Track leaders:  

• Aline Gabriela Ferrari, Polytechnique Montréal, Canada 

• Daniel Jugend, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Brazil 

• Leonardo Augusto de Vasconcelos Gomes, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil  

 

Circular ecosystems represent an evolving approach to resource management, where the flow of materials, energy, and waste is continuously cycled to minimize environmental impact and enhance sustainability. This concept, rooted in principles of the circular economy, focuses on creating closed-loop systems that mimic natural ecosystems, emphasizing regenerative processes. By redesigning production, consumption, and disposal practices, circular ecosystems aim to eliminate waste and reduce the consumption of finite resources. Although logical in principle, integrating this concept into practice faces significant challenges. One key hurdle is the lack of consensus on definitions and scope. As explored in recent literature, including works on industrial symbiosis and sustainable supply chains, there is still ambiguity regarding the boundaries of circular ecosystems. Furthermore, technological constraints, regulatory barriers, and varying stakeholder interests hinder the practical implementation of circular solutions. Addressing these complexities requires multi-disciplinary approaches and innovative solutions. In this track, we invite prospective authors to submit papers that explore these challenges and propose strategies for overcoming them.