Innovation in the Circular Economy in the Water Sector: A Case Study on Wabag Water Services Romania
In Romania, only 12% of urban wastewater meets EU treatment standards, with over 50% originating from commercial and industrial activities containing pollutants like heavy metals, highlighting the urgent need for improved wastewater treatment infrastructure. Literature about best practices of was...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Editura ASE
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Revista de Management Comparat International |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.rmci.ase.ro/no26vol2/03.pdf |
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| Summary: | In Romania, only 12% of urban wastewater meets EU treatment standards,
with over 50% originating from commercial and industrial activities containing
pollutants like heavy metals, highlighting the urgent need for improved wastewater
treatment infrastructure. Literature about best practices of wastewater treatment in
Romania to positively impact the circular economy are lacking. The paper's objective
is to be informed by observations about the resource recovery model in the wastewater
management sector. Drawing from the insights gathered in the literature review, this
paper aims to explore the following research questions: "What are the best practices in
wastewater treatment in Romania that can positively influence the circular economy?",
"What obstacles hinder the transition of wastewater treatment businesses to a circular
model?", "What opportunities exist for rethinking the operations of wastewater
treatment businesses to align with a circular model?". The research employs
qualitative research methods, specifically a descriptive case study. To ensure a
thorough, accurate, and impartial analysis of the phenomenon under investigation,
multiple data collection techniques were utilized, including an in-depth interview in
two stages and the examination of public documents about the company’s activities.The
global emphasis on ESG criteria highlights wastewater reuse and biogas generation as
key to achieving SDG 6, promoting circular economies, sustainable urban planning,
and SMART city development through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Addressing the
challenges posed by this topic requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving
government and regulatory bodies, water utility companies, industry, environmental
organizations, researchers, technology providers, consumers and residents, urban
planners and policy makers. In the near future, wastewater treatment plants are
anticipated to transform into ecologically sustainable technological systems and
become essential components of SMART cities. |
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| ISSN: | 1582-3458 2601-0968 |