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Digital transformation leads to efficient materials cycles

The study has been conducted by the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, with a focus on understanding why so few raw materials used in German industry are derived from recycled materials and, in turn, why industry sends so few of its waste products for recycling (this is the so-called ‘circular economy’). The aim of the study is to show how bushiness, by using digital technology, can improve on this and create efficiency savings at the same time.

The research is led by Dr Henning Wilts, Head of the Research Unit Circular Economy, and Dr Holger Berg, Project Co-ordinator for the Research Unit Circular Economy at the Wuppertal Institute. They have called the project the “Circular Economy Literacy” framework. The framework demonstrates that when secondary raw materials recovered from waste (which the researchers call “recyclates”) are fed back into production this can boost revenues; whereas the dominant model of not recycling leads to loss of value. Moreover, the fail to recycle creates dependency on volatile commodity markets, lowers resource productivity and increases environmental pollution.

Through an analysis of different businesses the researchers pinpoint the primary reason why 86 percent of materials come from non-recycled sources: a lack of information. This can be addressed through the use of digital technology and the gathering and analyzing of supply chain data. Data analysis can be used for, as an example, understand which materials are valuable. Another assessment could be which waste materials are hazardous and expensive to dispose of. Further analysis can show which types of waste are practical to recycle. According to Dr. Wilts: “There is an urgent need for better coordination of flows of materials and information, if we are to advance the transition to the circular economy.”

The researchers make four key points for businesses to consider:

The need to build bridges: linking digitalisation and the circular economy
The importance of closing gaps: dedicated support for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
The importance of providing guidance: where is the digital circular economy making progress?
Seeing the big picture: in what areas can the digital circular economy make a real difference?

These four points, it is argued, can lay the foundations for a resource-efficient and digital circular economy.

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Written By

Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news. Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.

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