Dynamic coupling of the resource-economic-environment systems of China’s steel industrial chain based on scrap steel recycling

Abstract

To accelerate the transformation and upgrading of industries and promote circular economy, evaluating the sustainability of steel industrial chain has a positive significance for the development of the industry. This study constructed a resource- economic- environment system coupling model based on life cycle assessment and energy accounting. It analyzed the coupling mechanism of China’s steel industrial chain at the product, enterprise, and industry levels, and identified the key driving policies affecting the coupling at different levels by considering the scrap steel recycling rate, which could provide a reference for industry managers. The results show that: The coupling coordination degree of China’s steel industrial chain subjects is significantly different, and generally presents the pattern of downstream > midstream > upstream. The resource-economic dimensions are the dominant factors affecting the coupling of industrial chain in the resource-economic-environment systems. With the significant increase of scrap steel recycling rate, the policies of“reducing capacity”,“technological progress”, and“improving resource utilization” can have a positive impact on the coupling of different types of subjects in the steel industrial chain. To improve the resilience and risk-resistance ability of China’s steel industrial chain, this study put forward targeted policy recommendations for the comprehensive development of the industrial chain from the perspective of different types of subjects.