Opportunities, challenges and suggestions for the development of plastic degradation and recycling under the context of circular bioeconomy / 生物工程学报

At present, the negative impact caused by white pollution has spread to all aspects of human society economy, ecosystem, and health, which causes severe challenges for developing the circular bioeconomy. As the largest plastic production and consumption country in the world, China has shouldered an important responsibility in plastic pollution control. In this context, this paper analyzed the relevant strategies of plastic degradation and recycling in the United States, Europe, Japan and China, measured the literature and patents in this field, analyzed the status quo of technology from the perspective of research and development trends, major countries, major institutions, and discussed the opportunities and challenges faced by the development of plastic degradation and recycling in China. Finally, we put forward future development suggestions which include the integration of policy system, technology path, industry development and public cognition.

Beneficios ambientales del reciclaje de residuos plásticos posconsumo para la producción de postes en Mendoza, Argentina / Environmental benefits of recycling: A case study on post-consumer plastic waste to produce poles in Mendoza, Argentina

RESUMEN Argentina, se encuentra entre los países de Latinoamérica con el mayor consumo de plásticos por habitante, con un valor de 42 kg, por año. El reciclaje mecánico de plástico, se presenta como una estrategia para recuperar los residuos y, de esta manera, evitar el uso de materia prima virgen, contribuyendo en la reducción de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar el desempeño ambiental del reciclaje de plástico para la elaboración de postes en Mendoza, Argentina. En la evaluación, se utilizó el indicador tasa de beneficio de la reciclabilidad, adaptado para ciclo abierto y para su cálculo, se utilizaron los resultados del análisis de ciclo de vida de dos escenarios (vertedero y reciclaje). El valor del indicador resultó, para este caso de estudio, en 22 %. Este resultado positivo indica un ahorro ambiental de reciclar residuos plásticos posconsumo con respecto a la producción del producto, a partir de materia prima virgen (madera) y la disposición final de los residuos plásticos en el vertedero. Posteriormente, se realizó un análisis de sensibilidad, para el parámetro del indicador que considera la vida útil de los productos y los resultados mostraron la necesidad de evitar su suposición, mediante su correcta determinación, con base a aspectos técnicos, económicos o de la calidad.

ABSTRACT Argentina is one of the largest consumers of plastic materials in Latin America; the average consumption is 42 kg per capita per year. Mechanical recycling of plastics is a process for recovering plastic materials, and this practice produces recycled plastics substituting virgin materials. Substituting virgin materials with recycling plastics is a common practice that contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This work aims to assess the environmental performance of a case study on plastic waste recycling in Mendoza, Argentina. We applied the open-loop recyclability benefit rate indicator in the plastic waste treatment, which is based on an LCA approach. The indicator results in 22 %, this result indicates a potential environmental saving related to the recycling of the post-consumer plastic waste compared to the production of virgin material (wood) and landfilling of waste in terms of GHG emissions. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was performed to study the effect of the parameter that considers the lifetime of the products. There is a need to account for the lifetime of the product made from recycled material and the one made from virgin material. The accounting could be determined based on economic aspects, technical aspects, or material quality.

Compost de cáscara de naranja: una alternativa de aprovechamiento y ciclaje de materia orgánica en la Región Caribe de Colombia / Orange peel compost: an alternative for organic matter use and cycling in the Caribbean Region of Colombia / Composto de casca de laranja: uma alternativa para uso de matéria orgánica e ciclagem na região caribenha da Colômbia

RESUMEN Las industrias de alimentos generan residuos orgánicos que ejercen presión sobre el ambiente, pero que, seleccionados y procesados, son insumo para acondicionadores de suelos. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue caracterizar el compost derivado de la descomposición de residuos de la agroindustria de jugo de naranja como alternativa de ciclaje de materia orgánica en clima semiárido. Se recolectó cáscara de naranja, suelo, hojarasca, cascarilla de arroz y gallinaza, con los que se conformó seis tratamientos modificando su porcentaje. Se evaluó color; olor textura, humedad, temperatura, pH, conductividad eléctrica, N, P K, Ca, S, Mg, Na, Carbono y diversidad microbiológica. Los resultados analíticos fueron comparados con la norma técnica colombiana NTC 5167. Se reportó aportes de nutrientes <1%, pH alcalino, CE elevada, baja carga microbiana y presencia de patógenos vegetales en T1, T2, T3 y T5, siendo T6 el que mostró mayor abundancia y diversidad de especies. El producto obtenido en los diferentes tratamientos cumple con los paramentos de pH, CE y humedad, pero cuatro de los seis tratamientos presentaron patógenos que pueden limitar su utilización en labores agricolas siendo necesario monitoreo de la actividad microbiológica en el proceso.

ABSTRACT Food industries generate organic waste that puts pressure on the environment, but selected and processed are inputs for soil conditioners. The objective of this work was to characterize the compost derived from decomposition residues of orange juice agribusiness as an alternative for the use and cycling of organic matter in a semi-arid climate. Orange peel, soil, litter; rice husk, and chicken manure were collected, and six treatments were formed by modifying the percentage of inputs. Color odor texture, humidity temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, N, P, K, Ca, S, Mg, Na, Carbon, and microbiological diversity were evaluated. The results were compared with the Colombian technical standard NTC 5167. The results showed contributions of nutrients <1%, alkaline pH, high EC, low microbial load, and presence of plant pathogens in T1, T2, T3, and T5, being T6 the one that showed the highest abundance and diversity of species. The product obtained in the different treatments complies with the parameters of pH, EC, and humidity. Still, four of the six treatments presented pathogens that can limit their use in agricultural work, so monitoring the microbiological activity in the process is necessary.

RESUMO As indústrias alimentícias geram resíduos orgánicos que pressionam o meio ambiente, mas selecionados e processados são insumos para condicionadores do solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar o composto derivado de resíduos da decomposição da agroindústria de suco de laranja como alternativa para o aproveitamento e ciclagem da matéria orgánica em um clima semi-árido. Foram coletados casca de laranja, solo, serapilheira, casca de arroz e esterco de galinha, e formados seis tratamentos modificando a porcentagem de insumos. Foram avaliados cor odor textura, umidade, temperatura, pH, condutividade elétrica, N, P, K, Ca, S, Mg, Na, Carbono e diversidade microbiológica. Os resultados foram comparados com o padrão técnico colombiano NTC 5167. Os resultados mostraram contribuições de nutrientes <1%, pH alcalino, CE alto, baixa carga microbiana e presença de fitopatógenos em T1, T2, T3 e T5, sendo T6 o aquele que apresentou a maior abundáncia e diversidade de espécies. O produto obtido nos diferentes tratamentos obedece aos parámetros de pH, CE e umidade. Ainda assim, quatro dos seis tratamentos apresentaram patógenos que podem limitar seu uso na agricultura, sendo necessário o monitoramento da atividade microbiológica no processo.

Articulation of the Sustainable Development Goals with de circular economy paradigm / Articulación de los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible con el paradigma de la economía circulara

RESUMEN Con base en diversas investigaciones de las autoras en el ramo medioambiental de la Industria Minero-Metalúrgica de México, se plantea un estudio que tiene como objetivo describir, desde la perspectiva teórica de la Economía Circular, indicadores en función de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible: Industria, Innovación e Infraestructura, y Producción y Consumo Responsable en relación con las fases del Modelo de Economía Circular (MEC), para formular propuestas de medición de productividad en búsqueda del equilibrio económico, social y ambiental que promueve la Sustentabilidad. A partir de una metodología de corte cualitativo basada en un Estudio de Caso realizado en una unidad minera se obtienen resultados que permiten establecer indicadores en relación con cada fase del MEC, generando conclusiones que dirigen a mediciones particulares que en conjunto permitirán la obtención de valores de productividad ligados a la circularidad gestando acciones sustentables.

ABSTRACT Based on diverse investigations of the authors in the environmental branch of the Mining-Metallurgic Industry of Mexico, a study is proposed that has as objective to describe from the theoretical perspective of the Circular Economy, indicators in function of the Objectives of Sustainable Development: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and Production and Responsible Consumption in relation to the phases of the Model of Circular Economy (MCE), to formulate proposals of measurement of productivity in search of the economic, social and environmental balance, that Sustainability promotes. From a qualitative methodology based on a Case Study carried out in a mining unit, results are obtained that allow the establishment of indicators in relation to each phase of the MCE, generating conclusions that lead to particular measurements that together will allow the obtaining of productivity values linked to circularity by managing sustainable actions.

MIXed plastics biodegradation and UPcycling using microbial communities: the NSFC-EU 2019 project MIX-UP to help achieve "carbon neutrality" / 生物工程学报

With the transformation and revolution of the global plastics recycling system, recycling and upcycling of mixed plastics waste not only reduces the carbon emissions of plastics during its life cycle, but also addresses its potential ecological and environmental hazards. This article summarizes an international cooperation project, "MIXed plastics biodegradation and UPcycling using microbial communities" (MIX-UP) which was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the European Union (NSFC-EU) in 2019. The consortium of MIX-UP consists of 14 partners from European Union and China. Focusing on the global issue of "plastics pollution", this Sino-European MIX-UP project took the mixed waste of petroleum-based plastics (PP, PE, PUR, PET and PS) and bio-based plastics (PLA and PHA) as starting materials for biotechnological conversion into value-added, sustainable biomaterials. MIX-UP has three subprojects: 1) identification of plastics biodegradation pathway and design & engineering of key degrading elements, 2) construction and functional regulation of microbial consortia/enzyme cocktails with high-efficiency for degradation of plastics mixtures, 3) strategy of design and utilization of plastics degradation products for production of high value materials. Through NSFC-EU complementary and cross-disciplinary cooperation, MIX-UP proposes the engineering of a new-to-nature biological route for upcycling, a low carbon and sustainable bio-treatment that is different from the traditional physico-chemical treatment, which will empower the recycling industry to a new dimension. The implementation of the project will not only help to promote innovation and development in the field of biotechnology in China, but also contribute to the achievement of China's carbon neutral goal.

Strategies and Challenges for the Circular Economy: a Case Study in Portugal and a Panorama for Brazil

Abstract: This article is about a case study based on the participation and contact with dynamized activities through action plans for the circular economy in Europe, specifically in Portugal. It aims to identify the main in-progress actions and the challenges for the diffusion of the circular economy in the Portuguese nation and draw a panorama for Brazil, transiting through different data sources, economic sectors and stakeholders. Through data triangulation, the investigative plan contemplated participatory observations in workshops, interviews with experts, documental analyses and means of communication. After going through data cross checking for validation, the content was aggregated to a strategic analysis matrix. As a result, it was possible to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges associated with the growth of the circular economy in Portugal, as well as to indicate directions and possibilities in the Brazilian context. It is possible to realize, for both countries, the importance of the international benchmarking for the recognition and promotion of circular economy actions, besides the necessity to revise laws aligned with the internal e external market rules, by increasing the offer of circular products and services.

Efficacy of green onion root extract in cosmetics and skin care products / Eficácia do extrato de raiz de cebola verde em cosméticos e produtos de cuidado da pele

In this study, leftover roots of Sansing green onions grown without toxic chemicals in Sansing Township, Ilan County, Taiwan were used as a raw material of skincare products. The raw material was extracted from the green onion roots by ultrasound in a low-temperature, safe and pollution-free environment. We hope to develop cleansers and other facial care products made of this natural, environmentally friendly, safe and affordable raw material so that people with sensitive skin can also use these products. We also hope that this study can contribute to circular economy and achieve the goal of green innovation by recycling the leftover roots. In terms of anti-oxidation, the DPPH free radical scavenging ability of 2.5 mg/mL green onion root extract was equivalent to 98% of that of 1 mg/mL BHT; the Fe2+ chelating ability was equivalent to 87.0% of that of 0.02 mg/mL EDTA; the superoxide anions scavenging ability of 2.5 mg/mL green onion root extract was equivalent to 84.2% of that of 1 mg/mL BHT and 80.4% of that of 0.05 mg/mL vitamin C. With respect to melanin synthesis inhibition, the green onion root extract's ability to inhibit dopachrome, the intermediate product of melanin, was positively correlated to its concentration, i.e., the higher the concentration of the green onion root extract, the better the inhibition ability. The IC50 of green onion root extract was 1.83 mg/mL, while, for comparison, the IC50 of vitamin C was 0.62 mg/mL. Furthermore, according to the cell survival assay, no obvious cytotoxic effect was found with the increase in the concentration of the green onion root extract. The whitening effect improved after 30 days of test. The improvement rate was 5.6% for 2.5 mg/mL green onion root extract, 3.1% for 1.25 mg/mL extract, and 1.7% for 0.625 mg/mL extract. The moisture retention also improved after 30 days of test. The moisture retention improvement rate was 22.7% for 2.5 mg/mL green onion root extract, 21.6% for 1.25 mg/mL extract, and 15.4% for 0.625 mg/mL extract. Based on the experiments, the green onion root extract obtained from ultrasound not only did not cause skin allergy and irritation but also showed anti-aging, melanin synthesis inhibition, whitening and moisture retention effects. The results showed that the green onion root extract can improve the moisture retention and whitening effect of the mask.

Neste estudo, restos de raízes de cebolinhas Sansing, cultivadas sem produtos químicos tóxicos no município de Sansing, Condado de Ilan, Taiwan, foram utilizadas como matéria-prima de produtos para a pele. A matéria-prima foi extraída das raízes de cebolinha por ultrassom em um ambiente de baixa temperatura, seguro e livre de poluição. Esperamos desenvolver produtos de limpeza e outros produtos para cuidados faciais produzidos com essa matéria-prima natural, ecologicamente correta, segura e acessível, para Improvement rate (%) Moisture retention Whitening effect 7.65 1.29 que pessoas com pele sensível também possam usar esses produtos. Também esperamos que este estudo possa contribuir para a economia circular e alcançar o objetivo da inovação ecológica, reciclando restos das raízes. Em termos de anti-oxidação, a capacidade de sequestro do radical livre DPPH de 2,5 mg/mL de extrato de raiz de cebolinha foi equivalente a 98% de 1 mg/mL de BHT; a capacidade quelante do Fe2+ foi equivalente a87,0% de 0,02 mg/mL de EDTA; a capacidade de sequestro de ânions superóxidos de 2,5 mg/mL de extrato de raiz de cebolinha foi equivalente a 84,2% de 1 mg/mL BHT e 80,4% de 0,05 mg/mL de vitamina C. No que diz respeito à inibição da síntese de melanina, a capacidade do extrato de raiz de cebolinha de inibir o dopacrômio, o metabolito intermediário de melanina, foi positivamente correlacionada com a sua concentração, ou seja, quanto maior a concentração do extrato de raiz de cebolinha, maior a capacidade de inibição. O IC50 de extrato de raiz de cebolinha foi de 1,83 mg/mL, enquanto que, por comparação, o IC50 de vitamina C foi de 0,62mg/mL. Além disso, de acordo com o ensaio de sobrevivência celular, nenhum efeito citotóxico foi observado com o aumento da concentração do extrato de raiz de cebolinha. O efeito de branqueamento melhora após 30 dias de ensaio. A melhoria foi de 5,6% para 2,5 mg/mL de extrato de raiz de cebolinha, 3,1% para 1,25 mg/mL de extrato e 1,7% para 0,625 mg/mL de extrato. A retenção de umidade também melhorou depois de 30 dias de teste. A taxa de melhoria de retenção de umidade foi de 22,7% para 2,5 mg/mL de extrato de raiz de cebolinha, 21,6% para 1,25 mg/mL de extrato, e 15,4% para 0,625 mg/mL de extrato.Com base nas experiências efetuadas, o extrato de raiz de cebolinha obtida por ultrassom não só não causa alergia nem irritação da pele, mas também demonstrou atividade anti-envelhecimento, inibição da síntese de melanina, capacidade de branqueamento e retenção de umidade. Os resultados mostraram que o extrato de raiz de cebolinha pode melhorar a retenção de umidade e efeito de branqueamento da máscara.

Research on recycling utilization model of by-products in Chinese materia medica resource industry / 中草药

The construction strategy of “Healthy China” requires that Chinese materia medica (CMM) resource industry must take the road of high quality development. CMM resource industry has not been got rid of extensive, polluted, and isolated island development model. Based on circular economic and super-cycle economic theory, the generation and causes of the by-products and rejected material of CMM resources and the deficiency of traditional treatment methods was analyzed to studie how to achieve high quality green development, invent the innovative modes of recycling of CMM by-products, and construct the super-cycle economic model system of efficient utilization of CMM resources. Finally, some strategies and suggestions are put forward to promote the recycling of CMM resources.

Main Variables of Brazilian Public Policies on Biomass use and Energy

ABSTRACT Biomass is an important energy source, since it considers wastes discarded by other productive processes as inputs. As such, the determination of the most relevant variables, within an institutional dimension, exerts a significant influence to point out actions that should receive greater attention for the satisfactory implementation and monitoring of national public policies. Therefore, the general objective of this study is to determine, within the institutional dimension of the State, the most relevant variables for the decision making of public policies that consider the biomass source as an alternative to the energy matrix of the Brazilian territory. In order to reach the proposed objective, the method used for this research is qualitative and descriptive, using content analysis and the establishment of indexes for the determination of the variables. As a result, 12 most relevant variables have been considered, following the criterion of greater direct and / or indirect frequency, in the formation of these public policies considering the reuse of waste and energy generation: 1) greenhouse effect, 2) contamination, 3) waste disposal, 4) inputs, 5) technology, 6) biofuel, 7) biogas, 8) electric power, 9) society, 10) composting, 11) costs, and 12) investments.

Study on policy mechanism of waste reutilization in process of Chinese materia medica industrialization / 中草药

Objective: To study and analyze the waste reutilization in the process of Chinese materia medica (CMM) resources industrialization, in order to provide countermeasures and suggestions for the protection of CMM resources and promote the sustainable development of CMM industry. Methods: Using circular economics to explain the circular pattern and policy mechanism of green development economy that will promote the waste reutilization of CMM. Results: Waste generated from CMM resources industrialization pollutes the ecological environment seriously, forming the bearing pressure of environment, and the key to the development of CMM resources is to solve the problem of the negative externality caused by waste generated in the process of CMM resources industrialization. Conclusion: Promoting the waste reutilization of CMM should establish the green economic network system which is essential to the development of CMM industry and promote green technology innovation with green policy system which is conducive towards green road, and it makes environmental protection combining organically with the efficient use of CMM resources.

Study on the Function of Coupling Factors of Pharmaceutical Industrial Cluster and Circular Economy / 医药导报

To establish a coupling model for pharmaceutical industrial cluster and circular economy, and study the factors of coupled associations between them. The factors of coupled associations between pharmaceutical industrial cluster and circular economy were analyzed,and an effective route for sustainable development of our domestic pharmaceutical industry was seeked. The pharmaceutical industrial cluster and circular economy were coupled through scales, information, costs and intergrowth,which is beneficial to achieve scale effect, spread facilitate technical, save environmental costs and enhance the cohesion among the clusters and to achieve intensive development for pharmaceutical industry.

Research on problem of exogenous pollution of Chinese medicine resources from perspective of circular economy / 中国中药杂志

Based on the in-depth analysis of the current situation of the exogenous pollution of Chinese medicine resources, this research mainly discusses the intrinsic link and practical significance between the development of circular economy in Chinese medicine resources and the control of the problem of the exogenous pollution from the perspective of circular economy, and proposes some suggestions to develop the recycling economy of Chinese medicine resources from the establishment of legal system, mechanism of development, production norms, industry standards and regulatory system of the recycling of Chinese medicine resources.

Strategy and mode of resources circulating utilization for Chinese materia medica based on circular economy theory / 中草药

In recent years, Chinese materia medica (CMM) resources economy strongly grew with rapid development of society economy and gradual increase of health products consumption capacity, at the same time, many CMM resources deep processing enterprises were established. However, the producing pattern of most industries is the traditional mode of production with the industry characteristics of consumption of resources, low of efficiency and benefit, and high of waste emissions, which resulted in the demands for medicinal raw materials increased significantly and the medicine price raised, so the natural medicinal resources are going on the verge of exhaustion or shortage. The large scale economy has accelerated the depletion of natural resources and the replacement and compensation of resources production, which led to the generation of a huge amount of waste and environmental pressure. So how to reduce the resource consumption, improve the efficiency of resource utilization, reduce emissions, green growth, protect the ecological environment of the people has become the important problems. In this paper, based on the development status quo analysis of resources industrialization for CMM, the strategy and model of CMM resources circulating utilization has been discussed. The pattern and system of circulating utilization of CMM resources were tried to construct. These construction achievements would change the economic industry development mode and production mode of CMM resources, transform the style of economic increase of agriculture and industry of CMM. These would be contributing the achievement the mutual promotion, mutual coordination, healthy and rational circulation economy between the ecological and economic system.

Selection of models and technologies of waste reutilization of Chinese materia medica based on ecological effects / 中草药

Waste generated in Chinese materia medica (CMM) resources industrialization pollutes the ecological environment seriously, forming the bearing pressure of the environment. From the perspective of the externality theory and the circular economy theory, three circular patterns of waste reutilization are discussed, as well as their effects on the ecological environment. In addition, based on the perspective of the ecological effect, the technologies used for promoting the conversion of waste reutilization of CMM are put forward. All of these will promote waste reutilization of CMM and protect the ecological environment, which are conducive to the sustainable development of CMM resources.