The Digital Circular Economy: Can the Digital Transformation Pave the Way for Resource-Efficient Materials Cycles? - Juniper Publishers
Juniper Publishers- Open Access Journal of Environmental Sciences & Natural Resources The Digital Circular Economy: Can the Digital Transformation Pave the Way for Resource-Efficient Materials Cycles? Authored by Henning Wilts Abstract Despite the recent interest in a circular economy, recycled materials are being fed back into production processes at volumes that are far below what is possible. If this system were to be improved, loss of value, dependence on volatile commodity markets, lower resource productivity, and externalities in the form of environmental pollution could be avoided. A drive towards digitalisation in industry and the waste management sector could make this happen. Keywords: Digitalisation; Circular Economy; Transformation; Resource-Efficiency; Fourth Industrial Revolution Abbreviations: BMUB: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety; EEA: European Environment Agency; SMEs: Small and Medi...