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Blockchain-enabled circular economy: Rethinking waste management in global manufacturing

Author

Listed:
  • Ahmad Bathaei

    (Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences)

  • Bahador Bahramimianrood

    (UNSW Sydney)

  • Siti Rahmah Awang

    (University of Technology Malaysia)

Abstract

The transition toward a circular economy (CE) in global manufacturing is hindered by challenges such as limited traceability, fragmented waste flows, and lack of compliance enforcement. Blockchain technology, with its capabilities in transparency, immutability, and decentralization, presents a promising solution to address these gaps. This study develops a decision-oriented framework to evaluate blockchain-enabled strategies for circular waste management. Drawing on expert insights collected through a Delphi process and applying the Best-Worst Method (BWM) and TOPSIS, the research prioritizes strategic alternatives based on key criteria including traceability, regulatory compliance, and ease of integration. The results reveal that material traceability platforms and smart contracts for reverse logistics are the most viable blockchain applications for enhancing circularity. A case study in the electronics sector and sensitivity analysis further validate the robustness and applicability of the findings. This research contributes to both theory and practice by offering a structured, replicable model for aligning blockchain adoption with sustainable manufacturing goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahmad Bathaei & Bahador Bahramimianrood & Siti Rahmah Awang, 2025. "Blockchain-enabled circular economy: Rethinking waste management in global manufacturing," Transformations and Sustainability, Centre for Productivity and Sustainability Analysis, vol. 1(2), pages 118-131.
    • Handle: RePEc:dbj:trasus:v:1:y:2025:i:2:p:118-131
    DOI: 10.63775/1xwx6s13
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Siegfried, Nils & Rosenthal, Tobias & Benlian, Alexander, 2022. "Blockchain and the Industrial Internet of Things: A Requirement Taxonomy and Systematic Fit Analysis," Publications of Darmstadt Technical University, Institute for Business Studies (BWL) 117408, Darmstadt Technical University, Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law, Institute for Business Studies (BWL).
    2. Mark Anthony Camilleri, 2019. "The circular economy's closed loop and product service systems for sustainable development: A review and appraisal," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 27(3), pages 530-536, May.
    3. Rezaei, Jafar, 2015. "Best-worst multi-criteria decision-making method," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 49-57.
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