Purpose: This study investigates the hedonic shopping values of Generation Z in the context of online second-hand fashion shopping, focusing on how environmental concerns, ethical reverence, and cost considerations influence their behaviors. This study delves into the existing research gaps by examining the complex interplay between hedonic values and pro-environmental behaviors, especially among younger consumers. Theoretical background: Background and theory highlight the increasing consumer awareness regarding the environmental impacts of fast fashion, leading to a shift towards sustainable alternatives such as second-hand shopping with low costs as a priority. The sections note that this trend is particularly pronounced among Generation Z, a demographic known for their digital nativity and strong ethical consciousness. Theoretical foundations address the high consumption of textiles and the corresponding environmental impact, underscoring the importance of promoting a circular economy in Sweden. Method: The quantitative data was collected through online surveys, which yielded 388 responses and was analyzed using SPSS. The results of all four hypotheses were accepted through Cronbach’s Alpha and Pearson Correlation Coefficient, and further analyzed through a regressionanalysis. Result & Conclusion: The results showed that all four hypotheses were accepted, with Hypothesis 3 having the weakest connection regarding the hedonic shopping value in the context of online second-hand purchases. Generation Z demonstrates an ability to prioritize ethical reasons over personal reasons and pleasure in their purchases, creating a complex paradox that influenced the conclusion and led to an updated conceptual framework where ethical reverence is no longer linked to Hypothesis 1, despite the general presence of hedonic shopping value among Generation Z. Future research is recommended to compare Generation Z with other demographic groups and conduct in-depth studies to observe how behavior changes over time within the same context.

Background: In recent years during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, consumers' purchasing behavior has changed and e-commerce has taken an increasingly large part of total consumption in Sweden, as well as in the whole world. The significant increase of online purchases has resulted in a large number of returns, and it has become a challenge for companies to manage them.  Purpose: The purpose of our study is to identify which strategies and digital solutions home furnishing e-retailers can implement to streamline return logistics and manage its challenges.  Method: In order to fulfill the purpose and answer the research question, our study is based on a qualitative method and an abductive approach. We have done a literature review and conducted a case study and semi-structured interviews.  Conclusion: Our conclusion is that several factors are critical when considering strategies in reverse logistics. The company must understand its customers and the problems they experience during the return process. Which strategies a company should implement also depends on how far in the development of return logistics they have come and whether they have previously focused on it. After that, they can apply other strategies depending on the need at the time.

This thesis explores the challenges and opportunities of reusing construction and demolition waste within Sweden's construction sector, employing a PEST-SWOT analytical framework. The focus is on three primary materials prevalent in residential single-family houses: brick, concrete, and timber. The study identifies key political, economic, social, and technological factors that influence material reuse practices. The analysis highlights substantial barriers including regulatory complexities, lack of incentives, and the tendency to often prioritize new over reused materials due to perceived risks and higher costs associated with reuse. Despite these challenges, the research identifies significant opportunities for advancing material reuse. These include the potential for implementation of technological advancements in material processing, and growing public and governmental support for sustainable construction practices. The thesis goes forward by proposing strategic recommendations aimed at enhancing the adoption of reuse practices, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and resource-efficient construction sector in Sweden. / Demand trust for circular building materials

The research explores how Swedish apparel companies are integrating Circular Economy (CE) principles into the product design phase and identifies Critical Success Factors (CSFs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for circular and profitable apparel products. It uses a multiple case study approach, interviewing employees from five companies involved in the Vinnova project. Key findings include the importance of design for durability, balancing recycled content with quality, and the need for measurable CE principles. The study highlights the need for KPIs to track circular design performance and suggests managers prepare for upcoming EU ESPR legislation. Limitations include its focus on Swedish companies and the short research timeframe. Future research should further explore the impact of ESPR and develop more KPIs for CE in the apparel industry.

This case study investigates the potential graphite circular economy within the lithium-ion battery industry, intending to create sustainable management of graphite waste streams. The improper handling of graphite as waste amplifies the carbon footprint and incurs additional costs for battery recyclers. Unlike cathode materials in batteries, graphite regeneration into battery-grade material has not beenindustrialized. Therefore, the study investigates recycling and other alternative approaches to obtain the circularity of graphite. The research explores downcycling, recycling, and upcycling business modelsfor graphite from lithium batteries. With the aim to maximize value and minimize efforts and associated costs. As per methods, an exploratory qualitative method was employed with the data mainly collected through interviews with actors in the graphite sector and recycling technologies. The findings showeconomic viability, feasibility, market dynamic, and regulatory aspects as crucial considerations for the decision-making of battery recyclers. Given the novelty of the material, evaluating technical feasibility through research and development requires coordination with potential partners. Several potential customer options, including graphene applications, steel and refineries, and refractory products, are proposed, each involving a respective business model. Furthermore, the study suggests diversifying partners and establishing partnerships with material receivers as a short-term strategy while awaiting advancements in recycling and upcycling technologies.

Es indiscutible que siempre existirán los desechos orgánicos producto del consumo humano y que el deficiente tratamiento de estos es uno de los factores más contaminantes de nuestro medio ambiente, debido a la emisión de gases de efecto invernadero. Lima está entre las diez ciudades latinoamericanas más contaminadas según el World Air Quality, y los distritos de Lima Centro no escapan a esta problemática. El presente trabajo brinda una solución de negocio que mitiga los efectos contaminantes de la descomposición de los desperdicios orgánicos debido al procesamiento de estos a través de un tratamiento integral desde la segregación en la fuente hasta convertirlos en parte de un alimento balanceado para ganado porcino. Esta propuesta permite convertir residuos de unos en insumos productivos para otros, generando una alternativa de economía circular catalogada como innovación incremental. La deseabilidad y factibilidad del proyecto se sustentan satisfactoriamente en los capítulos correspondientes con las evidencias del caso, lo cual aminora el grado de incertidumbre en un nuevo proyecto respecto a la acogida del producto y su cadena de valor, además en el plano financiero se consigue un VAN de S/ 3’972,928 y una TIR de 110% en un horizonte de cinco años lo cual lo hace viable en términos financieros también. Este proyecto promueve tres Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS), específicamente la ODS 3, 12 y 13, lo cual pretende guiar el accionar de la empresa en la búsqueda del impacto positivo en la salud y bienestar de la sociedad, logrando cifras relevantes como al quinto año de operación lograr recuperar 950 toneladas anuales de residuos orgánicos que evitarían emitir hasta 3,750 toneladas de CO2. / It is indisputable that organic waste resulting from human consumption will always exist and that its poor treatment is one of the most polluting factors in our environment, due to the emission of greenhouse gases. Lima is among the ten most polluted Latin American cities according to World Air Quality and the districts of Central Lima do not escape this problem. This thesis provides a business solution that mitigates the polluting effects of the decomposition of organic waste due to its processing through a comprehensive treatment from segregation at the source to converting it into part of a balanced feed for pigs. This proposal makes it possible to convert waste from some into productive inputs for others, generating a circular economy alternative classified as incremental innovation. The desirability and feasibility of the project are satisfactorily supported in the corresponding chapters with the evidence of the case, which reduces the degree of uncertainty in a new project regarding the acceptance of the product and its value chain, in addition, on the financial level, a NPV of S/ 3’972,928 and an IRR of 110% over a five-year horizon, which also makes it viable in financial terms. This project promotes three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3, 12 and 13, which aims to guide the company's actions in the search for a positive impact on the health and welfare of society, achieving relevant figures such as fifth year of operation to recover 950 tons of organic waste per year that would avoid emitting up to 3,750 tons of CO2.

Globally, the rising extraction of raw materials results in substantial resource depletion. The global circularity rate declines yearly as goods manufacturing consumes energy, fossil fuels, and primary materials. In the EU, about 11 million tonnes of furniture are discarded annually, and most end up in landfills. Sweden discards about 330.000 tonnes of office furniture each year. Sharing and reusing with Circular Economy (CE) strategies can possibly reduce environmental impact, yet challenges may arise from extra measures and expectancies when sharing. There are few studies that assess CE strategies in the use phase and environmental impacts of furniture. For the evaluation of CE strategies and a product's potential environmental impact and comparing user scenarios, this study used a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The goal is to explore under what circumstances height adjustable desks (desks) in four user scenarios (baseline scenario and three scenarios with adopted CE strategies for closing, slowing, and narrowing the material loops) are the most beneficial for the environment. The evaluation is conducted by analysing the scenario’s potential impact (i.e., midpoint categories GWP, HNCT and MRS). The results show that the manufacturing of the desk frame has a significant impact in the midpoint categories GWP and MRS, and the manufacturing of the motor in the midpoint category HNCT, in all four scenarios. The rental scenario, with high utilisation (80%) due to flexibility, has the lowest potential impact, compared to the three other scenarios with 40% utilisation. Two sensitivity analyses were conducted, which showed that the utilisation rate and lifespan of parts (due to aesthetic expectations) is crucial for what scenario that has the best outcome. Rental and reuse have a lower impact compared to recycling and baseline. The circumstances of high utilisation rate and flexibility benefitted the rental scenario. Product design strategies such as modular, easy repair and maintenance, and the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) keeping ownership or agreeing with the user are critical for substituting parts in the reuse and rental scenarios. This study shows that renting office desks is the best option, compared to the other scenarios, as long as utilisation is over 54% and high user expectations do not demand new desktops every 5th year.

Abstract Background:Industrial symbiosis, a concept where waste or by-products from one industry serve as resources for another has gained attention as industries seek sustainable and efficient resource management solutions. However, the practical implementation of industrial symbiosis remains complex. Purpose:This research investigates the factors influencing the establishment of industrial symbiosis among stakeholders in Vetlanda, Sweden. Method:Utilizing a qualitative approach, interviews with six regional stakeholders provide insights into the dynamics of symbiotic relationships and the obstacles and aids to their development. Key findings indicate that financials, collaboration, resources, geographical proximity, politics and regulations are crucial factors when establishing industrial symbiosis partnerships. Conclusion:Despite potential benefits like resource efficiency and reduced environmental impact, practical challenges like high initial investment costs and organizational complexities remain significant. This study contributes to understanding the conditions necessary for successful industrial symbiosis implementation and suggests areas for future research that include, continuation of this research and cross regional research.

Yes / This paper presents experimental and numerical investigation on an innovative composite floor system with deconstructability. In this system, a composite slab formed with metal profiled decking is connected to a steel beam using demountable shear connectors. A series of push tests was conducted to investigate the behaviour of this form of shear connectors. In addition to the push tests, a full-scale composite beam was tested to failure in the laboratory under a number of cycles of monotonic loading. For direct comparison, a similar composite beam test was conducted using same section size, concrete strength, but using the conventional welded headed stud connectors. Test results showed that the behaviour of the composite beam with demountable shear connectors is comparable with the specimen with welded shear connectors. After the test was terminated, the demountable shear connectors were unfastened and the composite floor can be easily lifted off from the steel beam. Test result showed that these demountable shear connectors possess high ductility in comparison with the equivalent welded shear connectors. Simple design rules currently use in Eurocode 4 for the welded shear connections and Eurocode 3 for bolts are proposed to predict the shear resistance of this form of demountable shear connectors.

För att kunna uppnå de högt uppsatta klimatmålen så står byggsektorn och fastighetsbranschen inför en omvälvande omställning där hänsyn till framförallt den cirkulära ekonomin kommer att stå i centrum. I dagsläget står bygg- och anläggningssektorn för cirka 20% av samtliga växthusgasutsläpp i Sverige och för att vända de linjära arbetsmetoderna till cirkulära så kommer återbruk av byggnadsmaterial att spela en tongivande roll. Att återbruka och att återanvända istället för att bara demontera och bygga nytt stärks av såväl ekonomiska som miljömässiga aspekter.I denna kandidatuppsats så har det undersökts vilka de juridiska aspekterna kopplade till återbruk är och vad relevant lagrum kan göra för att framtvinga såväl som underlätta för återbruk. Det har undersökts ifall återbruk med hjälp av lagen överhuvudtaget går att reglera och till hänsyn med vilka incitament det i så fall bör ske.Uppsatsens resultat visar att det i dagsläget går att styra mot återbruk men att det ej går att tvinga fram. Lagrum reglerar ett förberedande av återbruk men reglering gällande implementeringen är dessvärre bristfällig. För att nå de resultat som vi siktar mot och för att uppnå våra klimatmål så behöver lagrum justeras. / To achieve the ambitious climate goals, the construction sector and real estate industry are facing a transformative transition where consideration for the circular economy will be at the forefront. Currently, the construction and civil engineering sector account for approximately 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions in Sweden, and to shift from linear to circular work methods, the reuse of building materials will play a pivotal role. Reusing and repurposing instead of solely dismantling and constructing anew is reinforced by both economic and environmental aspects.This study examines the legal aspects associated with reuse and what relevant legal frameworks can do to both enforce and facilitate reuse. It investigates whether reuse can be regulated through the law at all, and considers what incentives, if any, should be in place to encourage it.The study's findings indicate that it is currently possible to steer towards reuse but not to enforce it. Legal provisions regulate preparation for reuse, but unfortunately, regulation regarding implementation is lacking. In order to achieve the results we aim for and to reach our climate goals, legal provisions need to be adjusted.