Closing the loop on plastic packaging materials: What is quality and how does it affect their circularity?

While attention on the importance of closing materials loops for achieving circular economy (CE) is raging, the technicalities of doing so are often neglected or difficult to overcome. However, these technicalities determine the ability of materials to be properly recovered and redistributed for reuse or recycling, given the material, component and product (MCP) state and functionality. Materials have different properties that make them useful for various functions and purposes. A transition, therefore, towards a CE would require the utmost exploitation of all available routes that MCPs can be diverted to, based on their design, use and recovery; ideally, enabling a perpetual looping of them in the economy. Yet, this is difficult to succeed. In the present short communication article, the authors explain how the quality and the way it is meant at different stages of the plastic packaging supply chain affects their potential recycling; and outlines the opportunities and constraints offered by some of the changes that are currently introduced in order to improve their circularity. The purpose of this article is to underpin the need for research that integrates systemic thinking, with technological innovations and regulations at all stages of the supply chain, in an effort to promote sustainable practices to become established.NERC and ESR

Testing the co-integration relationship between auto insurance premiums and risk compensation amount

This study investigates the influential economic factors impacting auto insurance premiums and explores the potential for a long-term equilibrium relationship. Monthly data from 25 branches of the National Insurance Company in the regional agency of Ouargla, Algeria, is analyzed using descriptive and case study methods. Through a thorough trend analysis and statistical model formulation, including co-integration tests, stability tests, and regression analyses, we assess the relationship between variables and the impact of independent variables on the dependent variable. The results reveal a statistically acceptable yet weak short-term connection, lacking evidence of common integration. This research provides insights into the complex dynamics of insurance premiums and compensation relationships, suggesting nuanced connections and guiding recommendations for adaptable premium structures and responsive strategies

Integrated Management of Environmentalsafety and Technical Risks of Plants Producing Automobiles and Automobile Components

The authors, as a result of their scientific and professional activities, present a concept of a future model for integrated management of risks in plants for production of automobiles and their components for contractors. They introduce the concept of a future standardized model of an integrated management system based on sub-aspects, impacts and risks according to the relevant current and upcoming new ISO standards of quality, environment, safety, including ISO 31000 Risks management and ISO/TS 16949. In this article the emphasis is placed on creation of a complex risks register (technical, environmental, safety), for this area of economic activity, their identification, analysis and evaluation within an integrated management system