PASSENGER Flexible Learning Resource: Catalysis in the circular economy – Graduates version

PROJECT COORDINATOR FUNDACION IMDEA NANOCIENCIA C/ Faraday 9 28049 Madrid — Spain [email protected] Pilot Action for Securing a Sustainable European Next Generation of Efficient RE-free magnets FACTSHEET LECTURE 2 DELIVERED BY ICAMCyL Foundation FACTSHEET Lecture 2 Catalysis in the circular economy – Graduates version OUTLINE 1. Background 2. Catalysis of technology 3. What is the industrial revolution? 4. Breakthrough technologies of the circular economy 5. Current Relevant Actions 6. Bright examples 7. RMIS fun facts quiz 8. REFERENCES PROJECT COORDINATOR FUNDACION IMDEA NANOCIENCIA C/ Faraday 9 28049 Madrid — Spain [email protected] Pilot Action for Securing a Sustainable European Next Generation of Efficient RE-free magnets FACTSHEET LECTURE 2 DELIVERED BY ICAMCyL Foundation 1. Background The value chain illustrates the sequence of different activities that companies take to add value or enhance a product. This is one of the most important management concepts that has been widely used since the 60s last century in a text by US economist Kenneth Boulding 1 . In the 70s this was talked about in Europe, preferring the circular model instead of industrial dependence on raw materials. Meanwhile, the linear model of the economy does not have the potential for sustainability, is not able to ensure the well-being of the population and environmental well-being, and in the long term does not meet the needs of modern society. The volume of natural resources is limited, which is why, from the point of view of ecology and economic development, it is important to find an environmentally sound way to use them (Fig. 1). Figure 1. The principle of linear and circular models of the economy, Source: Repsol review Raw materials need to be competitively processed and refined in Europe sustainably, including a reduced environmental footprint, and improved social aspects and competitiveness. This is underlined in the recently published list of Critical Raw Materials and the Circular Economy Action Plan as well as Innovative pilot actions which is one of the major targets of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on Raw Materials. As a result, an industrial and technological revolution began, an orientation towards a low-resource and closed economy, initiated by leading economic countries because of their commitment to environmental conservation. The pursuit of zero emissions of greenhouse gases and, first, carbon dioxide has changed the attitude towards waste from industrial production and mining of past periods. 1 Kenneth Boulding: Economics from a Different Perspective, Roger M. Troub, Journal of Economic Issues, Vol. 12, No. 2 (Jun., 1978), pp. 501-528 (28 pages), Published By: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. PROJECT COORDINATOR FUNDACION IMDEA NANOCIENCIA C/ Faraday 9 28049 Madrid — Spain [email protected] Pilot Action for Securing a Sustainable European Next Generation of Efficient RE-free magnets FACTSHEET LECTURE 2 DELIVERED BY ICAMCyL Foundation The circular system of production and consumption with minimal losses is a key factor for decoupling economic growth from the use of primary raw materials. This also is a pillar to manage resources efficiently throughout their life cycle, from production and consumption to disposal and recycling, creating additional value from existing resources while reducing waste. In addition to reducing the environmental impact, the effective implementation of the principles of the circular economy allows enterprises to reduce costs, increase growth potential and improve corporate image. That is why the transition to a resource-efficient circular economy is important in the interests of competitiveness and sustainable economic growth. Consumption and production occur in a closed cycle with 3 conditions based on CIRCULAR ECONOMY (Fig. 2). Figure 2. 3 conditions based on the CIRCULAR ECONOMY Therefore the effective functioning of a Circular Economy –is a phenomenon with a closed-loop waste management system. It relies on the so-called "3 - R" principle (Fig 3). Figure 3. "3 - R" principle The need to introduce the "three R principle" was first voiced by Japanese representatives at the G8 summit in 2004, where it received wide support from world leaders. The ultimate goal of a policy based on the "principle of 3R" is a model of a society where all resources (minerals, energy, water) will be used so efficiently that the very concept of "waste" will cease to exist. Maximum usage of resources No waste No negative impact on nature Reduce Reuse Recycle PROJECT COORDINATOR FUNDACION IMDEA NANOCIENCIA C/ Faraday 9 28049 Madrid — Spain [email protected] Pilot Action for Securing a Sustainable European Next Generation of Efficient RE-free magnets FACTSHEET LECTURE 2 DELIVERED BY ICAMCyL Foundation 2. Catalysis of technology The concept of economy Zero waste - "zero waste" to implement “3 -R” is undoubtedly based on the CATALYSIS OF TECHNOLOGY. At the same time, THIS is NOT ONLY BASED ON UNDERSTANDINGS that technologies shall ensure the safety of waste disposal or increase the capacity for recycling secondary resources but about improving the efficiency of technologies along the entire chain (Fig. 4). Figure 4. Raw Material value chain. In this sense, CATALYSIS is the most important and pervasive interdisciplinary technology in the industry and, by far, one of the areas that have the greatest impact on society, allowing us to confidently move towards a circular economy. Catalysts ensure the efficient use of raw materials and energy in the production of end products from both primary and secondary raw materials. The development of new catalytic processes based on new, more efficient catalysts and biocatalysts, is transforming manufacturing processes towards a circular economy, climate neutrality and zero CO2 emissions. This is achieved by lowering process temperatures and improving energy efficiency while reducing costs and improving competitiveness. Catalysts can, among other things, convert CO2 into chemical building blocks or fuel, produce renewable hydrogen from sunlight (photocatalysis), and recycle plastic waste. More robust and versatile catalytic systems allow for milder reaction conditions (eg, lower pressure and/or temperature) leading to a new understanding of fundamental reaction steps and kinetic parameters of catalysis. In general, it can be said that advances in catalysis are central to the conditional circular concept - “hold the molecules tightly”. However, an analysis of modern challenges and the development of technologies is based on two more principles to these principles: REDESIGN and RETHINK. In turn, this will make sure that research and innovation end up on the market, to strengthen the competitiveness of the European raw materials industries, meet ambitious energy and climate targets for 2030, minimize environmental impacts and risks, and gain the trust of EU citizens in the raw materials sector. Challenge for the industry is to scale up promising raw materials production technologies and to demonstrate that raw materials can be produced innovatively and sustainably towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution, 4IR, or Industry 4.0. The circular economy is a prerequisite and at the same time a driver of the new industrial revolution. Conceptually, it has two main goals. On the one hand, the full value of used products must be restored to ensure maximum economic efficiency. On the other hand, the restoration of this value leads to a reduction in the negative impact on the environment and thus compliance with the socioeconomic and environmental requirements of sustainable development. Together, this leads to sustainable value creation. Logistics Production Consumption Recycling Mining Raw Material PROJECT COORDINATOR FUNDACION IMDEA NANOCIENCIA C/ Faraday 9 28049 Madrid — Spain [email protected] Pilot Action for Securing a Sustainable European Next Generation of Efficient RE-free magnets FACTSHEET LECTURE 2 DELIVERED BY ICAMCyL Foundation 3. What is the industrial revolution? The term "industrial revolution" is associated with qualitative changes taking place in society under the influence of a revolution in engineering, technology, and labour. The concept of the industrial revolution is often confused with the concept of the "technological revolution", which can be defined as a change in the technological paradigm - a set of key technologies underlying production. The technological revolution implies a qualitative change in the way of doing business, based on the massive application of technological solutions that radically or exponentially increase the productivity of various economic and social sectors. The industrial revolution is understood as a broader process in which not only technological but also significant social changes take place since technological progress is the driver of these changes. Four industrial revolutions occurred in the historical period known to us (Fig. 5, Tab. 1). First Industrial Revolution or Great Industrial Revolution occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries. The key prerequisites are called the agrarian revolution, which led to the release of cheap labour, and the mechanization of manual labour, which increased productivity by 10-20 times. The second industrial revolution began in 1870 and continued until 1914, the beginning of the First World War. Its prerequisites were the growing success in physics and chemistry and the desire to introduce scientific achievements into production. The third industrial revolution began in the 1960s and was characterized by the automation of production. Its prerequisite was the use of nuclear energy in industry and the need to move radioactive materials without human intervention. The improvement of logic controllers, and their programming, and the creation of industrial robots led to the automation of production and rapid economic growth after the 1970s. The definition of the fourth industrial revolution is today the subject of debate. It is often identified with Industry 4.0, one of the 10 future projects envisaged in the German High-Tech Strategy 2020 Action Plan, adopted in 2012. The keynote of Industry 4.0 is the transition from so-called embedded systems to cyberphysical systems (CPS). Technologically, breakthroughs are expected in areas such as Digital technologies, Artificial intelligence, Unmanned vehicles, and aircraft, the Internet of Things, 3D printing, Nanotechnology, Robotics, Biotechnology, Materials Science Energy storage systems quantum computing. The fourth industrial revolution Happening right now. The modern industrial revolution is manifested in the growing symbiosis of industrial and technological innovations. The fourth industrial revolution is not about Figure 5. Sequence of industrial revolutions. PROJECT COORDINATOR FUNDACION IMDEA NANOCIENCIA C/ Faraday 9 28049 Madrid — Spain [email protected] Pilot Action for Securing a Sustainable European Next Generation of Efficient RE-free magnets FACTSHEET LECTURE 2 DELIVERED BY ICAMCyL Foundation productivity, but about productivity, flexibility, and customization. The industry will develop in the domestic market and provide more jobs. There will be a need for such specialists as a robotic team coordinator, a digital offer manager, a predictive supply chain analyst, and others. Production will move away from focusing on the mass consumer and will depend on the preferences of everyone. Table 1. Technological revolution description. I Revolution II Revolution III Revolution IV Revolution Period XVIII в.–1 half XIX century. 2 half XIX century. –XX century. XX –XXI century. XXI century Country Great Britain, continental Europe, and the United States United Kingdom, Germany and the United States, France, the Low Countries, Italy, and Japan. Worldwide Worldwide Technology carbon, iron, coal, steam, steamship, steam locomotive, surgery, anaesthesia, agriculture devices steel, aluminium, plastic, oil, gas, electricity, aircraft, satellite, antiseptics, antibiotics, early diagnostics, mineral fertilizers electronics and computers, the invention of the Internet, nuclear energy large-scale digitalization, the emergence of IoT networks and IIoT, machine learning, AI, predictive analyses & maintenance in industrial settings, Big Data and Cloud Computing technologies, and advanced robotics. Thinking Technology Design Research automation and digitization Programming PROJECT COORDINATOR FUNDACION IMDEA NANOCIENCIA C/ Faraday 9 28049 Madrid — Spain [email protected] Pilot Action for Securing a Sustainable European Next Generation of Efficient RE-free magnets FACTSHEET LECTURE 2 DELIVERED BY ICAMCyL Foundation 4. Breakthrough technologies of the circular economy The Fourth Industrial Revolution includes not only a range of technical inventions but also transformational changes in global value chains based on combinations of these innovations in the digital, physical, and biological world. The pace at which these innovations are being developed is much faster than during previous industrial revolutions. As the economy has grown, using the use of land, water, materials, and other natural resources. This has put the Earth's environment and resources under tremendous strain, preventing global growth from continuing at the same pace and pace. The list of technologies (see below) playing a central role in the circular economy is constantly growing since innovative technologies or their combinations are applied at all stages of the value chain to achieve the desired economic and environmental impact. Digital: Internet of Things (IoT). IoT technologies consist of wireless devices with embedded sensors enabling asset or product interconnection and data exchange. Machine learning and artificial intelligence. Thanks to machine learning, the use of artificial intelligence, algorithms independently learn to improve and perform new functions, all without special programming. Robotics. The global robotics market is expected to reach $62 billion by 2024 with numerous circular economy applications such as waste collection, sorting and shredding. Collecting power. Technology is advancing and the global energy harvesting market is expected to exceed $1 billion by 2025. Biomaterials. This technology includes plant materials that can be composted and recycled, which are increasingly being used as substitutes for less sustainable resources. Bioenergy. Bioenergy technology is used to convert natural and organic substances such as plants, waste into energy. PROJECT COORDINATOR FUNDACION IMDEA NANOCIENCIA C/ Faraday 9 28049 Madrid — Spain [email protected] Pilot Action for Securing a Sustainable European Next Generation of Efficient RE-free magnets FACTSHEET LECTURE 2 DELIVERED BY ICAMCyL Foundation 5. Current Relevant Actions Thus, in 2015, the European Commission published a comprehensive package and action plan for the transition to a circular economy. Their goal is to stimulate the transition to a circular economy, increase global competition, ensure sustainable economic growth, and create new jobs. The package contains measures applicable to the entire life cycle of a product, from production and consumption to waste disposal - a total of 54 different activities that can benefit both the environment and the economy, while also contributing to social well-being. Figure 6. European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform visualization. The European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (Fig. 6) is a virtual public environment promoting Europe's transition to a circular economy and serving as a key source of up-to-date information. In addition, this platform facilitates communication between interest groups and contains information on activities, events and good examples in the field of the circular economy. Interested groups can participate in the annual conference and network on the thematic site, sharing information related to the circular economy, including its challenges and opportunities. In 2018, the European Commission published a circular economy mini package, including the Plastic Strategy. It is designed to fundamentally change the way plastics and plastic products are developed, produced, used and recycled. According to this strategy, by 2030 all types of plastic packaging will have to be recycled, the consumption of single-use plastic will be reduced, and the intentional consumption of microplastics will be limited. Based on the strategy, the return to circulation will be profitable for entrepreneurs, the amount of plastic waste and garbage in the sea will be reduced, and investment and innovation will be supported. In addition, the package includes 10 indicators for monitoring the circular economy to help measure progress, and a plastic product reduction directive containing various measures related to single-use plastic products, considering both consumer behaviour and needs and business capabilities. In 2019, a report was drawn up on the implementation of the European Commission's action plan for the circular economy, which describes the results of the implementation of 54 measures over the past four years. The report also highlights key achievements in the implementation of the action plan, as well as future challenges in shaping the economy and moving towards a climate-neutral circular economy. PROJECT COORDINATOR FUNDACION IMDEA NANOCIENCIA C/ Faraday 9 28049 Madrid — Spain [email protected] Pilot Action for Securing a Sustainable European Next Generation of Efficient RE-free magnets FACTSHEET LECTURE 2 DELIVERED BY ICAMCyL Foundation The European Commission adopted the new Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) in March 2020. It is one of the main building blocks of the European Green Deal (Fig. 7), Europe’s new agenda for sustainable growth. The EU’s transition to a circular economy will reduce pressure on natural resources and will create sustainable growth and jobs. It is also a prerequisite to achieve the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality target and halting biodiversity loss. The new action plan announces initiatives along the entire life cycle of products. It targets how products are designed, promotes circular economy processes, encourages sustainable consumption, and aims to ensure that waste is prevented and that the resources used are kept in the EU economy for as long as possible. It introduces legislative and non-legislative measures targeting areas where action at the EU level brings real added value. Presently the EU circular needs to include:  To take into use European low-grade deposits and secondary material sources such as tailings, reducing the European dependency on important materials by increasing refining capacity to battery-grade materials in Europe. In turn, this requires innovative, cost-effective, and safe extraction technologies.  Battery grade intermediates in a sustainable and socially acceptable way, improving the competitiveness and value of European battery and mobility industries.  Reduced carbon emissions, increased energy efficiency, and more efficient resource use and yield.  New business opportunities and models for the European creating additional jobs from increased processing and refining capacity. Figure 7. Circular Economy Action Plan & The European Green Deal visualization.