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Innovation In The Circular Economy In Sustainable Manufacturing:A Case Study On Altrntv

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  • Daniela Staicu

    (Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Faculty of Business Administration in Foreign Languages)

Abstract

The growing consumption trend is misaligned with sustainability, making the circular economy crucial for reducing waste, optimizing resource use, and promoting zero waste, with the EU taking key steps towards achieving carbon neutrality and circularity by 2050. The textile and apparel industry is recognized as a major polluter, requiring a shift in consumption and production, with consumer engagement and behavior being key to a successful circular economy. Various research propose strategies to align economic policies with circular economy principles, including improving raw material recycling, promoting repair and remanufacturing, and introducing product labeling schemes to guide sustainable consumer choices.This paper aims to explore the characteristics of a circular economy business in Romania, specifically a startup in sustainable manufacturing and distribution, based on the Circular Economy Monitoring Framework and ISO 14024:2018 ecolabeling features. This research uses a descriptive case study approach to explore ALTRNTV, a Bucharest-based startup promoting sustainable manufacturing and distribution, employing multiple data collection methods to analyze its business model and impact on local vulnerable communities. This research explores how a circular economy business aligns with the Circular Economy Monitoring Framework and ISO 14024:2018 ecolabeling features, highlighting its practices and societal impact. The study provides insights for policymakers and entrepreneurs while acknowledging its limitations, such as the lack of third-party evaluation for the ecolabel and the exclusion of additional assessment indicators.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniela Staicu, 2025. "Innovation In The Circular Economy In Sustainable Manufacturing:A Case Study On Altrntv," Social-Economic Debates, Association for Entreprenorial Spirit Promotion, vol. 14(1), pages 13-29, martie.
    • Handle: RePEc:sdb:social:v:14:y:2025:i:1:p:13-29
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Juan-Manuel Valverde & Carmen Avilés-Palacios, 2021. "Circular Economy as a Catalyst for Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals: A Positive Relationship between Two Self-Sufficient Variables," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-16, November.
    2. Horațiu Vermeșan & Alexandrina Mangău & Ancuța-Elena Tiuc, 2020. "Perspectives of Circular Economy in Romanian Space," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-29, August.
    3. Matthias Winfried Kleespies & Paul Wilhelm Dierkes, 2022. "The importance of the Sustainable Development Goals to students of environmental and sustainability studies—a global survey in 41 countries," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-9, December.
    4. Marcela-Cornelia Danu & Valentin Nedeff, 2015. "Circular Economy In Romania Within European Context," Studies and Scientific Researches. Economics Edition, "Vasile Alecsandri" University of Bacau, Faculty of Economic Sciences, issue 21.
    5. Korhonen, Jouni & Honkasalo, Antero & Seppälä, Jyri, 2018. "Circular Economy: The Concept and its Limitations," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 37-46.
    6. Otakar Ungerman & Jaroslava Dědková, 2024. "Consumer behavior in the model of the circular economy in the field of handling discarded items," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(3), pages 1-21, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    circular economy; textile sector; ecolabel; sustainable manufacturing; social enterprise;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L31 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - Nonprofit Institutions; NGOs; Social Entrepreneurship
    • L60 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - General
    • L67 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Other Consumer Nondurables: Clothing, Textiles, Shoes, and Leather Goods; Household Goods; Sports Equipment
    • M21 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - Business Economics
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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