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The circular economy is a growing and strategic topic and has motivated changes and innovations in several segments of research, businesses, financial sectors and public administration. In this context, the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy) is considered a pioneer in Italy, due to the efforts taken for the transition towards a circular economy. It was the first Italian region to launch a specific law on the subject besides to have relevant projects. Thus, the objective of this paper is to analyse the efforts aimed at the transition to a circular economy in the Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy, considering technological, legal–regulatory, and financial points of view under a market orientation. Complementary, we pointed out the main initiatives related to the circular economy and the areas of interest. To gather data, we conducted applied, descriptive and qualitative research. The data collection was based on documental analysis, and also considering the results of previous questionnaires and interviews. In addition, we applied a dedicated questionnaire and we consider the outcomes of the project Reinwaste—Remanufacture the food supply chain by testing Innovative solutions for zero inorganic waste. The unit of analysis was the project conducted by ART-ER, entitled “Accelerare la transizione verso l’economia circolare in Emilia-Romagna: Uno studio sullo stato dell’arte, le competenze e i bisogni tecnologici e finanziari”. This paper can be useful for researchers and practitioners acting in this field, which can use the results based on public and private policies, investment decisions and further studies.
Daniela Sani; Sara Picone; Augusto Bianchini; Fabio Fava; Patricia Guarnieri; Jessica Rossi. An Overview of the Transition to a Circular Economy in Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy Considering Technological, Legal–Regulatory and Financial Points of View: A Case Study. Sustainability 2021, 13, 596 .
AMA StyleDaniela Sani, Sara Picone, Augusto Bianchini, Fabio Fava, Patricia Guarnieri, Jessica Rossi. An Overview of the Transition to a Circular Economy in Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy Considering Technological, Legal–Regulatory and Financial Points of View: A Case Study. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (2):596.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Sani; Sara Picone; Augusto Bianchini; Fabio Fava; Patricia Guarnieri; Jessica Rossi. 2021. "An Overview of the Transition to a Circular Economy in Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy Considering Technological, Legal–Regulatory and Financial Points of View: A Case Study." Sustainability 13, no. 2: 596.
The recovery of phosphorus (P) from waste streams in specific industrial processes could really contribute to a more sustainable P supply chain, which is considered critical due to its high-risk economic relevance and to negative impacts on the environment. Although more than 30 types of P recovery technologies are already available, their full-scale implementation is not widespread. To make solutions for P recovery in the industrial sector mainstream, it is necessary to change the perception of companies that own flows rich in P, often considered an issue. The lack of decision-making tools and methodologies to identify the optimal solution for specific cases limits the diffusion of P recovery technologies. To unlock this situation, this paper proposes an integrated industry-oriented methodology to facilitate knowledge transfer from the scientific community to the industrial sector, supporting companies in the evaluation of technical, economic, environmental and social benefits/risks of P recovery. The methodology, applied to an Italian case study, uses both innovative and consolidated tools to provide quantitative information at the firm level to investigate a closed P loop: starting from mapping P flows in the industrial process, the methodology guides companies in the choice of the most suitable option for its business strategy, providing data to evaluate the economic feasibility of the investment and some Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess and monitor their efficiency in managing P. The methodology can be replicated in other contexts by both companies and consultants to explore and disseminate the opportunity to recover and reuse P from industries. The evaluation of the selected KPIs can be integrated into scientific analyses to compare solutions and to accelerate the shift from pilot to full-scale implementation of promising technologies. Finally, it can be used as an exercise for the training of new professionals in the P management sector.
Augusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi. An Integrated Industry-Based Methodology to Unlock Full-Scale Implementation of Phosphorus Recovery Technology. Sustainability 2020, 12, 10632 .
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Jessica Rossi. An Integrated Industry-Based Methodology to Unlock Full-Scale Implementation of Phosphorus Recovery Technology. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (24):10632.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi. 2020. "An Integrated Industry-Based Methodology to Unlock Full-Scale Implementation of Phosphorus Recovery Technology." Sustainability 12, no. 24: 10632.
Although the circular economy (CE) is recognized as a source of value creation, there is a huge gap between the vast concept of CE and its practical applications. Particularly, the lack of information and performance indicators, in terms of economic, environmental and social aspects, does not allow for the assessment of the level of circularity of the products, processes or companies. Further development of other circular activities can be limited for this reason. In addition, intelligent assets arising with the digital transformation within the “Fourth Industrial Revolution (I4.0)” can support CE to provide these lacking aspects. Thus, the objective of this paper is to highlight how and how much the circular business models are enhanced by intelligent assets from I4.0, considering several case studies found in the literature, and through the application of an assessment tool with secondary data from the selected case studies. According to the tool, the CE principles are extended to the entire product lifecycle, from product design to product utilization, within the transition to novel business strategies. Two of the considered case studies are represented in the assessment tool, as examples, to demonstrate how intelligent assets can support circular economy in the design, assessment and comparison of circular initiatives. The visualization of existing innovative business models based on CE and enhanced by intelligent assets allows for the complete and effective evaluation of materials, products, assets and processes, due to the fact that information and indicators can be collected to measure and monitor circular efficiency.
Jessica Rossi; Augusto Bianchini; Patricia Guarnieri. Circular Economy Model Enhanced by Intelligent Assets from Industry 4.0: The Proposition of an Innovative Tool to Analyze Case Studies. Sustainability 2020, 12, 7147 .
AMA StyleJessica Rossi, Augusto Bianchini, Patricia Guarnieri. Circular Economy Model Enhanced by Intelligent Assets from Industry 4.0: The Proposition of an Innovative Tool to Analyze Case Studies. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (17):7147.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJessica Rossi; Augusto Bianchini; Patricia Guarnieri. 2020. "Circular Economy Model Enhanced by Intelligent Assets from Industry 4.0: The Proposition of an Innovative Tool to Analyze Case Studies." Sustainability 12, no. 17: 7147.
Despite the significant reduction of phosphorus (P) discharge in the Baltic Sea in the last decades, obtained through the implementation of some approaches within the Helsinki Convention, eutrophication is still considered the biggest problem for the Baltic Sea environment. Consequently, the reduction of P load is an urgent need to solve, but the complexity of both the environmental and legislative context of the area makes this process difficult (more than in the past). Eutrophication is an intricate issue requiring a proper framework of governance that is not easy to determine in the Baltic Sea Region where the needs of several different countries converge. To identify the most suitable strategy to reduce the eutrophication in the Baltic Sea, the InPhos project (no. 17022, 2018–2019, funded by the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) Raw Materials) adopted a holistic approach considering technical, political, economic, environmental and social aspects of P management. With the aims to raise awareness about the P challenge, foster the dialogue among all the stakeholders, and find solutions already developed in other countries (such as Germany and Switzerland) to be transferred in the Baltic Sea Region, the InPhos project consortium applied the methodology proposed in this paper, consisting of three main phases: (i) analysis of the available technologies to remove P from waste streams that contribute to eutrophication; (ii) analysis of the main streams involving P in Baltic Sea countries to highlight the potential of more sustainable and circular P management; (iii) study of the current context (e.g., already-existing initiatives and issues). This approach allowed us to identify four categories of recommendations and practical actions proposed to improve P management in the Baltic Sea region. During the project, the consortium mainly addressed social aspects. Following steps beyond the project will be more quantitative to determine the techno-economic feasibility of circular P management in selected demo cases in the region.
Marzena Smol; Michał Preisner; Augusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi; Ludwig Hermann; Tanja Schaaf; Jolita Kruopienė; Kastytis Pamakštys; Maris Klavins; Ruta Ozola-Davidane; Daina Kalnina; Elina Strade; Viktoria Voronova; Karin Pachel; Xiaosheng Yang; Britt-Marie Steenari; Magdalena Svanström. Strategies for Sustainable and Circular Management of Phosphorus in the Baltic Sea Region: The Holistic Approach of the InPhos Project. Sustainability 2020, 12, 2567 .
AMA StyleMarzena Smol, Michał Preisner, Augusto Bianchini, Jessica Rossi, Ludwig Hermann, Tanja Schaaf, Jolita Kruopienė, Kastytis Pamakštys, Maris Klavins, Ruta Ozola-Davidane, Daina Kalnina, Elina Strade, Viktoria Voronova, Karin Pachel, Xiaosheng Yang, Britt-Marie Steenari, Magdalena Svanström. Strategies for Sustainable and Circular Management of Phosphorus in the Baltic Sea Region: The Holistic Approach of the InPhos Project. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (6):2567.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarzena Smol; Michał Preisner; Augusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi; Ludwig Hermann; Tanja Schaaf; Jolita Kruopienė; Kastytis Pamakštys; Maris Klavins; Ruta Ozola-Davidane; Daina Kalnina; Elina Strade; Viktoria Voronova; Karin Pachel; Xiaosheng Yang; Britt-Marie Steenari; Magdalena Svanström. 2020. "Strategies for Sustainable and Circular Management of Phosphorus in the Baltic Sea Region: The Holistic Approach of the InPhos Project." Sustainability 12, no. 6: 2567.
There is a huge gap between the broad concept of circular economy (CE) and its practical implementation in the industrial sector due to several types of barriers, which shall be led back to the lack of consistent and precise information about resources, products, and processes. Without a proper information flow, it is impossible to quantify circular initiatives, both in comparison with the actual linear situation or with circular alternative opportunities. A proper quantification of circular initiatives allows the assessment of economic, environmental and social benefits and the preventative identification of potential barriers and relative solutions, monitoring the risk associated with circular investments and supporting the decision-making process. This paper describes a new tool to ensure the quantification of circular initiatives and the method to define it. It is a new Circular Business Model (CBM) visualization tool, which overcomes the main limitations of the existing models able to explain CE concepts but not to boost its practical implementation in industry. The new CBM visualization tool can be adopted in every industrial sector to highlight circular opportunities that are still hidden or unexploited or to select the best CE strategy. The proposed CBM visualization tool differs from the previous diagrams in two main characteristics: (i) the possibility to quantify resource flows and important indicators representing energy consumption, environmental and social impact, and (ii) the focus, which is not only on the product, but on the whole system, involving also the process, the company and the entire supply chain. The methodology to adopt and adapt the proposed model to different scales is described in detail. To provide a practical example, the model was qualitatively applied to a generic technical product to highlight its potential in the identification and quantification of circular activities.
Augusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi; Marco Pellegrini. Overcoming the Main Barriers of Circular Economy Implementation through a New Visualization Tool for Circular Business Models. Sustainability 2019, 11, 6614 .
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Jessica Rossi, Marco Pellegrini. Overcoming the Main Barriers of Circular Economy Implementation through a New Visualization Tool for Circular Business Models. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (23):6614.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi; Marco Pellegrini. 2019. "Overcoming the Main Barriers of Circular Economy Implementation through a New Visualization Tool for Circular Business Models." Sustainability 11, no. 23: 6614.
Centrifugal pumps are widely used in industry and their damage can cause time losses and production and service level reduction. Due to varying operating conditions, preventive maintenance is the typical strategy to avoid unexpected failures of pumps, but it may involve unnecessary interventions and costs. The paper aims to develop and apply a Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) procedure on centrifugal pumps to assist decision-making in scheduling maintenance. Through the monitoring of pump state, it would be possible to plan an optimal scheduling of maintenance actions in terms of time, costs and spare parts procurement. The proposed procedure is based on vibration monitoring. Instrumentation, measurement locations, acquisition parameters and pump operating conditions were defined, according to ISO 10816-7 (2009). The method was previously developed for submersible well pumps and now is applied to horizontal and vertical surface centrifugal pumps. Several vibration tests were carried on centrifugal pumps in the plants of the Italian utility Company: Publiacqua S.p.A. (Italy). Pumps under study were selected with varying size and operation time to provide the vibration trend with pump characteristics and operating time, that is a novelty in literature and in practical application. Contrary to what expected by ISO 10816-7 (2009), the paper shows that vibration is influenced by several parameters (e.g. power, pump orientation and rotational speed), which make the ISO standard approach not quite appropriate for centrifugal pumps. As in the proposed method, monitoring the vibrational trend and its variations with time could ensure a more effective CBM strategy.
Augusto Bianchini; Marco Pellegrini; Jessica Rossi. Maintenance scheduling optimization for industrial centrifugal pumps. International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management 2019, 10, 848 -860.
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Marco Pellegrini, Jessica Rossi. Maintenance scheduling optimization for industrial centrifugal pumps. International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management. 2019; 10 (4):848-860.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Marco Pellegrini; Jessica Rossi. 2019. "Maintenance scheduling optimization for industrial centrifugal pumps." International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management 10, no. 4: 848-860.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a flexible and extensible model for the classification of suppliers, within the purchasing guidelines and market trends of an Italian small company, leader in the production of street lamps. The model is applied to identify critical supply chains with the final objective of lead-time reduction. Design/methodology/approach The model is obtained by the application of the purchasing portfolio analysis through the construction of Kraljic matrix. Profit impact and supply risk criteria are selected according to the main company requirements, and then prioritized by the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Finally, supply chain lead-times are analyzed with Gantt diagrams. Findings The application of the model allows the determination of company criticalities in terms of high lead-times and of the involved suppliers. The analysis of critical suppliers positioning in the Kraljic matrix allows the definition of some possible strategies to implement for lead-time reduction. Research limitations/implications Purchasing portfolio analysis and Kraljic matrix are practical instruments to quickly frame company purchasing situation, but their application is not simple due to the numerous and different factors involved, especially in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), where resource are scarce and several constraints limit operations. The objective of the research is the development of a practical tool for strategic purchasing, simple and robust to be implemented in SMEs, with limited resources and access to quantitative supplier data. Originality/value Evaluation criteria definition is one of the most difficult phases, such as their univocal and quantitative comparison. The problem of selecting and prioritizing both quantitative and qualitative criteria for suppliers classification is overcome with the combined application of Kraljic matrix and AHP. The newly integration of the two methodologies allows the realization of a reliable and robust model for suppliers classification, which can be easily adapted to company business strategy changes.
Augusto Bianchini; Andrea Benci; Marco Pellegrini; Jessica Rossi. Supply chain redesign for lead-time reduction through Kraljic purchasing portfolio and AHP integration. Benchmarking: An International Journal 2019, 26, 1194 -1209.
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Andrea Benci, Marco Pellegrini, Jessica Rossi. Supply chain redesign for lead-time reduction through Kraljic purchasing portfolio and AHP integration. Benchmarking: An International Journal. 2019; 26 (4):1194-1209.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Andrea Benci; Marco Pellegrini; Jessica Rossi. 2019. "Supply chain redesign for lead-time reduction through Kraljic purchasing portfolio and AHP integration." Benchmarking: An International Journal 26, no. 4: 1194-1209.
Fine particulate matter (PM) emission from biomass boilers for non-industrial heating represents one of the most important causes (together with the transport sector) of air pollution, in particular during winter. Separation technologies for fine PM are already well-known and adopted on an industrial scale, as a consequence of strict limits set by national and international regulations. On domestic boilers, the same technologies utilized on an industrial scale are not feasible due to high investment costs. Moreover, the emission limits for small size biomass boilers are higher than for industrial boilers, so high efficiency separation technologies are not needed, and are sometimes not present at all. The main goal of the paper is the development and testing of a mathematical model that is able to foresee the PM removal efficiency of a wet scrubber device. After an experimental validation based on several tests, it was possible to approach the preliminary design of an innovative wet scrubber, which is described in the paper. The main characteristics are (i) removal efficiency over 99.9%, (ii) specific energy consumption under 36 kJ m−3, which is an industrial reference, and (iii) relatively low investment, operation and maintenance costs.
Augusto Bianchini; Marco Pellegrini; Jessica Rossi; Cesare Saccani. Theoretical model and preliminary design of an innovative wet scrubber for the separation of fine particulate matter produced by biomass combustion in small size boilers. Biomass and Bioenergy 2018, 116, 60 -71.
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Marco Pellegrini, Jessica Rossi, Cesare Saccani. Theoretical model and preliminary design of an innovative wet scrubber for the separation of fine particulate matter produced by biomass combustion in small size boilers. Biomass and Bioenergy. 2018; 116 ():60-71.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Marco Pellegrini; Jessica Rossi; Cesare Saccani. 2018. "Theoretical model and preliminary design of an innovative wet scrubber for the separation of fine particulate matter produced by biomass combustion in small size boilers." Biomass and Bioenergy 116, no. : 60-71.
Submersible well pumps, widely used for groundwater, are installed at great depths which make typical maintenance actions unworkable and costly. Condition-based maintenance (CBM) through vibration monitoring could be an effective approach for these critical machines. According to ISO 10816-7 (2009) suggestions, a procedure to measure vibration was established and applied on submersible well pumps both in a test facility and in situ. Instruments and measurement location were selected and a methodology for data processing was applied in order to set maintenance alarms. The procedure was tested on several submersible well pumps directly in the testing room of one of the main producers of pumps. Measurements in a testing room made it possible to avoid problems and costs related to instrument installation in the field. In order to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the procedure also in field, the method was also applied in real groundwater plant with a special design of the measurement system, to overcome strict operational work conditions. This paper shows the experimental campaign results, which are the basis to conduct CBM on pumps, in terms of: (1) definition of the typical vibration values of new pumps, not available even by producers, plant managers and standards, and (2) identification of the parameters which influence pump vibration, fundamental to data processing and the setting of proper alarms. The procedure will also be applied for other categories of pumps, used in several industrial applications, to measure reliable vibration data and set specific alarms for maintenance interventions.
Augusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi; Lauro Antipodi. A procedure for condition-based maintenance and diagnostics of submersible well pumps through vibration monitoring. International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management 2018, 9, 999 -1013.
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Jessica Rossi, Lauro Antipodi. A procedure for condition-based maintenance and diagnostics of submersible well pumps through vibration monitoring. International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management. 2018; 9 (5):999-1013.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi; Lauro Antipodi. 2018. "A procedure for condition-based maintenance and diagnostics of submersible well pumps through vibration monitoring." International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management 9, no. 5: 999-1013.
Augusto Bianchini; Filippo Donini; Marco Pellegrini; Jessica Rossi; Cesare Saccani. Innovative technological solutions moving towards the realization of a stand-alone biomass boiler with near-zero particulate emissions. Energy Procedia 2017, 120, 713 -720.
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Filippo Donini, Marco Pellegrini, Jessica Rossi, Cesare Saccani. Innovative technological solutions moving towards the realization of a stand-alone biomass boiler with near-zero particulate emissions. Energy Procedia. 2017; 120 ():713-720.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Filippo Donini; Marco Pellegrini; Jessica Rossi; Cesare Saccani. 2017. "Innovative technological solutions moving towards the realization of a stand-alone biomass boiler with near-zero particulate emissions." Energy Procedia 120, no. : 713-720.