ABSTRACT
The incorporation of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) techniques into the circular economy concept greatly alleviate the inefficiencies in the circular economy (CE) concept. The circular economy uses computerization and automation to combat inefficiencies of the linear economy via environmentally friendly manufacturing practices, recycling, reuse of materials, and prolonging product life cycle. Incorporating I4.0 techniques will alleviate the CE concept and measure the impact of its sustainable activities in real-time via sophisticated technologies such as the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and big data. More important, I4.0 integrated CE-based business models are expected to improve traditional business practices through improved resource utilization, reduced socio-environmental burden, and enhanced customer satisfaction. Undoubtedly, the CE concept preserves and regenerates the natural environment and our finite resources, serves the ever-growing population’s infinite needs, and caters for future generations. However, many industries, particularly the smaller ones carrying out their operations based on a linear economy. This may be due to a lack of adequate knowledge and supporting technical infrastructure. In this regard, this study exploring the role of I4.0 techniques in developing a promising CE-based manufacturing system will encourage and assist the decision-makers in these industries in developing suitable strategies to adopt the same.
