Circular economy: A multilevel approach for natural resources and wastes under an agri-food perspective

Abstract

The consumption of natural resources and waste production raises questions and concerns for the global scientific community and government decision-makers. This review article provides several literature references related to the concept of the circular economy and how the transition from a linear to a more circular system would prove to be a particularly sustainable practice in resource and waste management, ensuring the sustainable use and minimized consumption of resources, but also the reduced production, the reuse and the controlled disposal of waste as nutrients of a subsequent system. Also, bibliographic references give information about the actions and the action plan of the European Union in a sustainable policy, as well as the expected goals from this activity. This article review provides adequate literature references regarding the principles of the circular economy in the agri-food sector as well as the necessity of its implementation to address the existing challenges that the specific sector must face and the benefits that can arise from such a transition.

Keywords

• Circular economy
• Agri-food
• Natural resources
• Waste
• Sustainability
• Environment