The concept of a circular economy is becoming a priority for governments and organisations as they become increasingly aware of the environmental consequences associated with traditional linear waste disposal processes.
Although regulations supporting the transition towards a circular economy began to emerge in the early 1990s, it is only now that they have become more defined and have started incorporating the use of new digitally transformative technologies. Digital technologies hold tremendous potential to enable the circular economy objectives of governments and corporate and other organisations. From advanced techniques which optimise product designs (that reduce waste) to intelligent interconnected systems (that optimise resource use), the possibilities are endless. By integrating these technologies, businesses can benefit from improved resource management, extended life of products, increased degree of recycling and reuse, appropriate waste disposal practices at the end-of-life, and more. For example, by analysing datasets related to product design materials and recycling processes, AI algorithms can suggest product designs that are aligned with circular economy principles.
In this report, we focus on the role of digital technologies such as IoT, AI, Distributed Ledger, Autonomous Robotic Systems, 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing, and Data Sharing in enabling a circular economy transition. Solutions using these technologies will make business models, products, and manufacturing processes more circular by facilitating knowledge exchange and connecting different stakeholders in the value chain. By integrating these technologies, businesses can benefit from improved resource management, extended life of products, increased degree of recycling and reuse, appropriate waste disposal practices at the end-of-life, and more.
