Special Issue "Circular Economy, Innovation and Quality Infrastructure"

The transition to the circular economy (CE) is an emerging global phenomenon in the sustainability context. The CE is defined as an economic system in which “the value of products and materials is maintained for as long as possible; waste and resource use are minimized, and resources are kept within the economy when a product has reached the end of its life, to be used again and again to create further value” (European Commission). The CE is linked with a paradigm shift in modern societies from old linear production systems and consumption towards sustainable, ideally zero-waste production and consumption processes. Innovation in traditional sectors as well as new business models are analysed. Further important pillars of the new paradigm such as user acceptance and appropriate quality infrastructure including standards, certification, and regulation are also covered.