol. 3(2), pages 1-16, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hu, Xueyue & Wang, Chunying & Elshkaki, Ayman, 2024. "Material-energy Nexus: A systematic literature review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).
    2. Sara Alonso-Muñoz & Rocío González-Sánchez & Cristina Siligardi & Fernando Enrique García-Muiña, 2021. "Building Exploitation Routines in the Circular Supply Chain to Obtain Radical Innovations," Resources, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-18, March.
    3. Gergely Tóth, 2019. "Circular Economy and its Comparison with 14 Other Business Sustainability Movements," Resources, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-19, September.

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