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Circular Economy: Questions for Responsible Minerals, Additive Manufacturing and Recycling of Metals

Author

Listed:
  • Damien Giurco

    (Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Anna Littleboy

    (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies, P.O. Box 887, Kenmore, QLD 4069, Australia)

  • Thomas Boyle

    (Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Julian Fyfe

    (Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Stuart White

    (Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia)

Abstract

The concept of the circular economy proposes new patterns of production, consumption and use, based on circular flows of resources. Under a scenario where there is a global shift towards the circular economy, this paper discusses the advent of two parallel and yet-to-be-connected trends for Australia, namely: (i) responsible minerals supply chains and (ii) additive manufacturing, also known as 3D production systems. Acknowledging the current context for waste management, the paper explores future interlinked questions which arise in the circular economy for responsible supply chains, additive manufacturing, and metals recycling. For example, where do mined and recycled resources fit in responsible supply chains as inputs to responsible production? What is required to ensure 3D production systems are resource efficient? How could more distributed models of production, enabled by additive manufacturing, change the geographical scale at which it is economic or desirable to close the loop? Examples are given to highlight the need for an integrated research agenda to address these questions and to foster Australian opportunities in the circular economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Damien Giurco & Anna Littleboy & Thomas Boyle & Julian Fyfe & Stuart White, 2014. "Circular Economy: Questions for Responsible Minerals, Additive Manufacturing and Recycling of Metals," Resources, MDPI, vol. 3(2), pages 1-22, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:3:y:2014:i:2:p:432-453:d:35819
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Evgenii A. Konnikov & Olga A. Konnikova & Dmitriy G. Rodionov, 2019. "Impact of 3D-Printing Technologies on the Transformation of Industrial Production in the Arctic Zone," Resources, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-15, January.
    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. Rajeev Rathi & Dattatraya Balasaheb Sabale & Jiju Antony & Mahender Singh Kaswan & Raja Jayaraman, 2022. "An Analysis of Circular Economy Deployment in Developing Nations’ Manufacturing Sector: A Systematic State-of-the-Art Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-23, September.
    4. Mahesh Gopal & Hirpa G. Lemu & Endalkachew Mosisa Gutema, 2022. "Sustainable Additive Manufacturing and Environmental Implications: Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-23, December.
    5. Oluwole Abayomi Soyinka & Mesthrige Jayantha Wadu & Udara Willhelm Abeydera Lebunu Hewage & Timo Olugbenga Oladinrin, 2023. "Scientometric review of construction demolition waste management: a global sustainability perspective," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(10), pages 10533-10565, October.
    6. Konrád Kiss & Csaba Ruszkai & Katalin Takács-György, 2019. "Examination of Short Supply Chains Based on Circular Economy and Sustainability Aspects," Resources, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-21, September.
    7. Gavin Melles, 2023. "The Circular Economy Transition in Australia: Nuanced Circular Intermediary Accounts of Mainstream Green Growth Claims," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-18, September.

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