Circular Economy Integration Enhances Dairy Industry Resource Efficiency

Why It Matters

The dairy industry faces substantial environmental pressures due to high resource consumption and waste generation. By adopting a circular economy approach, organizations can move from a linear 'take-make-dispose' model to one that prioritizes resource reuse, recycling, and regeneration, leading to both environmental benefits and potential cost savings.

Key Finding

The study successfully created and validated a model that maps circular economy principles onto the EFQM 2020 excellence framework, showing it's a viable approach for improving resource management in the dairy sector.

Key Findings

• A model integrating circular economy concepts with the EFQM 2020 framework was developed.
• The model demonstrated appropriate fit and meaningful relationships between its components.
• The approach can serve as a basis for excellence in the dairy industry through circular economy principles.

Research Evidence

Aim: To identify and model the components of a circular economy within the context of the EFQM 2020 Excellence Model for the dairy industry.

Method: Mixed-methods research, combining systematic literature review, expert interviews, expert panel review, and confirmatory factor analysis.

Procedure: Key indicators of the circular economy were identified through a literature review and expert interviews. These indicators were then classified and integrated into the EFQM 2020 framework by a panel of experts. The validity of the resulting model was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis.

Context: Dairy industry, organizational excellence, circular economy.

Design Principle

Design for resource circularity within established organizational excellence models.

How to Apply

When designing new dairy processing systems or improving existing ones, consider how to incorporate waste valorization, water recycling, and energy efficiency measures that fit within a broader organizational excellence strategy.

Limitations

The study's focus is specific to the dairy industry, and the applicability to other sectors may vary. The model's effectiveness in practice requires further empirical testing.

Student Guide (IB Design Technology)

Simple Explanation: This research shows that by using a structured approach (like EFQM 2020) and focusing on 'circular economy' ideas (like reusing and recycling), dairy companies can use their resources better and create less waste.

Why This Matters: Understanding how to integrate circular economy concepts into existing business practices is crucial for developing sustainable products and systems that minimize environmental impact.

Critical Thinking: How might the specific characteristics of the dairy industry (e.g., perishable products, specific waste streams) influence the successful implementation of a circular economy model compared to other industries?

IA-Ready Paragraph: This research highlights the potential for integrating circular economy principles within established organizational excellence frameworks, such as the EFQM 2020 model, to enhance resource efficiency in industries like dairy. The study's findings suggest that a structured approach can lead to meaningful improvements in waste reduction and resource utilization, providing a valuable blueprint for design projects aiming for sustainability.

Project Tips

• When researching resource management, look for how different industries are adopting circular economy principles.
• Consider how established frameworks (like ISO standards or excellence models) can be adapted to incorporate sustainability goals.

How to Use in IA

• Use this research to justify the adoption of circular economy principles in your design project's resource management strategy.
• Reference the study when discussing the importance of systemic approaches to sustainability in your design process.

Examiner Tips

• Demonstrate an understanding of how theoretical models of sustainability can be practically applied to industry challenges.
• Show how your design project addresses resource efficiency and waste reduction through a systematic approach.

Independent Variable: Integration of circular economy components within the EFQM 2020 framework.

Dependent Variable: Organizational excellence, resource efficiency, waste reduction.

Controlled Variables: Dairy industry context, EFQM 2020 model structure.

Strengths

• Combines theoretical frameworks (circular economy, EFQM) with industry-specific application.
• Employs a rigorous methodology involving literature review, expert input, and statistical validation.

Critical Questions

• What are the key barriers to adopting a circular economy model in the dairy industry, and how can design address them?
• How can the EFQM 2020 framework be further adapted to explicitly measure and reward circular economy performance?

Extended Essay Application

• An Extended Essay could investigate the economic viability of implementing specific circular economy strategies identified in this research within a dairy cooperative.
• Explore the diffusion of circular economy innovations within the dairy sector, analyzing factors that accelerate or hinder adoption.

Source

Identifying and Modeling Circular Economy Components with the EFQM2020 Organizational Excellence Approach in the Dairy Industry · Muṭāli̒āt-i Mudīriyyat-i Ṣan̒atī · 2025 · 10.22054/jims.2025.84037.2952