Spotlight Feature – Melissa Marques

Postdoctoral Researcher

Heriot-Watt University

As society transitions to a more circular economy, I am generally interested in exploring how circular activities such as reducing, reusing, and recycling can impact businesses as well as the wider economic system. As a research assistant for the centre, my research contribution so far involved understanding the key characteristics of business ecosystems pioneering in chemical and electrochemical recycling. For instance, we have investigated the business models and other factors involved in a partnership between the steel and chemical industry where carbon ‘waste’ was recycled into home care products, potentially reducing the overall environmental impact of two supply chains.

My research has always involved close contact and collaboration with firms that are pioneering the circular economy. As part of the research centre, we are in constant contact with small and large chemical manufacturers, fast-moving consumer goods firms, waste and water treatment companies, chemical recyclers, among others. I have also previously collaborated with several industry partners and remanufacturing firms in other funded projects.