Análise multiníveis de circularidade do sistema de manufatura de um produto industrial com e sem biodigestor

Abstract

Recently, issues related to development towards a circular economy have been raised, mainly questions about the non-existence of a consensual configuration to quantify economies, regions and even industries in terms of circularity. In order to point out the potential gains with the implementation of a biodigester in the manufacturing system of an industrial product, the general objective of this thesis was to map the circularity opportunities of the manufacturing system of an industrial product at different levels and scenarios. To achieve this objective, firstly, a bibliographical review was carried out characterizing the practices of circular economy and territorial metabolism (assessment of significant material, intangible and financial flows in a given region in the context of bioenergy in industry. Next, data on the integrated flows of materials and energy in the manufacturing system of a product from the partner industry of this research were collected. Data collection was carried out through direct contact with the industry and in two projects that collected data on various products, their activities, and environmental performance. Subsequently, the data were entered into the AgroCircle Wins (ACW) tool, obtaining circular graphs that allowed the visualization of various interconnected information, the input and output flows of quantitative information and also percentage values of circularity at three levels of coverage, N1 (Industry), N2 (Industrial Park) and N3 (Cooperatives). Through the analysis of the results, it was pointed out a benefit of greater circularity when evaluating the N3, the most comprehensive level, presenting 89% of circularity referring to material flows, while the N1 and N2 indicated 37.8% and 39.14 %, respectively. This result demonstrates the importance and benefit of exchanging materials between processes belonging to the Industry, the Industrial Park, and the Cooperatives, reducing waste and production costs, adding value, and uniting economic development. Territorial to environmental restrictions. Taking only the external grid energy supply showed a null circularity at the three levels in terms of energy. Still, there is the possibility of including actions for circularity with initiatives to include photovoltaic panels, wind, and, or generation of electric power from the combustion of biogas. Through more efficient management of resources and the development of technologies to reduce solid waste, economic and environmental gains from the use of bioenergy favor the circular economy.