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

Ahmad Bathaei; Bahador Bahramimianrood; Siti Rahmah Awang

doi:10.63775/1xwx6s13

Authors

Ahmad Bathaei Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2419-2142
Bahador Bahramimianrood UNSW Sydney Author https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0303-6220
Siti Rahmah Awang University of Technology Malaysia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5085-8203

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63775/1xwx6s13

Keywords:

Blockchain, Circular Economy, Waste Management, Global Manufacturing, Multi- Criteria Decision Making (MCDM)

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.

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