The Role of Industry 4.0 in Advancing Circular Economy and Sustainability

Dear Colleagues,

The transition towards sustainable industrial ecosystems is driven by the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies with Circular Economy principles. Designers and engineers are increasingly required to rethink traditional linear approaches, enabling data-driven, intelligent, and adaptive design and manufacturing processes. 

Industry 4.0 technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data and Analytics, Cloud Computing, and Digital Twins, provide critical support for advancing Circular Economy strategies. These technologies support real-time resource monitoring, predictive maintenance, material traceability, and the deployment of closed-loop systems, which are fundamental for translating sustainability concepts into practical engineering solutions.

Papers exploring novel sustainable methodologies that demonstrate how Industry 4.0 and Circular Economy principles can be combined to measure, monitor, and operationalize sustainability or reviews that analyse the existing strategies are invited. Case studies that focus on the impact of I4.0 solutions on energy efficiency, material traceability, product lifecycle extension, and closing resource flows are also welcome.

The papers selected for this Special Issue will be subject to a rigorous peer review procedure with the aim of the rapid and wide dissemination of research results, developments, and applications.

Prof. Dr. Marco Marconi
Dr. Giorgia Pietroni
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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