Decarbonization in waste recycling industry using digitalization to promote net-zero emissions and its implications on sustainability. (15th July 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kurniawan, Tonni Agustiono; Othman, Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan; Liang, Xue; Goh, Hui Hwang; Gikas, Petros; Kusworo, Tutuk Djoko; Anouzla, Abdelkader; Chew, Kit Wayne
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 338(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-07-15
• Subjects: Circular economy -- Digitalization -- E-Waste -- Net-zero emission -- Resource recovery -- Zero waste; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117765
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: Digitalization and sustainability have been considered as critical elements in tackling a growing problem of solid waste in the framework of circular economy (CE). Although digitalization can enhance time-efficiency and/or cost-efficiency, their end-results do not always lead to sustainability. So far, the literatures still lack of a holistic view in understanding the development trends and key roles of digitalization in waste recycling industry to benefit stakeholders and to protect the environment. To bridge this knowledge gap, this work systematically investigates how leveraging digitalization in waste recycling industry could address these research questions: (1) What are the key problems of solid waste recycling? (2) How the trends of digitalization in waste management could benefit a CE? (3) How digitalization could strengthen waste recycling industry in a post-pandemic era? While digitalization boosts material flows in a CE, it is evident that utilizing digital solutions to strengthen waste recycling business could reinforce a resource-efficient, low-carbon, and a CE. In the Industry 4.0 era, digitalization can add 15% (about USD 15.7 trillion) to global economy by 2030. As digitalization grows, making the waste sector shift to a CE could save between 30% and 35% of municipalities' waste management budget. With digitalization, a cost reduction of 3.6% and a revenue increase of 4.1% are projected annually. This would contribute to USD 493 billion in an increasing revenue yearly in the next decade. As digitalization enables tasks to be completed shortly with less manpower, this could save USD 421 billion annually for the next decade. With respect to environmental impacts, digitalization in the waste sector could reduce global CO2 emissions by 15% by 2030 through technological solutions. Overall, this work suggests that digitalization in the waste sector contributes net-zero emission to a digital economy, while transitioning to a sustainable world as its social impacts. Highlights: Digital solutions can promote time-efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Utilizing digital solutions in waste recycling industry reinforces a circular economy. A shift to CE could save about 35% of municipality's waste management budget. Digitalization enables a cost reduction of 3.6% and increases revenue of 4.1%. Digitalization contributes USD 493 billion to annual revenue in the next decade.