Ramona Giurea

This paper analyzes the evolution of packaging waste recycling rates in four Central and Eastern European EU Member States—Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, and Romania—in comparison with the EU-27 average over the period 2014–2023. The analysis is based on Eurostat data on total packaging waste recycling rates (percentage of generated waste recycled) and employs a linear trend model estimated for the EU-27, which is used as a reference trajectory. This reference trend does not aim to predict future recycling rates or to validate absolute national performance levels; rather, it serves as an analytical benchmark for assessing the relative convergence or divergence of national trajectories over time. Descriptive statistics and linear regression techniques are applied to characterize long-term tendencies and year-to-year dynamics, including potential disruptions during the 2020–2021 period. The results indicate that the EU-27 recycling rate remains high and relatively stable (average 78.7%), albeit with a slight downward trend (−0.44%) across the analyzed interval. Poland and Bulgaria record overall improvements relative to their initial levels, while Hungary—and particularly Romania—exhibit declining trends and persistent negative gaps compared to the EU-27 benchmark. Poland stands out by surpassing the EU-27 average after 2019, reporting exceptionally high recycling rates in several years, whereas Romania consistently records the largest deviation, with an average gap exceeding 20% in the later period. These findings reveal substantial heterogeneity in the implementation of EU packaging waste policies and highlight the need for targeted, country-specific interventions in Member States facing structural constraints in recycling capacity and collection systems.

This study provides an integrated assessment of progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by applying a multivariate, indicator-based framework to a comprehensive set of EU-27 performance metrics. Rather than proposing new indicators, the analysis advances SDG 12 monitoring by systematically integrating official indicators of material efficiency, circularity, waste generation, consumption-based environmental pressure, and environmental economic activity with key cross-sectoral drivers. Using harmonized statistical data, the study examines raw material consumption, circular material use rates, hazardous chemical consumption, consumption footprints, hazardous waste generation, and the economic value added of the environmental goods and services sector, complemented by energy productivity and average CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars. Through z-score normalization, correlation analysis, and exploratory factor analysis, the research identifies structural interdependencies and latent systemic regimes that characterize responsible consumption and production dynamics in the EU. The results reveal a persistent divergence between efficiency- and circularity-oriented improvements and ongoing material and waste pressures, highlighting structural constraints within current sustainability pathways. By offering a replicable and integrative analytical framework, the study contributes to the literature by supporting evidence-based policymaking and identifying priority areas for advancing resource efficiency and circular economy transitions.

The aim of this paper is to investigate the measures adopted by higher education institutions (HEIs) for sustainable water management in university campuses. Rain and storm water harvesting and treatment, rain and storm water reuse, wastewater treatment and reuse and technologies for runoff reduction were found to be frequently undertaken. Sustainable approaches to water supply such as water-efficient appliances, irrigation algorithms and the use of drought-resistant plants have been adopted as well. In support, monitoring of consumed water and of rain and storm waters has been a widespread practice. Important considerations were given to the impact of the identified measures on campuses’ energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Nature-based solutions, employment of renewable energies and sustainable disinfection methods are measures to prioritize. Some wastewater technologies may deserve priority in virtue of their positive contribution to circular economy. Drawbacks such as groundwater and soil contamination due to wastewater reuse and the release of pollutants from fertilized nature-based technologies were identified. Despite their variety, it must be noted that many of these measures have generally involved rather limited portions of campuses, taken more for demonstration or pilot/full-scale research purposes. Additional measures not identified in the current review—for instance the prevention of pollution from micropollutants and waste mismanagement—should be implemented to boost HEIs’ environmental sustainability. The findings of this review pave the way for a more structured implementation of water sustainability measures in university campuses.

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Understanding the entrepreneurial profile is essential for developing effective regional policies that promote business growth. The path of an entrepreneur is shaped not only by individual decisions but also by the inherent risks of managing a business. This study aims to identify the characteristics of entrepreneurs at the regional level, specifically highlighting the impact of accumulated experience in their fields. Our central hypothesis asserts that entrepreneurial experience significantly influences how business owners perceive and respond to economic challenges. Utilizing survey data from 120 entrepreneurs in Romania’s Center Region (a NUTS 2 area), we reveal that entrepreneurial experience profoundly affects perceptions of key business challenges, such as legislative instability, taxation predictability, governmental support strategies, and access to SME financing. Importantly, our findings demonstrate that entrepreneurs with less than 10 years of experience express greater concerns about these challenges compared to their more seasoned peers. This novel insight highlights the need for tailored policy interventions aimed at enhancing regional economic resilience and fostering entrepreneurial sustainability. By addressing the specific needs of less experienced entrepreneurs, our study contributes to a deeper understanding of how experience shapes business dynamics in the region.

This article examines how universities can incorporate waste-reduction strategies rooted in circular economy principles to manage plastic waste. A comprehensive literature review and analysis of 31 case studies from universities across Europe, North America, and Asia showcase innovative practices and strategies for reducing plastic use, improving recycling, and promoting sustainability among students and staff. The article conducts a review of the present state of plastic usage in higher education institutions, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in shifting to a more circular model. A comprehensive literature review and case studies are employed to showcase innovative practices and strategies that universities are adopting to reduce plastic use, improve recycling, and promote sustainability among students and staff. The findings emphasize the importance of collaboration, education, and community involvement in creating a sustainable framework for plastic management that could inspire other sectors. Furthermore, the article calls advocates for integrating specific circular economy strategies, such as plastic reuse initiatives, advanced recycling methods, and stakeholder engagement programs, fostering a culture of sustainability beyond campus boundaries.

This study investigates the impact of extreme weather conditions on the performance of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Como, Italy, in terms of influent (inf) and effluent (eff) quality parameters. During winter (October–December), the average temperature was 8.76 °C ± 11.43 °C, with 7.01 mm rainfall, while summer (May–September) averaged 23.24 °C ± 6.2 °C with 5.2 mm rainfall. Despite seasonal variations, the pH levels remained consistent. Phosphorus removal by the WWTP was efficient, with the winter influent averaging 4.16 ± 5.53 mg/L, the winter effluent averaging 0.33 ± 1.06 mg/L, the summer influent averaging 3.53 ± 2.9 mg/L, and the summer effluent averaging 0.31 ± 0.75 mg/L. The COD and BOD₅ levels showed seasonal trends, with a higher winter-influent COD (450.43 ± 560.56 mg/L) than in summer (410.96 ± 302 mg/L). These higher winter values of effluent may be due to lower biological activity at cooler temperatures, affecting the efficiency of organic matter breakdown and treatment. The winter influent BOD averaged 249.57 ± 220.42 mg/L, with the winter effluent being 2.95 ± 2.04 mg/L, while the summer influent BOD was 214.44 ± 345.5 mg/L and the summer effluent was 3.01 ± 7.5 mg/L. The TSSs and Total-N showed similar seasonal patterns, with there being slight decreases in the TSSs removal efficiency during warmer months. Although microplastic pollution was not directly analyzed in this study, wastewater treatment plants play a crucial role in mitigating microplastic contamination. Despite rainfall influencing the phosphorus and organic load concentrations, the studied plant maintained over 90% pollutant removal efficiency, demonstrating resilience and compliance with regulatory standards. The WWTP’s consistent COD and BOD₅ reductions highlight its robust performance amid climate variations