Page 19 - Environmental_Circular Economy

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The figure below, developed by Nova in 2014, illustrate this definition:

Then, the term cascading refers to sequential recycling of a material into another type of product at its end
of life. Cascading contribute to resource efficiency. However, this concept should be differenciated from
resource efficiency, as resource efficiency is achieved by increasing the utility of the biomass, but not
necesarily only from its multiple use.

While looking for further information on this topic, you might find a lot of recent texts and policies
focusing on cascading and ciruclar economy. However, this practice is not entirely new. Some practices
pre-date the industrialisation of wood, in the middle of XIXth century, as industries were seeking for
a maximum utility of the product, and already thinking about multiple sequential uses. Also, is has been
reported that larger sawmills have often been integrated cascading with veneer and plywood production.
It was also typical for the pulp, textile or paper industries (Carus 2017). Then, the term and theorisation of
cascading dates from the 70´s in parrallel to the growth of environmental concerns. From 2010, the
interest for cascading was decupled. It has been subject to many studies and policies intending to
encourage the implementation of cascading practices, as it offers evident benefits for both the industries
and environment. The European Commission, as well as international organisations have published
important reference documents in the fields, highliting the huge potential that it represent for the future.
You can find references to some of these text in chapter.