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Leveraging Machine Learning for Advancing Circular Supply Chains: A Systematic Literature Review

Author

Listed:
  • Zeinab Farshadfar

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, School of Science, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15500, 00076 Espoo, Finland)

  • Tomasz Mucha

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, School of Science, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15500, 00076 Espoo, Finland)

  • Kari Tanskanen

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, School of Science, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15500, 00076 Espoo, Finland)

Abstract

Background : Circular supply chains (CSCs) aim to minimize waste, extend product lifecycles, and optimize resource efficiency, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable practices. Machine learning (ML) can potentially enhance CSCs by improving resource management, optimizing processes, and addressing complexities inherent in CSCs. ML can be a powerful tool to support CSC operations by offering data-driven insights and enhancing decision-making capabilities. Methods : This paper conducts a systematic literature review, analyzing 66 relevant studies to examine the role of ML across various stages of CSCs, from supply and manufacturing to waste management. Results : The findings reveal that ML contributes significantly to CSC performance, improving supplier selection, operational optimization, and waste reduction. ML-driven approaches in manufacturing, consumer behavior forecasting, logistics, and waste management enable companies to optimize resources and minimize waste. Integrating ML with emerging technologies such as IoT, blockchain, and computer vision further enhances CSC operations, fostering transparency and automation. Conclusions : ML applications in CSCs align with broader sustainability goals, contributing to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The review identifies opportunities for future research, such as the development of real-world case studies further to enhance the effects of ML on CSC efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Zeinab Farshadfar & Tomasz Mucha & Kari Tanskanen, 2024. "Leveraging Machine Learning for Advancing Circular Supply Chains: A Systematic Literature Review," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-25, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:8:y:2024:i:4:p:108-:d:1502989
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Khayyam, Hamid & Naebe, Minoo & Milani, Abbas S. & Fakhrhoseini, Seyed Mousa & Date, Abhijit & Shabani, Bahman & Atkiss, Steve & Ramakrishna, Seeram & Fox, Bronwyn & Jazar, Reza N., 2021. "Improving energy efficiency of carbon fiber manufacturing through waste heat recovery: A circular economy approach with machine learning," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C).
    2. Fabrizio Fasano & Anna Sabrina Addante & Barbara Valenzano & Giovanni Scannicchio, 2021. "Variables Influencing per Capita Production, Separate Collection, and Costs of Municipal Solid Waste in the Apulia Region (Italy): An Experience of Deep Learning," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-22, January.
    3. Sotiris P. Gayialis & Evripidis P. Kechagias & Grigorios D. Konstantakopoulos & Georgios A. Papadopoulos, 2022. "A Predictive Maintenance System for Reverse Supply Chain Operations," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-14, January.
    4. Vondra, Marek & Touš, Michal & Teng, Sin Yong, 2019. "Digestate Evaporation Treatment in Biogas Plants: A Techno-economic Assessment by Monte Carlo, Neural Networks and Decision Trees," MPRA Paper 95770, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Bang‐Ning Hwang & Pittinun Puntha & Siriprapha Jitanugoon, 2025. "AI‐Driven Circular Transformation: Unlocking Sustainable Startup Success Through Co‐Creation Dynamics in Circular Economy Ecosystems," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(S1), pages 245-274, November.
    2. Zhe Wee Ng & Biswajit Debnath & Amit K Chattopadhyay, 2025. "Machine Learning-Aided Supply Chain Analysis of Waste Management Systems: System Optimization for Sustainable Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-23, October.
    3. Hwang Bang‐Ning & Siriprapha Jitanugoon & Pittinun Puntha, 2025. "AI‐Powered Sustainable Tourism: Unlocking Circular Economies and Overcoming Resistance to Change," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(5), pages 5781-5802, July.
    4. James McGarvey & Martha R. Grabowski & Buddy Custard & Steven Gabelein, 2025. "Self-Healing Databases for Emergency Response Logistics in Remote and Infrastructure-Poor Settings," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(1), pages 1-20, February.
    5. Ionica Oncioiu & Diana Andreea Mândricel & Mihaela Hortensia Hojda, 2025. "Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Digital Transformation in Circular Logistics: A Structural Equation Model of Organizational, Technological, and Environmental Drivers," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-28, August.

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