Circular Economy in the Event Sector: A Framework for Circular Festivals

The events industry is a very competitive and continuously growing sector, capable of playing a fundamental role in the transformation and development of the territories. At the same time, the sector contributes considerably to the environmental problem, mainly in terms of the use of energy, waste produced, emissions, water usage, food waste, and noise. For these reasons, many players in the sector have therefore decided to start adopting tools to measure their environmental impact and to reduce it. One of the strategies that companies are evaluating to deal with the adverse effects caused by the event industry is circular economy (CE). CE is an alternative model regenerative by design, based on renewable sources, and where the concept of waste is replaced by that of the resource. In light of the above, this paper investigates the possibility of applying the principles of the circular economy to the event sector. Particularly, this paper deals with a specific type of events that are very widespread and therefore cause significant environmental consequences: festivals. As a matter of fact, festivals to continue to thrive over time should adopt a circular approach, trying to minimize the use of resources and preserving the value produced for as long as possible. The aim of this work is therefore to propose a model for the development of a circular events industry. Particularly, for the organization and management of a circular festival throughout its entire life cycle. Firstly, the paper reviews significant circular economy initiatives for the festivals industry. Then, a framework to systematize circular economy practices applicable in the sector has been proposed. The methodology adopted is based on the construction of a matrix built on three variables: Rs of CE, festivals’ phases, and environmental aspects. In particular, as regards the chosen Rs, a study of the existing literature was first carried out, considering that several authors have adopted and defined different R frameworks. As for events’ phases, an attempt was made to reproduce the life cycle of an event. Finally, the selection of the environmental aspects was based in part on data regarding the major environmental impacts of festivals and in part on the indications provided the most significant standards of the sector. Once the framework is developed it should be possible to have some insights on the impact of CE principles on festivals management and organization and on which are the areas that require greater attention in terms of research and investments to enhance a more sustainable festival sector. SDG12 - Target 12.2: Sustainable management and use of natural resources - In 2020, the events sector was hit by an unprecedented crisis following the COVID-19 pandemic. The events sector to restart post-COVID is becoming more aware of the fact that it contributes considerably to the environmental problem, in particular through travels to events’ venues, the use of energy, and the production of waste. Many players in the sector have therefore decided to start adopting tools to measure their environmental impact and to reduce it.