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Special Issue "Resources Conservation, Recycling and Waste Management"

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Resources and Sustainable Utilization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2023 | Viewed by 21951

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Nallapaneni Manoj Kumar

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Guest Editor

School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Interests: building-integrated photovoltaics; circular economy; sustainability and resilience; energy management; life cycle assessment; technoeconomic analysis; modeling and performance investigation of energy systems; solar for smart cities applications; advances in solar energy installations; microgrids; blockchain technology; internet of things; sustainable development goals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Subrata Hait

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Guest Editor

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar, India
Interests: pollution prevention methods; resource recovery; waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) management; solid and hazardous waste management; organic waste management; automated waste sorting

Dr. Anshu Priya

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Guest Editor

School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Interests: waste management and sustainable development; biomass valorization; bioremediation; environmental biotechnology

Dr. Varsha Bohra

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Guest Editor

1. Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong kong
2. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, India
Interests: bioconversion methods; cellulosic biomass to value-added products; meta(genomics); bioinformatics; cazymes; glycoside hydrolases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the context of transitioning towards more sustainable production and consumption systems, there is an urgent need for improving our fundamental understanding of production and consumption patterns. Having such fundamental insights will help to alleviate the grander depiction of waste generation and associated environmental issues, and opportunities for better use of the products/materials/components in a system. This will ultimately help to establish efficient approaches to resources conservation, recycling, and waste management. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated socio-economic crisis have hindered the progress towards achieving the UN-SDGs. A circular economy (CE)-based approach in waste management could help in achieving the UN-SDGs in the post-COVID scenario. Therefore, this Special Issue focuses not only on science, technology, engineering, and the policy perception of current advances in ‘Resources Conservation, Recycling and Waste Management’, but also on economic viability, sustainability, and societal acceptance.

Hence, this Special Issue publishes research papers, short communications, research reviews, mini-reviews, technical notes, analyses, and case studies on topics including but not limited to those mentioned below:

Replacements or substitutions for primary resources;
Management approaches, tools, methodologies and processes of change for industrial and societal systems;
Strategies for managing resource supply and demand and the role of digital solutions;
Increasing the serviceability of product, material, component and system;
Waste valorization and the practical challenges with appropriate suggestions from science, technology, engineering and policy perception;
Measures to lower embodied energy, carbon and material intensities;
Externalities of waste processing and health care impacts;
Information and management systems for product tracing and resource productivity improvement;
Circular economy and its business models;
Resilient waste management systems in the post-COVID context for sustainability;
Circular economy approaches in waste management for achieving UN-SDGs in the post-COVID context;
Life cycle assessment and techno-economic assessments for novel processes and systems;
Material passports and material flow analysis;
Cellulosic biomass to value-added products;
Biological, chemical, and thermal waste treatment;
Sustainability education and impact creation;
Governance, legislation, and policy for resources conservation, recycling and waste management;
Internalisation of environmental and social costs, as well as policy interventions;
Analysis of manufacturer roles, as well as consumer preferences and attitudes

Dr. Nallapaneni Manoj Kumar
Dr. Subrata Hait
Dr. Anshu Priya
Dr. Varsha Bohra
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

waste management
industrial ecology
recycling, reuse, regeneration and recovery
9R’s and sustainability
wastewater treatment
WEEE management
mining and environmental remediation
hazardous waste management
recycling end-of-life vehicles
battery recycling
landfill optimization
LCA and MFA of products
bioconversion methods
biomass valorization
food waste
textile waste
circular economy
circular business models
blockchain and IoT
material passports
energy recovery
tires and plastics
waste characterization

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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Open AccessArticle

Combined Effects of Biochar and Inhibitors on Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Global Warming Potential, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in the Tobacco Field

and

Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 6100; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15076100 - 31 Mar 2023

Viewed by 700

Abstract

Biochar (BC), nitrification inhibitors (methyl 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate, MHPP), and urease inhibitors (n-butyl phosphorothioate triamine, NBPT) have emerged as effective soil greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation strategies in agroecosystems. However, the combined use of BC and inhibitors in karst areas has no available data. Therefore, the combined effects of BC, MHPP, and NBPT on GHG emissions, global warming potential (GWP) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in roasted tobacco cropping systems were studied to improve the understanding in climate mitigation. CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O emissions from soils were measured using static chamber-gas chromatography. Results showed that the combined use of BC and inhibitors significantly increased soil total nitrogen, available potassium, electric conductivity, pH, and soil organic matter compared to the control. The combined use of BC and MHPP or NBPT significantly increased cumulative soil CO₂ emissions by 33.95% and 34.25%, respectively. The exponential–exponential function of soil CO₂ fluxes with soil moisture and temperature demonstrated good fit (R²: 0.506–0.836). The combination of BC and NBPT increased the cumulative soil CH₄ emissions by 14.28% but not significantly compared to the fertiliser treatment. However, the combination of BC and MHPP resulted in a significant reduction in cumulative soil CH₄ emissions by 80.26%. In addition, the combined use of BC and MHPP or NBPT significantly reduced the cumulative soil N₂O emissions by 26.55% and 40.67%, respectively. The inhibition effect of NBPT was better than MHPP. Overall, the combined use of BC and inhibitors significantly reduced the yield-scaled GWP, markedly increased crop yield and NUE, and mitigated climate change in the southwest karst region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resources Conservation, Recycling and Waste Management)

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Open AccessArticle

Portfolio Analysis of Clean Energy Vehicles in Japan Considering Copper Recycling

Jun Osawa

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2113; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032113 - 22 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 814

Abstract

Several countries are moving toward carbon neutrality to mitigate climate change. The introduction of clean energy vehicles (CEVs) is a measure to offset the adverse effects of global warming. However, each CEV has its strengths and weaknesses. An optimal CEV portfolio must be formulated to create effective policies that promote innovative technologies and introduce them into the market. CEVs also consume more copper than gasoline vehicles. Copper is associated with supply risks, which most previous conventional studies have failed to address. Therefore, this study proposes a novel CEV optimization model for sustainable consumption of copper resources through recycling along with reduction of CO₂ emissions. This study aims to analyze the optimal portfolio for domestic passenger vehicles and the assumed effects of copper recycling and usage reduction. For this analysis, this study set up scenarios for the recycling rate of copper contained in end-of-life vehicles and the reduction rate of copper used in newly sold vehicles. Our simulation results showed that increased recycling rates and reduced use of copper are necessary for the diffusion of battery electric vehicles. Furthermore, the simulation results indicated that if these improvements are not implemented, the deployment of fuel cell vehicles needs to be accelerated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resources Conservation, Recycling and Waste Management)

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Open AccessArticle

Adsorption of Fatty Acid on Beta-Cyclodextrin Functionalized Cellulose Nanofiber

Nor Hasmaliana Abdul Manas

Nurhidayah Kumar Muhammad Firdaus Kumar

Nurul Aqilah Mohd Shah

Guang Yik Ling

Nur Izyan Wan Azelee

Siti Fatimah Zaharah Mohd Fuzi

Nasratun Masngut

Muhammad Abd Hadi Bunyamin

Rosli Md. Illias

and

Hesham Ali El Enshasy

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1559; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021559 - 13 Jan 2023

Viewed by 917

Abstract

Fatty acids in wastewater contribute to high chemical oxygen demand. The use of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) to adsorb the fatty acids is limited by its strong internal hydrogen bonding. This study aims to functionalize CNF with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and elucidate the adsorption behaviour which is yet to be explored. β-CD functionalized CNF (CNF/β-CD) was achieved by crosslinking of β-CD and citric acid. Functionalization using 7% (w/v) β-CD and 8% (w/v) citric acid enhanced mechanical properties by increasing its thermal decomposition. CNF/β-CD was more efficient in removing palmitic acid, showcased by double adsorption capacity of CNF/β-CD (33.14% removal) compared to CNF (15.62% removal). CNF/β-CD maintained its adsorption performance after five cycles compared to CNF, which reduced significantly after two cycles. At 25 °C, the adsorption reached equilibrium after 60 min, following a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The intraparticle diffusion model suggested chemical adsorption and intraparticle interaction as the controlling steps in the adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity was 8349.23 mg g⁻¹ and 10485.38 mg g⁻¹ according to the Sips and Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. The adsorption was described as monolayer and endothermic, and it involved both a physisorption and chemisorption process. This is the first study to describe the adsorption behaviour of palmitic acid onto CNF/β-CD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resources Conservation, Recycling and Waste Management)

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Open AccessArticle

Development, Critical Evaluation, and Proposed Framework: End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling in India

Zambri Harun

Altaf Hossain Molla

Mohd Radzi Abu Mansor

and

Rozmi Ismail

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 15441; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142215441 - 21 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1090

Abstract

Over the last couple of decades, the automobile sector in India has seen dramatic growth, following the phenomenal booming of engenders rapid proliferation of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). Therefore, efficient and sustainable handling of ELVs is paramount. India has been striving to establish a practical regulatory framework to handle ELVs sustainably. This study explores India’s current ELV recycling system to promote sustainable development. Subsequently, this article evaluates the present ELV recycling system to determine the existing issues in ELV recycling to prevent failure and enhance and standardize the processes involved in ELV recycling to achieve the optimum standard for product and process quality. This paper proposes pragmatic frameworks and offers recommendations for setting up an efficient ELV recycling system to resolve current issues and expedite sustainable development. This study has been performed through a mixed-method approach; a literature and policy review accompanied by detailed structured interviews with major stakeholders and industrial visits. This investigation reveals that India’s ELV recycling system is at the embryonic stage and struggling against numerous inherent impediments. However, the proposed frameworks, together with practical recommendations, provide a paradigm for expediting materials recycling from ELVs and resolving perennial issues. This research may assist the government of India in implementing any upcoming regulatory and legal framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resources Conservation, Recycling and Waste Management)

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Open AccessArticle

Development of a Reverse Logistics Modeling for End-of-Life Lithium-Ion Batteries and Its Impact on Recycling Viability—A Case Study to Support End-of-Life Electric Vehicle Battery Strategy in Canada

Giovanna Gonzales-Calienes

Ben Yu

and

Farid Bensebaa

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 15321; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142215321 - 18 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1615

Abstract

The deployment of a sustainable recycling network for electric vehicle batteries requires the development of an infrastructure to collect and deliver batteries to several locations from which they can be transported to companies for repurposing or recycling. This infrastructure is still not yet developed in North America, and consequently, spent electric vehicle batteries in Canada are dispersed throughout the country. The purpose of this reverse logistics study is to develop a spatial modeling framework to identify the optimal locations of battery pack dismantling hubs and recycling processing facilities in Canada and quantify the environmental and economic impacts of the supporting infrastructure network for electric vehicle lithium-ion battery end-of-life management. The model integrates the geographic information system, material flow analysis for estimating the availability of spent battery stocks, and the life cycle assessment approach to assess the environmental impact. To minimize the costs and greenhouse gas emission intensity, three regional recycling clusters, including dismantling hubs, recycling processing, and scrap metal smelting facilities, were identified. These three clusters will have the capacity to satisfy the annual flow of disposed batteries. The Quebec–Maritimes cluster presents the lowest payload distance, life-cycle carbon footprint, and truck transportation costs than the Ontario and British Columbia–Prairies clusters. Access to end-of-life batteries not only makes the battery supply chain circular, but also provides incentives for establishing recycling facilities. The average costs and carbon intensity of recycled cathode raw materials are CAD 1.29/kg of the spent battery pack and 0.7 kg CO_2e/kg of the spent battery pack, respectively, which were estimated based on the optimization of the transportation distances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resources Conservation, Recycling and Waste Management)

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Open AccessArticle

An Assessment of Drivers and Barriers to Implementation of Circular Economy in the End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Sector in India

and

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13084; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013084 - 12 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1267

Abstract

The circular economy (CE) has been frequently in the news recently, as it offers a regenerative system that substitutes the end-of-life concept with restoration. Despite several benefits yielded by the CE from a triple-bottom-line perspective, India’s end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling sector is striving against numerous impediments to implementing the CE approach. Therefore, this paper attempts to shine a spotlight on India’s ELV recycling sector, to identify the potential drivers and barriers to CE implementation. This study has employed an explorative approach to determine the impediments and drivers regarding implementing CE in India’s ELV recycling sector. This research reveals that economic viability (25 percent), environmental degradation (17 percent), and global agenda (15 percent) are the three leading primary drivers. In contrast, limited technology (18 percent), financial constraints (15 percent), and a lack of knowledge and expertise (12 percent) are significant barriers that thwart CE implementation in India’s ELV recycling sector. This paper has made the first attempt to explore the drivers and barriers to implementing CE in the ELV recycling sector in India. Therefore, besides advancing our understanding of opportunities for and threats to implementing CE, this investigation may assist the Indian authorities in devising appropriate policies and strategies and developing a regulatory and legal framework that is conducive to CE and sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resources Conservation, Recycling and Waste Management)

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Open AccessArticle

Developing a Sustainable Omnichannel Strategic Framework toward Circular Revolution: An Integrated Approach

Tuğba Yeğin

and

Muhammad Ikram

Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11578; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811578 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1770

Abstract

One of the contributions of digitalization to cyclical change is the adoption of Omnichannel Marketing (OM) as a new marketing strategy for brands. In this research, we examined whether the quality of integration (INQ) in omnichannel environments has an effect on brand equity (BE) and its dimensions (brand loyalty (BL), brand association and brand awareness (BAS), and perceived quality (PQ)) within the framework of a structural model. We aim to expand the limited number of INQ research areas. In this context, in the first stage of our research, we conducted an online survey consisting of three parts with the consumers of the Nike luxury sportswear brand, which is in 11th place in the global brand value ranking, residing in Turkey from the developing countries. In the second stage of the analysis, we performed CFA for scale reliability and validity. Crobach’s alpha, AVE and CR values for all factors of the scale exceeded the threshold values in the literature. In addition, the goodness-of-fit values of the scale, which were checked for compliance with the research, exceeded the threshold values. In the third stage of the analysis, we performed SEM analysis to test the model of the study and the assumptions of the study. The SEM results of our research confirmed the assumptions established between INQ and BE and its components in the context of OM. SEM results revealed that INQ had the highest effect (0.93) on BAS and PQ and the least effect (0.86) on BL, and INQ affected BE with 0.90. The results of this research, which examines the predictors of brand equity and its components, offer implications for OM, INQ, BE subject areas that have not been empirically analyzed despite increasing knowledge and still having limitations in theoretical information. Our research is unique, as it is the first study to empirically examine the relationship between INQ and BE and its components in the context of OM. The research on omnichannel applications is quite limited. This study brings a conceptual extension to the literature on omnichannel strategies, INQ and OM, whereas they presented the necessary reasons for managers to provide INQ in an omnichannel environment in order to increase brand equity, with an empirical application. In addition, the most important benefit of this research is that it shows brand owners and managers and brand marketers a way to set up the omnichannel system toward circular revolution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resources Conservation, Recycling and Waste Management)

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Open AccessArticle

Increased Digital Resource Consumption in Higher Educational Institutions and the Artificial Intelligence Role in Informing Decisions Related to Student Performance

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Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 2377; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14042377 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2223

Abstract

As education is an essential enabler in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it should “ensure inclusive, equitable quality education, and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. One of the frameworks for SDG 4 is to propose the concepts of “equitable quality education”. To attain and work in the context of SDG 4, artificial intelligence (AI) is a booming technology, which is gaining interest in understanding student behavior and assessing student performance. AI holds great potential for improving education as it has started to develop innovative teaching and learning approaches in education to create better learning. To provide better education, data analytics is critical. AI and machine learning approaches provide rapid solutions with high accuracy. This paper presents an AI-based analytics tool created to predict student performance in a first-year Information Technology literacy course at The University of the South Pacific (USP). A Random Forest based classification model was developed which predicted the performance of the student in week 6 with an accuracy value of 97.03%, sensitivity value of 95.26%, specificity value of 98.8%, precision value of 98.86%, Matthews correlation coefficient value of 94% and Area Under the ROC Curve value of 99%. Hence, such a method is very useful in predicting student performance early in their courses of allowing for early intervention. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the experimental findings demonstrate that the suggested prediction model satisfies the required accuracy, precision, and recall factors for forecasting the behavioural elements of teaching and e-learning for students in virtual education systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resources Conservation, Recycling and Waste Management)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

COVID-19 Biomedical Plastics Wastes—Challenges and Strategies for Curbing the Environmental Disaster

Siddharthan Selvaraj

Somasundaram Prasadh

Shivkanya Fuloria

Vetriselvan Subramaniyan

Mohammad Nazmul Hasan Maziz

Kathiresan V. Sathasivam

Dhanalekshmi U. Meenakshi

and

Neeraj Kumar Fuloria

Sustainability 2022, 14(11), 6466; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14116466 - 25 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1715

Abstract

The rise of the COVID-19 outbreak has made handling plastic waste much more difficult. Our superior, hyper-hygienic way of life has changed our behavioural patterns, such as the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), the increased desire for plastic-packaged food and commodities, and the use of disposable utensils, as a result of the fear of transmission. The constraints and inefficiencies of our current waste management system, in dealing with our growing reliance on plastic, could worsen its mismanagement and leakage into the environment, causing a new environmental crisis. A sustainable, systemic, and hierarchical plastic management plan, which clearly outlines the respective responsibilities as well as the socioeconomic and environmental implications of these actions, is required to tackle the problem of plastic pollution. It will necessitate action strategies tailored to individual types of plastic waste and country demand, as well as increased support from policymakers and the general public. The situation of biomedical plastic wastes during the COVID-19 epidemic is alarming. In addition, treatment of plastic waste, sterilisation, incineration, and alternative technologies for transforming bio-plastic waste into value-added products were discussed, elaborately. Our review would help to promote sustainable technologies to manage plastic waste, which can only be achieved with a change in behaviour among individuals and society, which might help to safeguard against going from one disaster to another in the coming days. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resources Conservation, Recycling and Waste Management)

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Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Heavy Metal, Waste, COVID-19, and Rapid Industrialization in This Modern Era—Fit for Sustainable Future

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Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4746; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084746 - 15 Apr 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2643

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination, waste, and COVID-19 are hazardous to all living things in the environment. This review examined the effects of heavy metals, waste, and COVID-19 on the ecosystem. Scientists and researchers are currently working on ways to extract valuable metals from waste and wastewater. We prefer Tessier sequential extraction for future use for heavy metal pollution in soil. Results indicated that population growth is another source of pollution in the environment. Heavy metal pollution wreaks havoc on soil and groundwater, especially in China. COVID-19 has pros and cons. The COVID-19 epidemic has reduced air pollution in China and caused a significant reduction in CO₂ releases globally due to the lockdown but has a harmful effect on human health and the economy. Moreover, COVID-19 brings a huge amount of biomedical waste. COVID-19’s biomedical waste appears to be causing different health issues. On the other hand, it was discovered that recycling has become a new source of pollution in south China. Furthermore, heavy metal contamination is the most severe ecological effect. Likewise, every problem has a remedy to create new waste management and pollution monitoring policy. The construction of a modern recycling refinery is an important aspect of national waste disposal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resources Conservation, Recycling and Waste Management)

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Open AccessReview

A Critical Assessment on Functional Attributes and Degradation Mechanism of Membrane Electrode Assembly Components in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Arunkumar Jayakumar

Dinesh Kumar Madheswaran

and

Nallapaneni Manoj Kumar

Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 13938; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132413938 - 16 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2333

Abstract

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) are typically a subset of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) that possess benefits such as fuel flexibility, reduction in plant balance, and benign operation. Due to their benefits, DMFCs could play a substantial role in the future, specifically in replacing Li-ion batteries for portable and military applications. However, the critical concern with DMFCs is the degradation and inadequate reliability that affect the overall value chain and can potentially impede the commercialization of DMFCs. As a consequence, a reliability assessment can provide more insight into a DMFC component’s attributes. The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is the integral component of the DMFC stack. A comprehensive understanding of its functional attributes and degradation mechanism plays a significant role in its commercialization. The methanol crossover through the membrane, carbon monoxide poisoning, high anode polarization by methanol oxidation, and operating parameters such as temperature, humidity, and others are significant contributions to MEA degradation. In addition, inadequate reliability of the MEA impacts the failure mechanism of DMFC, resulting in poor efficiency. Consequently, this paper provides a comprehensive assessment of several factors leading to the MEA degradation mechanism in order to develop a holistic understanding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resources Conservation, Recycling and Waste Management)

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Other

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Open AccessPerspective

Leveraging Blockchain and Smart Contract Technologies to Overcome Circular Economy Implementation Challenges

Nallapaneni Manoj Kumar

and

Shauhrat S. Chopra

Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9492; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159492 - 02 Aug 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2095

Abstract

Adopting a circular economy (CE) has rapidly emerged among policymakers and business community stakeholders to promote material circularization and ensure sustainable development. While the inclination for a paradigm shift away from the linear economy is evident, many challenges have been quoted in the literature regarding its implementation. Lately, it has become common to propose Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)-based approaches to address these challenges. However, they do not question the practicality of the solutions in the context of CE. This paper aims to find an appropriate digital solution for CE implementation, which is not possible without a complete understanding of the existing challenges. A thorough literature review broadly classified the challenges under five barrier categories: Technological, Financial, Infrastructural, Institutional, and Societal, which was followed up with an investigation into the failure of ICT solutions to address CE challenges. Among the various technologies, blockchain and smart contract technologies show some promise as data-driven decision-making tools; however, they are not without their limitations when applied in the context of CE. This perspective explores the role of blockchain smart contract technology-scape in overcoming CE challenges and presents a circular economy blockchain (CEB) architecture development. The findings suggest that CEB may enable CE business models that improve trust and transparency in supply-chain networks, shared and performance economy platforms, stakeholder participation, and governance and management of organizations. Ultimately, this study highlights critical areas for research and development for the blockchainification of CE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resources Conservation, Recycling and Waste Management)

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