Problem Statement
Residues are byproducts of production processes that can be valuable as raw materials. They play a crucial role in the circular economy, especially for biomass, material flows, and energy surpluses. Although Flanders is a leader in sustainable management, the potential of residual flows remains underutilized. Only 18% of companies apply "valorization of organic residual flows," compared to 74% that focus on process improvements to reduce material consumption. Completely avoiding residual flows is difficult, making reuse essential. Local initiatives are often expensive and inconsistent, and material use contributes to 55-65% of emissions. To increase circular material use, there is a need for knowledge and tools. This project focuses on developing tools to measure and improve the impact of residual flow projects.
Research Question
What are the needs and expectations for a circularity calculator specifically focused on residual flow efficiency, and which parameters and variables are crucial?
Sub-questions:
- What are the needs and expectations of the field for a circularity calculator with a specific focus on residual flow efficiency?
- Which variables are most suitable for developing a circularity calculator focused on residual flow efficiency?
- Which algorithm yields the best results for the circularity calculator focused on residual flows?
- Which circularity measurements and tools already exist, and to what extent do they cover the needs and expectations regarding residual flows and the identified variables/algorithms?
Research Methodology
We investigate the needs of the field for evaluating residual flows and analyze existing circularity measurements, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement for residual flows. Based on these needs, we determine:
- Functional requirements of a calculator,
- Specific parameters for residual flow efficiency,
- The algorithm of a circularity calculator.
- Existing tools are analyzed based on a fit-gap analysis of literature and field findings.
Expected Results
Newly Acquired Knowledge:
- A detailed understanding of current practices and challenges related to waste management in the Flemish context.
- Insight into the effectiveness of existing circularity measurements for waste flows and the identification of gaps in these methodologies.
- Refined knowledge of the requirements and criteria for an effective circularity calculator, specifically tailored to waste flow efficiency.
- Insight into the needs and expectations for a circularity measurement focused on waste flow efficiency for the field.
The project output includes:
- An answer to the need for a new circularity measurement specifically focused on waste flow efficiency in the field, and depending on this outcome: input for follow-up projects.
- Overview and manual of existing calculators.
- Identification of the requirements and criteria for an effective circularity calculator tailored to waste flows.
- The algorithm for a circularity calculator focused on waste flow efficiency.