Browsing by Author "Kraze, Sandra"

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    Investments to Develop Business Models and Projects in the Circular Economy
    (2020-11-03) Atstaja, Dzintra; Uvarova, Inga; Kamilla Kambala, Darta; Alberte, Viktorija; Stokmane, Kate; Gegere-Zetterstroma, Astrida; Kraze, Sandra; Zapletnuka, Galina
    The development of a sustainable economy and the efficient use of resources are now playing an increasingly important role in the circular economy. Unlike the linear economy, the economy contributes to keeping the value of products, materials, and resources in the economy as long as possible, while at the same time reducing both waste volume and raw material consumption and their environmental impact. The topicality of the research is illustrated by the limited amount of natural resources, climate change and sustainable economic growth, which is pursued by both countries and companies. It is in the economic interest of society as a whole to use existing resources in the best possible way. In addition, the introduction of the circular economy is expected to open up broad opportunities for economic growth for both businesses and consumers. The transition to a circular economic business model requires investment. Funding can be raised through different types of projects, but there is little or no information available in the public area about where and how to obtain financing for circular economy-related projects and what are the general benefits for the company from environmentally-friendly activities.
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    Transition to the circular economy and new circular business models - An in-depth study of the whey recycling
    (2020-11-03) Uvarova, Inga; Atstaja, Dzintra; Grinbergs, Ugis; Petersons, Janis; Gegere-Zetterstroma, Astrida; Kraze, Sandra
    Depleting natural resources and large amounts of waste increase the environmental pressure affecting the economy and humans. Emerging sustainability challenges require new behavioural patterns from both the business and consumers. Responding to these constraints, the circular economy is promoted as a new way towards a sustainable future. While the circular economy provides new principles for improving resource efficiency and reducing waste, most of companies run traditional business models with the perception that competitive advantages can be achieved by increasing production. Instead circular business models seek for increase of profitability and efficiency through adapting various business model innovations. However, their adoption process and results are unclear for many industries highlighting the topicality of this article. This research shows that milk processing companies lack an experience and understanding of benefits and challenges of circular business models. In milk processing, the whey is considered as problematic waste or the production leftover, which requires new treatment. The research provides analyses of the whey recycling circular business models that ensured new revenue streams, higher profitability, return on assets and competitive advantages for milk processing companies. The COVID19 pandemia increases the importance of this issue as the dairy industry due to livestock requirements shall ensure business continuity despite a crises or other risks that slowdown the business.