Circular Economy in Noise Barrier Production: Exploring Sustainable and Innovative Solutions

Research background: Noise pollution remains a significant environmental concern, leading to a growing demand for noise barriers. However, the conventional production and disposal of noise barriers often impose negative environmental impacts. The circular economy presents a promising solution to address these challenges by advocating the use of sustainable materials, design for disassembly, and the recycling or reuse of materials. Purpose of the article: This paper aims to explore the potential application of circular economy principles to noise barrier production and circular design strategies. By investigating sustainable and innovative solutions for noise barrier manufacturing, the study seeks to contribute to the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to mitigating noise pollution. Methods: The research adopts a comprehensive approach, including a review of relevant literature on circular economy practices, and their specific implementation within a case study of a noise barrier manufacturing company. Additionally, the study utilizes the Circular Canvas, a practical tool, to identify circular opportunities and prioritize actions within the production process. Findings & Value added: The paper uncovers various circular opportunities for noise barrier production, such as utilizing sustainable materials, optimizing resource usage, and implementing eco-design principles. The Circular Canvas aids in visualizing and prioritizing these opportunities, enabling the company to adopt more circular practices. By applying circular economy principles to noise barrier production, the study contributes insights to the development of sustainable and environmentally conscious strategies for noise pollution mitigation.