Search Results (855)

Food and beverage in Europe represents a central sector in terms of contribution to GDP, employment, and the trade balance. At the same time, it has significant environmental, economic, and social implications, making the adoption of sustainable strategies of vital importance for companies in the sector. This study explores how sustainable business practices can create long-term strategic value, with a particular focus on the food and beverage sector. The research analyzes the relationship between sustainability and business strategy, focusing on how companies can thrive in the context of environmental uncertainties, social fluctuations, and economic interconnectedness. Specifically, the study aims to identify the key sustainability practices and strategies adopted by leading food and beverage companies and determine how these practices affect their ESG performance (environmental, social, and governance) results. The study uses a reasoned selection of case studies from one of the primary CSR regulatory categories—listed companies with considerable size (excluding tobacco companies and those with a capitalization of less than EUR 10 billion)—comparing companies’ sustainability reports and the latest 2023 integrated annual report to assess every aspect of each company, from market position to sustainability policies and sustainable reporting. Full article

The silkworm, Bombyx mori, is reared on a large scale, mainly for silk production. The waste from this silk production, like pupae, is underused. As an edible insect, B. mori is a good source of protein in human food and animal feed. In recent years, European legislation on the use of insects has evolved and a multitude of European companies have initiated the rearing of insects specifically for food and feed applications. Regarding animal feed, Commission Regulations (EU) 2021/1372 and 2021/1925 authorize eight insect species, including silkworm, as processed animal proteins for use in fish, pig, and poultry feed. The incorporation of edible insects into the human diet falls within Regulation (EU) No. 2015/2283 concerning novel foods. Implementation of authentication methods is imperative to ensure the conformity of the products. In the present study, we propose a specific real-time PCR method for the detection of silkworm (B. mori). The developed PCR test amplifies a 98 bp fragment of the cadherin gene. This gene is present in a single-copy per haploid genome, as demonstrated by experimental evidence. The qualitative method was successfully evaluated on the performance criteria of specificity, sensitivity, efficiency, robustness, and transferability. The applicability of the test was assessed on samples of B. mori from industry. Light microscopy and DNA metabarcoding approaches were used as a complement to genomic analysis as a means of providing authentication of the samples. Full article

The research paper investigates the nexus between energy transition reporting practices and corporate efficiency of listed European companies from the agri-food sector. The study relies on key energy-related and financial indicators and logistic regression analysis conducted on 219 EU business entities publishing their financial and non-financial reports between 2004 and 2023. Based on the distribution of financial metrics in the sample, we assumed that entities reporting data on energy transition, either partially or fully, could achieve higher profitability and simultaneously have lower liquidity than non-reporting companies. The panel data model indicated a strong relationship between the reporting status of a business entity, its revenue, and the time variable, demonstrating that the likelihood of providing information on energy transition was associated with the size of a company and increased systemically over time. However, further regression analysis revealed a lack of a persistent, significant relationship between the key financial indicators and the entities’ energy transition reporting status. Considering the substantial changes in the EU regulatory environment associated with introducing CSRD, we conclude that with increasing legal pressure over time, companies will gradually shift towards standardized industry-related reporting practices, resulting in more consistent and transparent evidence of their energy transition strategies. Full article

As of January 2024, Ukraine has suffered the extensive destruction of over 160,000 buildings, structures, and infrastructure objects due to the shelling resulting from the ongoing war. After the conflict, the country will undergo large-scale reconstruction, following European standards. However, Ukraine’s construction industry remains somewhat outdated, particularly in digital technologies like BIM (Building Information Modeling). Despite this, Ukraine has a growing number of young professionals providing BIM services to international clients. A collaborative study between Loughborough University (UK) and the O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy (Ukraine) examined the current state of BIM in Ukraine. The research aimed to develop a strategy for integrating BIM into post-war reconstruction, based on a review of the design and construction sectors. The findings showed that BIM use in Ukraine is driven by international market demands, requiring changes in how BIM is adopted locally. A survey of 234 employees from Ukrainian outsourcing companies and interviews with seven large construction firms in Eastern Ukraine revealed barriers to BIM adoption. These included low wages, a lack of incentives for large firms, bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption, outdated construction management, and weak regulations. This study provides recommendations to accelerate BIM integration in Ukraine’s construction industry during the post-war rebuilding phase. Full article

Sustainability is about intergenerational solidarity in finding solutions to ensure the continued growth that allows organizations and companies to be proactive. In the context of contemporary technology, the fourth industrial revolution, i.e., the widely accepted notion of Industry 4.0, and swift corporate growth; the effects of industry, transportation, and urbanization on climate change; and the preservation of the environment in its entirety are becoming more and more significant. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the eco-innovation performance of European nations, comparing their evolution from 2013 to 2022, in order to identify patterns, leaders, and opportunities for improvement in the implementation of eco-innovation strategies. This study includes the analysis of the Eco-Innovation Index as well as other studies carried out at the European Union level in the field of sustainability and sustainable innovation through the graphic maps, cluster analysis, and correspondence analysis in the statistical program SPSS. Different approaches to development are taken by the EU’s member states. Even though some countries have achieved significantly lower results than the average of the Eco-Innovation Index or significantly higher results than the average, overall, all countries (except Romania) have improved their point evaluations when compared to the year 2013 when the Eco-Innovation Index started to be reported. The nations in the Northern European region produce consistent, long-term outcomes, and these countries have emerged as leaders in innovation in recent years. The countries of Luxembourg, Austria, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark have the best long-term outcomes. On the contrary, Bulgaria has ranked last for a long time, with the least-rated eco-innovation activities. Full article

The purpose of this paper was to address the compatibility of management strategies with the competitive needs of textile waste recycling companies by applying Porter’s model. In conjunction with Porter’s model, it is appropriate to assess the attractiveness of the industry based on the balance of opportunities and threats, which determines whether the industry is attractive or less attractive. From this assessment, it is possible to decide whether to remain in the given industry and to identify strategies that indicate success. In terms of the European Green Agreement, it is necessary to ensure the faster and more efficient development of the circular economy, with a focus on resource-intensive sectors, including the textile industry. Given the adoption of the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles in June 2023, it is essential to address the issue of sustainable textile waste recycling. The importance of this strategy lies in strengthening the industry through reuse and repairs, as well as addressing the problem of textile waste. The prioritization of textile waste recycling has gained even greater importance with the arrival of the new automotive company, Volvo Cars, in eastern Slovakia. This development underscores the need for enhanced recycling efforts to manage the expected increase in industrial textile waste associated with the automotive sector’s expansion in the region. In Slovakia, four companies are involved in textile waste recycling: SK-TEX s.r.o., PR Krajné s.r.o., HOVEBA s.r.o., and LYKOTEX Slovakia s.r.o. This paper provides information on the possibility of expanding textile waste recycling capacities in eastern Slovakia. The quadratic graph method was used to identify an optimal location for textile waste recycling. The results of this analysis will help determine which enterprise in eastern Slovakia can enhance its competitiveness by leveraging this strategic location. Full article

The European Commission’s Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence, adopted in 2022 and approved in 2024, mandates that companies identify, prevent, and mitigate hostile human rights and environmental impacts across their operations and supply chains, integrating sustainability into corporate governance. This article examines the directive’s influence on European entrepreneurial activity, ecosystems, and innovation using a qualitative descriptive literature analysis, comparative frameworks, impact assessments, policy recommendations, and case studies. Findings suggest that while the directive imposes compliance challenges and costs, particularly for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises, it offers significant long-term benefits, such as improved risk management, enhanced reputation, and market differentiation. The directive promotes accountability and ethical practices, harmonizing due diligence across the EU and fostering a culture of sustainability. It concludes that companies addressing these impacts can gain a competitive edge and attract sustainability-focused investors, necessitating support mechanisms for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises to mitigate burdens and encourage compliance. Full article

This article presents a 3D model of a yellow hydrogen generation system that uses the electricity produced by a photovoltaic carport. The 3D models of all key system components were collected, and their characteristics were described. Based on the design of the 3D model of the photovoltaic carport, the amount of energy produced monthly was determined. These quantities were then applied to determine the production of low-emission hydrogen. In order to increase the amount of low-emission hydrogen produced, the usage of a stationary energy storage facility was proposed. The Metalog family of probability distributions was adopted to develop a strategic model for low-emission hydrogen production. The hydrogen economy of a company that uses small amounts of hydrogen can be based on such a model. The 3D modeling and calculations show that it is possible to design a compact low-emission hydrogen generation system using rapid prototyping tools, including the photovoltaic carport with an electrolyzer placed in the container and an energy storage facility. This is an effective solution for the climate and energy transition of companies with low hydrogen demand. In the analytical part, the Metalog probability distribution family was employed to determine the amount of monthly energy produced by 6.3 kWp photovoltaic systems located in two European countries: Poland and Italy. Calculating the probability of producing specific amounts of hydrogen in two European countries is an answer to a frequently asked question: In which European countries will the production of low-emission hydrogen from photovoltaic systems be the most profitable? As a result of the calculations, for the analyzed year 2023 in Poland and Italy, specific answers were obtained regarding the probability of monthly energy generation and monthly hydrogen production. Many companies from Poland and Italy are taking part in the European competition to create hydrogen banks. Only those that offer low-emission hydrogen at the lowest prices will receive EU funding. Full article

This study addresses the critical need for improved sustainability reporting in the construction sector, focusing on the integration of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) indicators to enhance reporting quality and promote standardization. The increasing regulatory pressure from the European Commission, particularly in sustainability reporting, has intensified the demand for corporate transparency. Despite these efforts, many companies still face challenges in implementing robust sustainability performance measures. This research employs a systematic literature review alongside the case studies of three leading German construction companies to critically assess the current reporting practices and explore the integration potential of LCSA indicators. The findings highlight a significant gap between the existing sustainability disclosures and LCSA indicators, with only 7–19% of the assessed indicators being integrated into the current reporting practices. Although some consistency in reporting themes and qualitative disclosures is evident, the misalignment with LCSA indicators underscores the need for further integration of standardized, life cycle-based metrics. This study concludes that collaborative efforts among companies, policymakers, and LCSA researchers are required to bridge this gap, ensuring the adoption of the existing, scientifically robust indicators that enhance the precision, comparability, and transparency of sustainability reporting in the construction sector. Full article

The X-ray satellite “Einstein Probe” of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) was successfully launched on 9 January 2024 at 15:03 Beijing Time from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China with a “Long March-2C” rocket. The Einstein Probe is equipped with two scientific X-ray telescopes. One is the Wide-field X-ray Telescope (WXT), which uses lobster-eye optics. The other is the Follow-up X-ray Telescope (FXT), a Wolter-I type telescope. These telescopes are designed to study the universe for high-energy X-rays associated with transient high-energy phenomena. The FXT consists of two modules based on 54 thin X-ray Wolter-I grazing incidence Ni-replicated mirrors produced by the Italian Media Lario company, as contributions from the European Space Agency and the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE), which also provided the focal-plane detectors. Meanwhile, the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP), together with the Harbin Institute of Technology and Xi’an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics, has also completed the development and production of the structural and thermal model (STM), qualification model (QM) and flight model (FM) of FXT mirrors for the Einstein Probe (EP) satellites for demonstration purposes. This paper introduces the precision manufacturing adopted in China of Wolter-I X-ray mirror mandrels similar to those used for the EP-FXT payload. Moreover, the adopted electroformed nickel replication process, based on a chemical nickel–phosphorus alloy, is reported. The final results show that the surface of the produced mandrels after demolding and the internal surface of the mirrors have been super polished to the roughness level better than 0.3 nm RMS and the surface accuracy is better than 0.2 μm, and the mirror angular resolution for single mirror shells may be as good as 17.3 arcsec HPD (Half Power Diameter), 198 arcsec W90 (90% Energy Width) @1.49 keV (Al-K line). These results demonstrate the reliability and advancement of the process. As the first efficient X-ray-focusing optics manufacturing chain established in China, we successfully developed the first focusing mirror prototype that could be used for future X-ray satellite payloads. Full article

As the whisky industry applies circular economy principles to maximize resource utilization and minimize environmental impact, companies become exposed to several risks, which require complex assessments to ensure reliable outcomes. This study provides an organized framework to identify, prioritize, and rank various risk factors commonly observed in the whisky industry through the development of an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) multi-criteria analysis model. Experts from 18 small European distilleries identified five main risk criteria and nineteen sub-criteria from brainstorming workplace observations and categorized them as: environmental (5), operational (4), technological innovation (3), food safety (3), and economical (4) risks. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) approach was used to determine the weights and ranks of the main criteria and sub-criteria based on the survey responses received from experts from each distillery. The final judgements are consistent, as indicated by consistency values (CR) of less than 0.1 for all risk criteria. Unlike traditional risk assessment methods, the AHP model effectively integrates qualitative and quantitative data, aiding strategic decision making in the whisky industry by breaking down complex problems into manageable sub-problems. Future research directions may expand the criteria and explore additional sustainable practices. Full article

As more companies strive for net-zero emissions, mitigating indirect greenhouse gas emissions embedded in value chains—especially in logistics activities—has become a critical priority. In the European logistics sector, sustainability and energy efficiency are receiving growing attention, given the sector’s intersectional role in both transportation and construction. This transition toward low-carbon logistics design not only reduces carbon emissions but also yields financial benefits, including operational cost savings and new market opportunities. This study examines the impact of passive design strategies and low-carbon technologies in a Swedish logistics center, assessed using the low-carbon design criteria from the BREEAM International standard, version 6. The findings show that passive energy-efficient measures, such as the installation of 47 skylights for natural daylighting, reduced light power density in accordance with AHSHARE 90.1-2019 and the integration of free night flushing, contribute to a 23% reduction in total energy consumption. In addition, the integration of 600 PV panels and 480 batteries with a capacity of 268 ampere-hours and 13.5 kWh storage, operating at 50 volts, delivers a further 56% reduction in carbon emissions. By optimizing the interaction between passive design and active low-carbon technologies, this research presents a comprehensive feasibility analysis that promotes sustainable logistics practices while ensuring a future-proof, low-carbon operational model. Full article

This article aims to present the mechanisms regulating the waste management system of one of the European countries that affect the cement industry. This publication analyses the possibility of using selected fractions of municipal and industrial waste as alternative fuels, including an analysis of ecological costs and benefits. The methodology includes the analysis of production data and the calculation of savings resulting from the use of alternative fuels. On this basis, ecological aspects were also indicated that should be taken into account when analyzing the profitability of the investment. Production data from an example Polish cement plant were used to analyze the research problem. Based on the guidelines of environmental standards and technical specifications, the parameters that PASr alternative fuels should meet were calculated in the company laboratory. This fuel type was then calculated in terms of emission intensity and production efficiency. The research results obtained in this paper study emphasize that the change in cement clinker production technology toward the use of waste raw materials and secondary fuels does not lead to an increase in heavy metal emissions to the extent that would justify qualifying cement as a material requiring systematic control of its harmful impacts on humans and the natural environment. The conclusions show that the use of alternative fuels reduces CO₂ emissions and production costs, without negatively affecting the efficiency and production volume. The average energy requirement for the production of 1 ton of cement is approximately 3.3 GJ, which corresponds to 120 kg of coal with a calorific value of 27.5 MJ per kg. Energy costs account for 30–40% of the total cement production costs. Replacing alternative fuels with fossil fuels will help reduce energy costs, providing a competitive advantage for cement plants that use it as an energy source. The presented considerations can provide an answer to all interested parties, including representatives of the executive and legislative authorities, on what path the sector should follow to fit into the idea of sustainable building materials and the circular economy. Full article

This study examines the potential for the smart integration of waste and renewable energy sources to supply industrial heat at temperatures between 150 °C and 250 °C, aiming to decarbonize heat demand in European industry. This work is part of a European project (SUSHEAT) which focuses on developing a novel technology that integrates several innovative components: a Stirling cycle high-temperature heat pump (HTHP), a bio-inspired phase change material (PCM) thermal energy storage (TES) system, and a control and integration twin (CIT) system based on smart decision-making algorithms. The objective is to develop highly efficient industrial heat upgrading systems for industrial applications using renewable energy sources and waste heat recovery. To achieve this, the specific heat requirements of different European industries were analyzed. The findings indicate that industrial sectors such as food and beverages, plastics, desalination, textiles, ceramics, pulp and paper, wood products, canned food, agricultural products, mining, and chemicals, typically require process heat at temperatures below 250 °C under conditions well within the range of the SUSHEAT system. Moreover, two case studies, namely the Pelagia and Mandrekas companies, were conducted to validate the effectiveness of the system. An analysis of the annual European heat demand by sector and temperature demonstrated that the theoretical potential heat demand that could be met by the SUSHEAT system is 134.92 TWh annually. Furthermore, an environmental impact assessment estimated an annual significant reduction of 19.40 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. These findings underscore the significant potential of the SUSHEAT system to contribute to the decarbonization of European industry by efficiently meeting heat demand and substantially reducing carbon emissions. Full article

Energy companies are facing increasing pressure from institutional and industry stakeholders to prioritize their responsibility to the environment and society, including providing accurate, reliable, and comprehensive reports on their sustainability practices. Three metrics were developed in this study: the average sustainability reporting score and two sustainability performance reporting indices based on two different performance measurement methodologies. These were designed to assess the effect of mandatory non-financial disclosure on sustainability reporting and the level of transparency and engagement of energy companies. The study also examined the relationship between the level of sustainability reporting and sustainability performance in the period of 2016–2019 by correlating these metrics. The analysis sheds light on the effectiveness of non-financial disclosure regulations in promoting sustainability practices in the energy industry. The results revealed no difference in metric scores prior to, or even following, the adoption of Directive 2014/95/EU. Energy companies performed better in terms of sustainability when more indicators were reported. Their primary focus was on the economic aspect of sustainability, particularly corruption. They gave less importance to the environmental aspect, mainly reporting on emissions. The social aspect received the least attention, although indicators for employee education and training were mentioned most frequently. The analysis showed that the metrics are statistically significantly correlated and complement each other, highlighting the need to consider a variety of metrics when assessing sustainability performance in the energy industry. Full article