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An example of sustainable use of bioresources. The possibility to use logging residues in accordance with the principles of the circular economy and the bioeconomy.
Source publication
In order to enforce the concepts of bioeconomy and the circular economy, the use of a bottom-up approach at the national level has been proposed: to start at the level of a small region, encourage its development, considering its specific capacities and resources, rather than applying generalized assumptions at a national or international level. Th...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... that forestry is the main sector in the analysed region, as an example in this publication is represented a scheme for the possibility to use of logging residues accordance with the principles of the circular economy and the bioeconomy (Fig. 6). Demonstrating that the main resource of the forest is not only wood. There are many ways to use logging balances to generate additional income, to reduce the environmental burden a nd to promote the development of the economy through the sustainable use of these resources. The most significant harvesting resources are the crown part ...
Context 2
... the proposed harvesting residue scenario (Fig. 6), the main flows of resources are branches (without leaves), strains and individual needle foliage of coniferous trees (spruces and pines, delicate branches in diameter up to ~5 mm with needles). Branches and strains can be used to produce harvesting chips that are of lower quality fuels due to impurities (e.g. needles, leaves, soil ...
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Purpose of the Review
The aim of the review was to better understand the impacts of the dominant harvesting systems in Europe, namely harvester-forwarder (HFW), chainsaw-skidder (CSK), and chainsaw-cable yarder (CCY). Furthermore, we aimed to learn how the impact categories environment, economy, ergonomics, people and society, and quality optimizat...
Citations
... In particular, a significant number of studies have attempted to address sustainability as a whole, i.e., considering at least one indicator for each pillar (Asada et al., 2020;Bohvalovs et al., 2022;Zihare L. et al., 2020). At the meso level, socioeconomic aspects are the most addressed (Cismaș and Bȃlan, 2023;Gatto et al., 2021;Jarosch et al., 2020), along with endeavours that address sustainability as a whole (Muizniece et al., 2019;Pieratti et al., 2019;Zeug et al., 2021). However, environmental aspects are less obvious at this scale, with only two articles identified (Hildebrandt et al., 2019;Jukka et al., 2022). ...
... Consequently, the transition to the bioeconomy can cause adverse impacts especially in rural communities, whose economy is mainly based on the primary sector (Cismaș and Bȃlan, 2023;Petig et al., 2019). However, most empirical research is carried out at the national or EU-aggregated level and neglects the effects at the local level, while it is precisely at this level that the impacts of the bioeconomy are tangibly perceived (Muizniece et al., 2019;Sørensen and Jørgensen, 2022). For example, the effects of biorefineries can trigger regionally localised demand for specific agricultural biomass. ...
... This involves assessing how changes in biomass extraction, production, and transformation processes affect local economies, employment opportunities, and livelihoods. X X (Cismaș and Bȃlan, 2023;Muizniece et al., 2019;Petig et al., 2019;Sørensen and Jørgensen, 2022;Wohlfahrt et al., 2019) Monitoring the transition to a CBE Tailoring EU/national monitoring frameworks to local/regional areas: This may include the proposal of sub-national monitoring frameworks taking stock of available data at lower territorial levels. X (Jurga et al., 2021;Marcone et al., 2022;Muizniece et al., 2019;Muska et al., 2022;Paletto et al., 2021) Identifying & visualising trade-offs and synergies between SDGs: As a starting point such visualisation might be conducted on qualitative basis across the several indicators proposed in the bioeconomy monitoring framework (e.g., by explaining the type of relationship that a trend of an indicator can have with respect to other indicators). ...
... [1][2][3] In this sense, new development models based on the bioeconomy and circular economy concepts have been proposed focusing on the preservation and sustainable exploitation of bio-based resources, such as biomass, to produce energy, fuels, chemicals and materials. [4][5][6] Due to its abundance and renewability, lignocellulosic biomass has been gaining relevance as feedstock for this demand. [7] Lignocellulosic biomass is characterized as an intricate matrix, composed of three major macromolecular components: cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. ...
... For instance, Frangville et al. (2012) [35] used an antisolvent precipitation method for the preparation of LNPs using Kraft lignin dissolved in EtGly, followed by a controlled addition of an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid. The obtained LNPs were highly stable at a wide range of pH (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9). Other study showed the addition of HCl aqueous solution to lignin dissolved in acetone/water (3 : 1), enabling the production of homogeneous and monodisperse LNPs with a negative surface charge, spherical and smooth surfaces from three distinct technical lignins. ...
This work aimed at studying the self‐assembly of lignin macromolecules towards lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) with green solvents and shedding light on a tailor‐made production of LNPs through a meticulous study of different variables. The methodology (antisolvent to lignin solution – method A; or lignin solution to antisolvent – method B), the lignin solvent, the flow rate of solvent/antisolvent addition, the lignin solution loading and the washing step (centrifugation vs dialysis) were examined. Remarkably, method A enabled achieving desired LNPs (127.4 ‐ 264.9 nm), while method B induced the formation of lignin microparticles (582.8 ‐ 7820 nm). Among lignin solvents, ethanol allowed the preparation of LNPs with the lowest hydrodynamic diameter (method B = 127.4 nm), while the largest particles (method A = 7820 nm) were obtained with ethylene glycol. These latest particles were characterized as heterogeneous, irregular, and highly aggregated when compared for instance with γ‐valerolactone counterparts, which showed the most homogeneous (PDI = 0.057‐0.077) and spherical particles. Moreover, decreasing lignin solution loading enabled the reduction on LNP size and Zeta potential. Dialysed samples allowed the formation of LNPs with lower hydrodynamic size, reduced aggregation, and higher homogeneity. Furthermore, dialysis provided high stability to LNPs, avoiding particle coalescent phenomenon.
... CE monitoring provided at subnational levels will enable regions with poor performance to be supported more effectively, while at the same time, it is possible to employ practices of the most prosperous regions (Heshmati and Rashidghalam 2021). Muizniece et al. (2019) have proposed a bottom-up approach to implementing the concepts of bioeconomy and circular economy taking into account the specific capabilities and resources of small regions, rejecting the use of generalized assumptions at the national level. Kristensen and Mosgaard (2020) also emphasized the importance of designing sector-specific indicators to increase the efficiency of CE deployment through the concretization of activities. ...
In recent years, the European Commission has made a significant commitment to transition to a circular economy (CE). At the same time, tracking progress in CE implementation remains a major challenge, especially at the regional level. In this context, a set of CE indicators has been proposed for key areas of a selected region of Poland – Wielkopolska, as an area promoting a holistic approach to development through the CE concept. The available scientific literature and key national and regional policies were reviewed. In addition, a desk-research analysis of 22 CE strategic documents of European regions was performed. Applying the aforementioned methods and expert interviews, a set of key 93 indicators was selected within the province’s dominant industries, such as agri-food, industrial processing, mobility and transport, construction and energy. Also, focus was paid to the socio-innovation area. The proposed framework for tracking CE development allows adequate capture of CE’s effects at the regional level. They also provide recommendations for creating monitoring in regions with similar economic profiles.
... The famous example of Kalundborg was initiated in a rural area. Various studies also look at opportunities for industrial symbiosis by matching potentials and using the factor of proximity [28,29]. Various studies mentioned the role of local suppliers or short supply chains initiatives and policies [16]. ...
Recently, there has been an increase in circular cities and research on the concrete meaning of circularity at the city mesolevel. However, circular solutions or requirements for rural areas are often overlooked. This can be explained by the dominant deterritorialized and sectoral approach in circularity research, policy, and practice, which isolates places, people, and practices. The point of departure of our study is that circular cities can only thrive if their related rural areas are healthy, as they are interdependent. Within this context, we develop a framework that contributes to the conceptualisation of circular neighbourhoods and infrastructure in rural areas. We use a literature review to build on the findings of circularity research in Japan, Belgium, Finland, and Norway, and distil predefined categories for deductive analysis. We validate the deductive analysis by a further inductive analysis of the literature. Our review focuses on how the existing built environment (buildings, roads, and other infrastructure) can increase the vitality of rural areas to enable rural circularity practices (RCPs). In addition, we propose new directions for future research on circular neighbourhoods in rural areas, preferably in symbiosis with circular cities.
... The productivity of a biogas plant depends on different aspects, like the type of biomass [42], digestion [43], availability of biomass, impurities that may harm microorganisms [44], and lignin content [45]. Almost any organic material can be used for biomass production, for example, paper, grass, animal waste, domestic or manufacturing sewage, food waste, agricultural products, etc. [46]. ...
In the light of the Green Deal and its ‘Farm to Fork’ and ‘Biodiversity’ strategies, the EU aims to find new ways to decrease GHG emissions through the EU Carbon Farming initiative stating that farming practices that remove CO 2 from the atmosphere should be rewarded in line with the development of new EU business models. The Carbon farming initiative is a new approach and concludes that carbon farming can significantly contribute to climate change mitigation. As European Commission acknowledges that carbon farming is in its infancy and there is a lot to be addressed, in the years towards 2030, result-based carbon farming plots and schemes should be settled by the Member States and local governments; therefore, the existing solutions for reducing emissions through improved farming practices should be defined for each region. The research identifies carbon farming solutions in the agriculture sector – minimal/zero tillage, carbon sequestration in soils, biogas and biomethane production, perennial plant growing, and agroforestry and described.
... The number of research in bioeconomy education has been growing over the past years to stress the necessity for new specialists in the field to devlope innovative technologies and products [5]- [11]. [12] writes that implementing bioeconomy goals and transforming to a knowledge-based sustainable bioeconomy should be considered transdisciplinary, learning, interdisciplinary and system-thinking, anticipatory, normative, strategic and interpersonal competence, where [13] ads policy and decision-making skills. ...
Evolving complex concepts, such as bioeconomy, in the most effective way, can be applied through the education of students and professionals. In recent years changes in the education system can be observed with the development of knowledge-based learning. Competence-based learning will also be used more and more in higher education. Higher education plays a crucial role in achieving the goals of the Green Deal and the bioeconomy. The main emphasis is on creating new and innovative technologies and methods to achieve these goals. A new master’s study program, ‘Environmental Engineering’, has been established at the Institute of Energy Systems and Environment of Riga Technical University. One of the study directions is ‘Bioeconomy’. Considering the developed direction ‘Bioeconomy’, the importance of this sector is visible. Attention should also be paid to the goals of the Green Deal. This study summarised research on education, bioeconomy and Green Deal topics and analysed the interrelationships between these studies using the VOSviewer tool. During the analysis, it is possible to conclude the main keywords that characterise these studies. The obtained keywords should indicate the development trends of future research, which is in line with education, the ‘Green Deal’, and bioeconomy.
... A powerful tool that can enhance the development of sustainable products and processes is the Circular Bioeconomy (CBE) concept (Kardung et al., 2021;Muizniece et al., 2019), that allows to maintain the balance between economic productivity and conservation of natural resources. This is a transdisciplinary concept, arising from the intersection of bioeconomy, which encompasses the production of renewable biological resources and their conversion into value-added products, and circular economy, which aims to strengthen the paradigm shift from the current linear economic model to a circular one that keeps resources within the value chain for as long as possible (Carus and Dammer, 2018). ...
Rural areas have often been singled out as strategic locations for the implementation of the Circular Bioeconomy (CBE) concept. This study aims to carry out a detailed analysis of the northern interior of Portugal, focusing on its business dynamics within the CBE. Two representative case studies were selected and critically compared with successful cases from European Nordic countries. The results showed that, generally, waste is managed inefficiently and with little benefit. The cross-comparison with the Nordic CBE model revealed that there is a lack of synergies and collaboration between different stakeholders, from the most basic to the most advanced level. Also, investment in more applied education, as well as a culture based on trust and dialogue, would greatly contribute to the successful implementation of regional CBE policies. In short, innovation, not only in products and services, but mainly in partnerships is key to a sustainable economic growth in rural regions.
... In certain cases, keeping the value of biobased products can be more challenging than that of metals and minerals. However, in order to be sustainable the bioeconomy should be circular [34], but there are difficulties in implementing circular value chains in some biobased sectors [4]. ...
A foresight exercise involves future-oriented awareness and planning in order to respond
quickly and effectively to future threats and opportunities. Basically, it is a qualitative, multiple
holistic case study based on foundational investigation and opinion-based data collection and
practice. The two major elements of a foresight exercise are the location and the domain, and
in this particular case the foresight was carried out on the bioeconomy perspectives in the
BIOEAST macro-region, in line with the implementation of the vision up to 2030, and aiming
to support the Member States in developing their sustainable bioeconomies to benefit not
only from their similarities, but also their differences, at all levels. At the same time, the
broader EU and global context needs to be taken into consideration, investigating the special
characteristics of the macro-regional deployment of the bioeconomy, specific needs, and
potential through possible scenarios.
... The second stage involved organizing and analysing the obtained data and comparing them in terms of the geography, principles, approaches, attitudes, results and prospects. The best practices used in different EU countries were analysed [19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [24], [25], [26], [27] and compared with the Ukrainian experience [28]. The following methods were used to realize the research aim and the tasks set [29]: ...
The article focuses on the issue of the prospects of municipal organic wastes management in Ukraine in the context of the applicable EU practices in the field. The investigation was made according to the SWOT analysis. The general scientific and specific scientific methods were used at all the three stages of the investigation. The peculiarities of the Ukrainian legislation and their compliance with the EU directives and policies were analysed. The key problems of the Ukrainian wastes legislation, political and legal relations in the field were reviewed. The New Ukrainian Wastes Management Strategy was analysed. The main principles and priorities of the EU wastes strategies were presented. The best (and the most applicable for Ukraine) European practices were examined, including the five-step hierarchy and features of the national wastes collecting, sorting and disposal systems. Wastes composting technologies were discussed in detail. Possibilities of using wastes as bio fuel for refuelling municipal equipment, air transport, etc. were determined. The futility of expanding landfill areas for solving wastes management issues was noted. The main requirements to be met for regulating wastes management market in accordance with the Association Agreement with the EU were outlined. Recommendations on implementing circular economy principles and extended producers’ responsibility to encourage the public society to sort wastes, businesses to minimize wastes generation and draw interest to recycling were suggested.
... Not only does the biogas produced by anaerobic digestion prevent greenhouse gas emissions and produce renewable energy, but also provides for the production of processed fertilizers, improving nutrient self-sufficiency in the agricultural sector (Timonen et al., 2019). The productivity of a biogas plant depends on different aspects, like the type of biomass (Melvere et al., 2017;Krištof & Gaduš, 2018;Bumbiere et al., 2020), digestion (Meiramkulova et al., 2018;Mano Esteves et al., 2019), availability of biomass, impurities that may harm microorganisms (Mehryar et al., 2017;Muizniece et al., 2019) and lignin content (Lauka et al., 2019). ...
Production of biogas using bioresources of agricultural origin plays an important role in Europe's energy transition to sustainability. However, many substrates have been denounced in the last years as a result of differences of opinion on its impact on the environment, while finding new resources for renewable energy is a global issue. The aim of the study is to use a carbon balance method to evaluate the real impact on the atmosphere by carrying out a carbon balance to objectively quantify naturally or anthropogenically added or removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This study uses Latvian data to determine the environmental impact of biogas production depending on the choice of substrate, in this case from specially grown maize silage. GHG emissions from specially grown maize use and cultivation (including the use of diesel fuel, crop residue and nitrogen fertilizer incorporation, photosynthesis), biogas production leaks, as well as digestate emissions (including digestate emissions and also saved nitrogen emissions by the use of digestate) are taken into account when compiling the carbon balance of maize. The results showed that biogas production from specially grown maize can save 1.86 kgCO 2 eq emissions per 1 m 3 of produced biogas.
