The role of digital technologies from Industry 4.0 in implementing the circular economy and achieving sustainability

Abstract

The circular economy generate an extreme transformation of the current linear model (extract-produce-consume-throw). As a result, we reduce the extraction of natural resources and the amount of trash in nature, in the meanwhile we improve the living life of our citizens. All of this lead to the creation of an environmental, economic prosperity, social equity and the achievement of the objective of sustainable development. In this context, digital technologies from the Industry 4.0 concept from the manufacturing industry are increasingly required for the realization of the circular economy by helping close the loop, slow down the material consumption and reduce the rubbish throw thanks to better resource efficiency. In these conditions, digital technologies are considered as solutions for the accomplishment of the circular economy The study concludes. Digitization can push the transformation to a more sustainable circular economy if the digital technologies from the Industry 4.0 concept are well applied.