Online marketplaces enable cooperation between potential stakeholders by supporting offer and demand identification at the secondary raw material markets. The use of marketplaces facilitates communication between supply chain actors operating within the same or different industry sectors and enables detection of ways to close the loop of their products. This research investigated which criteria to use for the circular cooperation matching of companies in the context of a marketplace. These criteria were used for the development of a circular economy (CE) matchmaking framework based on a multi-level approach and relevance scoring between the users. The multi-level approach is based on the following criteria: (i) the compliance with circular economy principles, (ii) the material flows analysis, (iii) the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transport. Based on those aspects a Total Relevance Score (TRS) between the stakeholders is calculated. The Total Relevance Score indicates the possibility for successful circular cooperation between two partners who are willing to close their loops with the best possible match. The logic behind the proposed circular economy matchmaking framework is illustrated by four cases using data collected from companies. Recommendations for further deployment are proposed. The developed framework, by incorporating circular economy principles for the first time within the matching algorithm, provides the opportunity for interested stakeholders for more tailored matching and increases their possibilities of finding a perfect match on the secondary raw materials market in terms of circularity. A similar approach has not yet been reported in the literature. The circular economy matchmaking framework constitutes a theoretical basis of an online marketplace to be developed.

Background: Industrial symbiosis (IS) primarily involves interfirm utilization of industrial residual resources. An important factor determining the success of IS is the identification and matching of cooperation opportunities. Digital tools, including IS platforms, are considered facilitators of this process. This systematic literature review addresses the research question: ‘ Which are the most important data points of an IS platform and how can they be used for the promotion of IS?’. Methods: The review is based on scientific publications from the following academic research databases: ScienceDirect, Scopus, SpringerLink, Wiley Online Library, AISel and IEEE (via Google Scholar), and grey literature obtained through a customized Google search technique, last performed on 9/3/2021. Records were included according to their scientific content, namely if the document: i) examined the identification of synergies utilizing ICT tools, ii) data requirements or platform related information were presented or iii) the impact of a digital tool in promoting IS was discussed. Exclusion criteria were: articles not written in English, not peer-reviewed, published before 2016 or document type other than scientific article, conference paper or EU project deliverable. Two independent reviewers performed title scanning and abstract reading of the documents to reduce the risk of bias. Results: The total number of records included after abstract and full text reading was 32. The main results of this review suggest that two significant types of data points are encountered in IS platforms; i) data required for synergy identification and ii) platform related information. Conclusions: A possible limitation of the study is a minor risk of bias due to one reviewer performing full text reading and synthesis of results; however, they reported to and consulted with the supervising reviewer. Overall, the results indicate that several types of data points are required for effective matching and successful promotion of IS through digital tools.

Pectin is a natural polysaccharide used in food and pharma industries. Pectin degree of methylation is an important parameter having significant influence on pectin applications. A rapid, fully automated, kinetic flow method for determination of pectin methyl esters has been developed. The method is based on a lab-made analyzer using the reverse flow-injection/stopped flow principle. Methanol is released from pectin by pectin methylesterase in the first mixing coil. Enzyme working solution is injected further downstream and it is mixed with pectin/pectin methylesterase stream in the second mixing coil. Methanol is oxidized by alcohol oxidase releasing formaldehyde and hydrogen peroxide. This reaction is coupled to horse radish peroxidase catalyzed reaction, which gives the colored product 4-N-(p-benzoquinoneimine)-antipyrine. Reaction rate is proportional to methanol concentration and it is followed using Ocean Optics USB 2000+ spectrophotometer. The analyzer is fully regulated by a lab written LabVIEW program. The detection limit was 1.47 mM with an analysis rate of 7 samples h⁻¹. A pairedt-test with results from manual method showed that the automated method results are equivalent to the manual method at the 95% confidence interval. The developed method is rapid and sustainable and it is the first application of flow analysis in pectin analysis.

This systematic literature review delves into various wood waste valorization and classification approaches, aiming to evaluate their efficacy in fostering sustainable wood resource management while enhancing the economic value of wood waste. By synthesizing findings from a diverse array of research studies, the review highlights the multifaceted nature of wood waste valorization, emphasizing the critical role of sorting and separation technologies in ensuring high-quality recovery of materials. It also identifies the wood classification practices in Europe, which are crucial for creating a harmonized valorization framework that aligns technological advancements with regulatory standards. The analysis reveals that integrating these components—technologies, sorting methods, and classification practices can significantly improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of wood waste management. Furthermore, the review identifies existing gaps in research and practice, providing actionable recommendations for stakeholders aiming to optimize wood valorization waste systems. These recommendations emphasize the necessity for a holistic approach and a clearly defined, comprehensive framework for wood valorization that considers all elements involved in the process. By addressing these areas, the review not only aims to contribute to the body of knowledge in wood waste valorization but also seeks to promote sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the economy, paving the way for a more circular approach to wood resource utilization.

Digital Product Passport is a digital tool, that collects product related information across its lifecycle and value chain and allows accessing it by relevant actors. Although food has been currently excluded from the ongoing legislation efforts at EU level, there are many potential advantages related to digital product passports implementation in food sector: enhanced traceability resulting in increased confidence in terms of food safety, facilitated auditability, improved transparency along the supply chain, facilitation of informed decision making resulting in healthier and more environmentally friendly choices. Those are even of greater importance, when it comes to organic and geographic indication food assets, which are especially vulnerable to fraud and adulterations. The paper presents ongoing work on the conceptual development of dynamic Digital Product Passport for organic/geographic indication products, which is taking place in parallel with technical development within a mobile application. The main characteristics forming the basis of the implementation (dynamic updates, consultations with stakeholders, data content) are presented and analysed in the context of EU legislation and likely environmental and health benefits resulting from implementation of the tool for organic and geographic indication food assets. Challenges faced and approaches developed to overcome them are also discussed and next steps explained.

The growing need for sustainable biomass use has led to the development of decision support tools that investigate the implementation of biomass valorization methods. Most existing tools focus on minimizing supply chain costs and emissions, often lacking a holistic approach that integrates economic, social, and circularity principle factors. This paper introduces the Biomass Valorization Recommender tool, a decision facilitation system developed to support biomass producers, policymakers, and technology providers in selecting optimal biomass valorization pathways. The tool applies a multi-criteria analysis that incorporates biomass quality characteristics, the biomass pyramid and waste hierarchy principles, and socio-economic indicators to evaluate potential valorization pathways of the selected biomass feedstock and technology. The scoring methodology generates a ranked inventory of biomass valorization pathways, such as food ingredients, chemicals, materials, biofuels, and energy production. Additionally, the tool evaluates co-digestion feasibility for anaerobic digestion applications, as well as biogas production potential, and provides biomass roadside cost data to enhance decision-making. A theoretical example in Italy using the industrial fermentation process demonstrates its applicability in biomass valorization solutions within a circular economy framework. This tool aims to identify and assess feedstock valorization opportunities for stakeholders seeking to increase feedstock flexibility and reduce waste by promoting sustainable biomass management, circular economy, and bioeconomy principles.