A review of the key findings from the virtual special issue on sustainability of circular-based chemical processes

this guest editorial team conceived and handled this virtual special issue (VSI) with the aim of collecting all the full-length peer-review ready papers that explored sustainability-related issues of circularity-based chemical processes. The current VSI paper collection reflects, in fact, the turmoil that enlivens not only the scientific landscape but, also, the political and strategic business levels, currently engaged in building and disseminating circular schemes in the field of chemistry. Since various angles were treated, all the articles can be considered as forming a sample of the universe of environmental issues faced by companies in this wide sector. To that end, this editorial was aimed at systematising the information and results obtained, in a way to define the state-of-the-art and so to identify the topics currently under investigation. the The key aim of this VSI was to address the relevant research issues connected with application of sustainability principles in all of those manufacturing systems in which waste are recirculated and reprocessed into value-added unconventional chemical commodities. Under this perspective, the guest editors wish this VSI paper collection to stimulate scientific reflections on the need for innovative circular production models that can accelerate the transition towards sustainable equitable post fossil-carbon societies. By doing so, the VSI will contribute not only to advancing academic research but, also, to highlighting its central role in documenting theoretical concepts, tools, technologies, practices and policies for the assessment and promotion of sustainability in the manufacturing of chemical products. Doing so could help to remark the importance and effectiveness of VSIs to form solid platforms that can enhance the global literature and knowledge on emerging methods, practical implementations, state-of-the-art analyses, findings and lessons learned in research areas like the one investigated here. Finally, this editorial arises with the aim of discussing key concepts and final remarks on such a relevant research field, from the review of the papers belonging to the VSI collection.