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Social and economic determinants of materials recycling and circularity in Europe: an empirical investigation

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  • Ioannis Kostakis

    (Harokopio University
    Hellenic Open University)

  • Konstantinos P. Tsagarakis

    (Democritus University of Thrace)

Abstract

The present empirical study sheds light on the role of socioeconomic characteristics toward circular economy, resulting in more sustainable production and consumption patterns. Using fixed-effects and instrumental variable fixed-effects panel approaches, we examine the role of social and economic determinants on materials recycling and circularity in the European Union (EU). Empirical results reveal that recycling and circularity rates are positively affected by factors such as economic wealth, fertility rate, the level of environmental taxes and R&D expenditures. Furthermore, urbanization also seems to have a positive, but nonlinear effect on recycling and circularity rates. Our results can be beneficial to decision makers and managers for implementing several policies aiming to increase recycling and circularity across the EU and beyond.

Suggested Citation

  • Ioannis Kostakis & Konstantinos P. Tsagarakis, 2022. "Social and economic determinants of materials recycling and circularity in Europe: an empirical investigation," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 68(2), pages 263-281, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:anresc:v:68:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s00168-021-01074-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s00168-021-01074-x
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    Cited by:

    1. Egger, Peter & Keuschnigg, Christian, 2023. "Resource Dependence, Recycling, and Trade," Economics Working Paper Series 2306, University of St. Gallen, School of Economics and Political Science.
    2. Agliardi, Elettra & Kasioumi, Myrto, 2023. "Closing the loop in a duopolistic circular economy model," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 262(C).
    3. Josep-Maria Arauzo-Carod & Ioannis Kostakis & Konstantinos P. Tsagarakis, 2022. "Policies for supporting the regional circular economy and sustainability," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 68(2), pages 255-262, April.
    4. Harrison Huang & Lu Li, 2022. "Study Reviews and Rethinking the Key Processes for Managing Building Materials to Enhance the Circular Economy in the AEC Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-18, September.

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    JEL classification:

    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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