Are circular economy principles important? But why? Why is there suddenly a lot of hype about the implementation of a circular economy and how technology can play an important role in reducing waste and promoting reuse and recycling?

 One of the crucial facts is the challenges posed by climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation over the years. A circular economy is a system that aims to eliminate waste and keep materials and products in use for as long as possible by designing them to be durable, repairable, and recyclable and by creating closed loops of material flows to minimize the need for virgin resources.

A circular economy can help society, the economy, and the environment in many ways. For example, it can lower greenhouse gas emissions, save money, boost innovation, and create jobs. 

A crucial role is played by technology to enable and accelerate the transition to a circular economy by providing solutions to reduce waste, promote reuse, and recycle. The use of resources, such as water, energy, and materials, is optimized by technology to monitor and control the quality and quantity of waste and emissions.

The performance and efficiency of products and processes are improved by technology to extend their lifespan and functionality. It also helps in facilitating the recovery and regeneration of resources, such as metals, plastics, and organic matter, and creates new products and services from waste and streams.

Let’s dive into the examples of technologies to support the circular economy:

• Smart sensors and IoT devices collect and transmit data about the condition and performance of products, processes, and systems, enabling remote control and optimization. Smart sensors and IoT devices help reduce waste and emissions by detecting faults, malfunctions, and inefficiencies and providing feedback and recommendations for improvement. It also helps in extending the lifespan and functionality of products by enabling predictive maintenance, repair, and upgrade.

• Blockchain and digital platform technologies enable the secure and transparent exchange of information, value, and assets and create networks and markets for sharing, renting, and trading products and services. It also helps to promote reuse and recycling by facilitating the tracking and tracing of products and materials by creating incentives and rewards for circular behavior. It helps reduce the need for physical ownership and transportation and also increases the utilization and accessibility of products and services.
• Biotechnology and bio-based materials technologies use living organisms or their components to create or modify products or processes, producing materials derived from renewable biological sources, such as plants, algae, or fungi. The resources are regenerated with the support of biotechnology by enabling the conversion of waste and emissions into valuable products such as biofuels, bioplastics, and biochemicals. The main goal is to reduce the environmental impact of products and materials by making them biodegradable, compostable, or edible.

So, as we summarize the whole philosophical journey of the principles of the circular economy, we can say that the challenges of climate change can be tackled by implementing the circular economy and its principles in a step-by-step process for a better process design.

The importance of smart sensors and IoT devices, digital platform technologies, and other biotechnology-based material products can be seen as a crucial step for the development of the circular economy and also supporting its growth.

The real-life case study examples of circular economy principles and the role of technology in reducing waste, reuse, and recycling are:

• HP’s closed-loop recycling process for ink cartridges involves collecting used cartridges, disassembling them, and recycling the materials to create new cartridges. The approach also reduces waste, conserves resources, and supports a circular economy. HP has also recycled more than 875 million ink cartridges since 2000 and used more than 114 million pounds of recycled plastic to make new cartridges.
• Amsterdam’s circular economy action program also implements a circular economy action program to promote sustainable economic growth and reduce waste. The program focuses on reusing and recycling materials and resources to encourage renewable energy. The program achieved several results, such as creating more than 3,000 circular jobs, reducing the city’s material consumption by 20%, and increasing the share of renewable energy to 74%. The program also supports circular initiatives in various sectors, such as construction, fashion, and food.
• Sky Green’s vertical farming system in Singapore uses rotating tiers of growing trays, powered by gravity and solar energy, to grow leafy vegetables. The system also uses 95% less water, 75% less land, and 40% less electricity than conventional farming to produce 10 times more yield per unit area. Sky Greens has also sold more than 15 million servings of vegetables since 2012 and expanded its operations to other countries, such as China and Thailand.

What do you think about it? Do you agree with such a development?

Sources:- springer, APC, ellen Macarthur Foundation, twicecommerce, recykal

FAQs

What is the circular economy?

A:The circular economy aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible, minimizing waste and pollution. It emphasizes designing products for reuse and recycling, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for new materials.

Why is the circular economy important?

A: Our current “take-make-dispose” model is unsustainable, leading to resource depletion, pollution, and increasing landfills. The circular economy offers a solution by:

• Conserving natural resources and reducing dependence on virgin materials.
• Minimizing pollution and environmental damage associated with extraction and waste disposal.
• Creating new economic opportunities in areas like repair, reuse, and recycling.

How can technology contribute to the circular economy?

A:Technology plays a significant role in all stages of the circular economy:

• Design: Utilizing software for life-cycle assessments and eco-design helps create products that are easier to repair, reuse, and recycle.
• Production: Implementing automation and smart manufacturing can optimize resource use and minimize waste during production.
• Consumption: Online platforms facilitate product-sharing, renting, and second-hand markets, extending product lifespans.
• Waste Management: Advanced sorting and recycling technologies improve efficiency and capture valuable materials from waste streams.

What specific technologies are used for waste reduction and resource recovery?

A:Several technologies support the circular economy:

• Internet of Things (IoT): Sensors track resource consumption and product status throughout the lifecycle, providing valuable data for optimization.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI can analyze data and identify opportunities for optimizing resource use, predicting potential waste, and improving recycling processes.
• 3D Printing: This technology allows for on-demand manufacturing and localized production, potentially reducing waste and transportation needs.
• Blockchain: This technology can track and trace materials throughout the supply chain, ensuring transparency and promoting responsible sourcing and recycling practices.

What are some challenges in implementing the circular economy?

A:Obstacles include:

Changing consumer behavior: Shifting consumer mindsets from “disposable” to “sustainable” requires education and awareness initiatives.

Infrastructure and investment: Upgrading infrastructure and investing in new technologies can be costly, requiring collaboration between government and industry.

Policy and regulations: Supportive policies and regulations are needed to incentivize circular business models and create a level playing field.

How can we overcome these challenges?

A: Solutions involve:

Public-private partnerships: Collaboration between government, industry, and NGOs can drive innovation and investment.

Consumer education: Raising awareness about the benefits of the circular economy empowers consumers to make informed choices.

Research and development: Continuous research and development in circular technologies are crucial for long-term success.

What is the future of the circular economy?

A:The circular economy holds significant potential for a more sustainable future. As technology advances and collaboration increases, we can expect further progress in:

• Developing innovative circular business models and technologies
• Shifting consumer behavior towards responsible consumption
• Implementing policies and infrastructure that support the circular economy