Circular initiatives for the European Coating Industry
Kabir, Rakibul (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024051512357
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024051512357
Tiivistelmä
This thesis investigates the integration of Circular Economy (CE) principles within the European Coating Industry (ECI), highlighting the necessity for a shift towards sustainable practices driven by environmental concerns and regulatory demands. The research aimed to identify the challenges and strategies necessary for transitioning from traditional linear production to sustainable, circular processes, with a focus on resource efficiency, material reuse, and closed-loop systems. Methods employed included a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, such as case studies, literature reviews, and analyses of industry reports, to provide a comprehensive understanding of how different-sized companies within the ECI implement CE principles under strict environmental standards.
The results revealed that while large companies displayed robust CE strategies aimed at reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency, smaller companies contributed significantly to circularity through innovative raw material usage tailored to specific product lines. However, these smaller companies faced substantial challenges in scaling and commercializing their innovations, underscoring the need for enhanced collaboration across the industry. This varied implementation of CE principles across companies of different sizes illustrated the complexities and nuances of adopting sustainable practices within the ECI.
The thesis concludes that for the ECI to fully embrace CE principles, alignment with regulatory frameworks and prioritization of resource efficiency are crucial. Moreover, the industry must proactively respond to new regulations targeting persistent environmental pollutants, such as "forever chemicals", refers to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of man-made chemicals that are extremely persistent in the environment and human body, meaning they don't break down and can accumulate over time. The study suggests that advancing sustainability in the coating industry requires collaborative efforts between companies, research institutions, and policymakers. Recommendations for further development include enhancing transparency in company practices and increasing government incentives to foster broader adoption of CE principles, thereby ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for the European Coating Industry.
The results revealed that while large companies displayed robust CE strategies aimed at reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency, smaller companies contributed significantly to circularity through innovative raw material usage tailored to specific product lines. However, these smaller companies faced substantial challenges in scaling and commercializing their innovations, underscoring the need for enhanced collaboration across the industry. This varied implementation of CE principles across companies of different sizes illustrated the complexities and nuances of adopting sustainable practices within the ECI.
The thesis concludes that for the ECI to fully embrace CE principles, alignment with regulatory frameworks and prioritization of resource efficiency are crucial. Moreover, the industry must proactively respond to new regulations targeting persistent environmental pollutants, such as "forever chemicals", refers to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of man-made chemicals that are extremely persistent in the environment and human body, meaning they don't break down and can accumulate over time. The study suggests that advancing sustainability in the coating industry requires collaborative efforts between companies, research institutions, and policymakers. Recommendations for further development include enhancing transparency in company practices and increasing government incentives to foster broader adoption of CE principles, thereby ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for the European Coating Industry.