Closed loop

Giuseppe Ioppolo

Chapter 14 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, 2026, pp 42-46 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The current encyclopedia voice explores the concept of Closed Loop (CE), considered as a model, focused on closing diverse loops to create sustainable patterns of production and consumption, that conforms to principles of thermodynamics, oriented to balance resources used with waste generated. This concept underscores integrated Closed-Loop Systems to foster ongoing recycling and diminish the dependence on virgin resources. In order to summarize the CE concept, it's necessary to carry out the meaning of Closed Loop (CL), which refers to the recycling procedure wherein a product or material is utilized, transformed into a new commodity, without compromising its qualities. Moreover, Closed-Loop Recycling is important for facilitating re-production and ensuring economic viability by encouraging the substitution and reuse of raw materials within the same production cycle. Strategies such as, for example, the 6Rs principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, Remanufacture, Redesign) are commonly used to drive CL actions, concentrating on maximizing value creation throughout product life cycles. Furthermore, this voice also mentions the Closed-Loop Supply Chains (CLSC) that incorporate Forward and Reverse Logistics, facilitating the preservation and extraction of value from unutilized products, all while minimizing waste generation. Concluding, it highlights the main barriers as technological, market, institutional, and social factors hindering widespread adoption of a CE model at the Macro, Meso, and Micro levels.

Keywords: Circular Economy; Closed Loop; Closed-Loop Systems; 6Rs principles; Closed-Loop Supply Chain; Sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035309887
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