Mechanisms to achieve sustainable consumption trough ecoinnovation

Abstract

This project is based on a research study of the different ways and mechanisms to achieve sustainable development by making a smarter use of resources, while reducing the negative effects of our economy on the environment, creating economic benefits and competitiveness. Before starting an eco-innovative project, the pros and cons should be balanced and defined. It is important to identify the barriers to a circular economy which are many and varied. From the opposite position, the drivers enable and help recognize the conditions that benefit environmental innovation. This work focuses on the most important barriers and drivers previously formulated and their classification On the other hand, it deepens in the different most outstanding theoretical models of today (The Circular Economy Model and the Green Solow Model), that allow to analyze the ecoefficiency, emissions and the environmental damages produced. Also, the work evaluates the eco-innovation performance across the European Union member states and the eco-innovation index and scoreboard developed by the Eco-Innovation Observatory. Worldwide clean technology has been studied, as well as the Global Cleantech Innovation Index classification of companies and countries. As far as the national and international sphere is concerned, the work has been based on a study of many companies that are already immersed in eco-innovation and how they have improved the situation in the market by achieving a positive impact on the economy and society, developing a commercializing successful innovative solution. Five companies have been selected (Fruits de Ponent, Gamesa, Nestlé, Coca-Cola and Levi’s) and their innovative projects and benefits obtained have been studied thoroughly.