Circularity in Practice : Closed loop recycling and circular public procurement
(2025) In TFEM- Abstract
- Our current patterns of resource use have serious impact on the environment and are affecting our chances to future welfare. In this context, circular economy practices emerge as essential. Circular economy focuses on maximizing resource efficiency through reuse, repair, recycling, and product longevity—ultimately minimizing waste and reducing reliance on virgin materials.
My dissertation presents two studies that explore conditions necessary for a circular economy. The first study is a case study that investigates a closed-loop recycling system. The study shows that the closed-loop system significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and the use of virgin plastics compared to conventional recycling. The material quality tests... (More) - Our current patterns of resource use have serious impact on the environment and are affecting our chances to future welfare. In this context, circular economy practices emerge as essential. Circular economy focuses on maximizing resource efficiency through reuse, repair, recycling, and product longevity—ultimately minimizing waste and reducing reliance on virgin materials.
My dissertation presents two studies that explore conditions necessary for a circular economy. The first study is a case study that investigates a closed-loop recycling system. The study shows that the closed-loop system significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and the use of virgin plastics compared to conventional recycling. The material quality tests in the study confirm that the tested plastics material maintains mechanical properties through several reprocessing cycles without adventuring food safety.
The second study explores the possibilities of public procurement to promote circularity by sourcing from one or more of a number of defined circular business models. It identifies which circular business models are more accessible for public organizations and highlights key barriers that can be categorized as lack of knowledge or restrictive internal policies. Importantly, most of the identified barriers can be addressed internally, giving the individual organization mandate to accelerate the shift toward more circular consumption.
In essence, my research examines how individual organizations can contribute to the development of a circular economy. Contrary to how circular economy is often framed in academic and expert discourse—as complex and difficult to implement—my experience from conducting these studies suggests that many relevant steps are, if not simple, at least feasible for a wide range of actors. For instance, taking back products or components for recycling in a closed loop, or procuring longer-lasting products, are measures well within reach for many organizations. However, while such actions may seem operationally straightforward, their broader implications might be profound. These shifts could challenge the foundational structure of today’s global economy in a way that is difficult to manage. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
https://lup.lub.lu.se/record/0f976ebd-98c2-4625-8397-1d1a814727f4
- author
- Frid Myrin, Eva LU
- supervisor
- organization
- publishing date
- 2025
- type
- Thesis
- publication status
- published
- subject
- in
- TFEM
- issue
- 1051
- pages
- 47 pages
- publisher
- Lund University. Department of Environmental and Energy Systems Studies
- ISBN
- 978-91-8104-606-9
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- id
- 0f976ebd-98c2-4625-8397-1d1a814727f4
- date added to LUP
- 2025-09-24 09:21:58
- date last changed
- 2025-09-24 09:21:58
@misc{0f976ebd-98c2-4625-8397-1d1a814727f4,
abstract = {{Our current patterns of resource use have serious impact on the environment and are affecting our chances to future welfare. In this context, circular economy practices emerge as essential. Circular economy focuses on maximizing resource efficiency through reuse, repair, recycling, and product longevity—ultimately minimizing waste and reducing reliance on virgin materials. <br/><br/>My dissertation presents two studies that explore conditions necessary for a circular economy. The first study is a case study that investigates a closed-loop recycling system. The study shows that the closed-loop system significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and the use of virgin plastics compared to conventional recycling. The material quality tests in the study confirm that the tested plastics material maintains mechanical properties through several reprocessing cycles without adventuring food safety.<br/><br/>The second study explores the possibilities of public procurement to promote circularity by sourcing from one or more of a number of defined circular business models. It identifies which circular business models are more accessible for public organizations and highlights key barriers that can be categorized as lack of knowledge or restrictive internal policies. Importantly, most of the identified barriers can be addressed internally, giving the individual organization mandate to accelerate the shift toward more circular consumption.<br/><br/>In essence, my research examines how individual organizations can contribute to the development of a circular economy. Contrary to how circular economy is often framed in academic and expert discourse—as complex and difficult to implement—my experience from conducting these studies suggests that many relevant steps are, if not simple, at least feasible for a wide range of actors. For instance, taking back products or components for recycling in a closed loop, or procuring longer-lasting products, are measures well within reach for many organizations. However, while such actions may seem operationally straightforward, their broader implications might be profound. These shifts could challenge the foundational structure of today’s global economy in a way that is difficult to manage.}},
author = {{Frid Myrin, Eva}},
isbn = {{978-91-8104-606-9}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Licentiate Thesis}},
number = {{1051}},
publisher = {{Lund University. Department of Environmental and Energy Systems Studies}},
series = {{TFEM}},
title = {{Circularity in Practice : Closed loop recycling and circular public procurement}},
year = {{2025}},
}