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Digital solutions for the circular economy: new study inspires!
New study on the digital circular economy presents solutions for sustainable business models and global implementation.
Digital solutions for the circular economy: new study inspires!
On June 13, 2025, a new study was presented that deals with the digitalization of business models in the context of a circular economy. Under the title “Digitalization of Circular Business Models – digital solutions enabling the transition towards circular economy”, the analysis shows how digital solutions such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) can contribute to transparency in supply chains and establish sustainable business models. This important research work arose in the context of the Digitalization for Circular Economy (D4CE) initiative and was carried out in collaboration with the UN Environment Program and the One Planet Network as well as the Wuppertal Institute.
The analysis is based on ten case studies from different regions and industries, which act as a proof of concept and are intended to support the global implementation of the digital solutions presented. The results of the study are promising because the digital circular economy is proving to be increasingly important for complex products and their value chains.
Key findings and recommendations
The study highlights some key findings that are important for companies, policymakers and innovators:
- Digitale Lösungen sollten interoperabel und global funktionieren.
- Kreislaufwirtschaft ist marktfähig; in Europa werden bis Ende 2024 bereits 27 Millionen generalüberholte Smartphones verkauft.
- Regulierung, Versorgungssicherheit und Nachhaltigkeit treiben die Entwicklung digitaler Produktpässe voran.
- Die EU plant Vorschriften für digitale Produktpässe in zahlreichen Branchen.
Dr. Holger Berg, one of the study's co-authors, underlines the importance of digital technologies for the circular economy. He calls for bold decisions to be made in both business and politics to drive the transformation towards more sustainable business models.
The study serves not only as a strategic guide, but also as a call to action. Companies are invited to integrate the insights and approaches presented into their strategies in order to successfully master the challenges of digitalization and the circular economy. Those interested can view further details and the full report on the Springer website: Springer and on the Wuppertal Institute website: Wuppertal Institute.