INNOVATION IN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING:A CASE STUDY ON ALTRNTV

Daniela Staicu
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Daniela Staicu: Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Faculty of Business Administration in Foreign Languages

Social-Economic Debates, 2025, vol. 14, issue 1, 13-29

Abstract: The growing consumption trend is misaligned with sustainability, making the circular economy crucial for reducing waste, optimizing resource use, and promoting zero waste, with the EU taking key steps towards achieving carbon neutrality and circularity by 2050. The textile and apparel industry is recognized as a major polluter, requiring a shift in consumption and production, with consumer engagement and behavior being key to a successful circular economy. Various research propose strategies to align economic policies with circular economy principles, including improving raw material recycling, promoting repair and remanufacturing, and introducing product labeling schemes to guide sustainable consumer choices.This paper aims to explore the characteristics of a circular economy business in Romania, specifically a startup in sustainable manufacturing and distribution, based on the Circular Economy Monitoring Framework and ISO 14024:2018 ecolabeling features. This research uses a descriptive case study approach to explore ALTRNTV, a Bucharest-based startup promoting sustainable manufacturing and distribution, employing multiple data collection methods to analyze its business model and impact on local vulnerable communities. This research explores how a circular economy business aligns with the Circular Economy Monitoring Framework and ISO 14024:2018 ecolabeling features, highlighting its practices and societal impact. The study provides insights for policymakers and entrepreneurs while acknowledging its limitations, such as the lack of third-party evaluation for the ecolabel and the exclusion of additional assessment indicators.

Keywords: circular economy; textile sector; ecolabel; sustainable manufacturing; social enterprise (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L31 L60 L67 M21 O31 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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