R. Alamelu’s research while affiliated with SRC and other places

This systematic literature review paper provides an extensive understanding of the circular economy and sustainability for the various manufacturing sectors. The papers were taken from Scopus and Google Scholar for this systematic review. The study utilized Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) to review 124 studies on circular economy principles, sustainability practices, and resource management, enhancing our understanding of how these models can improve sustainability goals and reduce waste. This paper explains the underlying theories, elements, techniques, technologies, and strategies that drive circular economy activities and enhance business sustainability. Key concepts integrated into the transition of circular economy strategies, drivers and challenges of sustainable practices with advanced emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT) in facilitating a circular economy. The review also identifies essential elements, such as resource availability, manpower, financial support, and government policies, which are critical for successfully implementing circular economy practices. The paper's main findings on circular economy and sustainability show increasing interest, with 73.67% of articles published between 2018 and 2024—factors like economics, ecology, and environmental impact. The study concludes with a discussion of the strategic approaches needed to transition from linear to circular models, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among businesses, governments, and stakeholders in achieving long-term sustainability goals.

The main focus of the study is sustainable development goals . To achieve the SDGs, organizations must follow the principles of the circular economy in the supply chain. The United Nations 2015 agenda states that all members of the UN will transform to sustainable development in 2030. This study focuses on the design of the products, Resource efficiency, Innovative business models, The role of data and technology to implement CE principles. Policy and regulatory support are driving the transition towards a circular economy with a supply chain. It is evident that prominent corporate is demonstrating successful integration of circular economy principles but small and medium enterprises are still in initial stages adopting CE principles. This study provides an overview of how implementing circular economy principles with possible technologies in the supply chain increases sustainability, resilience, value creation, and performance in the entire ecosystem of SMEs in Tamil Nadu, India .

Sustainability is crucial in addressing challenges like climate change, environmental degradation, and resource depletion. Digital solutions are essential in advancing circular economy strategies by enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable resource management. Digital twin technology, IoT, big data analytics, blockchain, AI, ML, 3D printing, smart manufacturing, circular supply chain platforms, and digital marketplaces for secondary materials are some of the digital tools that can be used to improve circular economy practices. Digital twins use sensors and real-time data to optimize operations, predict maintenance needs, and improve product lifecycle management. Big data analytics analyzes large datasets to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for resource optimization and waste reduction. Blockchain technology ensures traceability, transparency, and traceability in supply chains, while AI and ML use data to make predictions and decisions. These digital tools foster innovation, provide a competitive advantage, and promote sustainable practices.

The present disruptive developments necessitate an immediate imperative to formulate strategies for development and stimulate economic growth, all the while addressing the issue of climate change and establishing future initiatives for waste management and resource conservation. The Circular Economy is a societal approach aimed at transitioning from the conventional linear economic paradigm of “take, make, dispose” to a more sustainable framework characterised by circular processes of “reduce, reuse, and recycle and repurpose” (4Rs). Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to expedite the transition to a circular economy, which places a high priority on eliminating waste and pollution, reusing goods and materials, and rejuvenating the environment. This present study enunciates the application of AI in 4 R's – reduce, reuse, recycle and repurpose in each phase of product from design, material procurement, production, delivery, consumption and end life of the product of a specific start-ups in India.