Engineering a Sustainable Future: The Science of Resource Circularity and Stewardship
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64229/061v8s65Keywords:
Circular Economy, Resource Stewardship, Sustainable Engineering, Chemical Recycling, Life Cycle Assessment (Lca), Extended Producer Responsibility (Epr), Industrial SymbiosisAbstract
The linear "take-make-dispose" economic model has precipitated a triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. In response, the paradigm of a Circular Economy (CE) has emerged as a transformative framework for decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources. This article argues that achieving a truly sustainable future requires moving beyond metaphorical concepts of circularity to a rigorous, science-based approach to resource circularity and stewardship. We deconstruct the circular economy into its core technical and biological cycles, exploring the scientific and engineering principles that underpin them. The article provides a critical analysis of advanced recycling technologies, including chemical recycling and solvent-based purification, and assesses their role in managing complex material streams. It further examines the innovation in circular materials design, such as biodegradable polymers, high-performance composites from waste, and biomimetic materials. The role of digital enablers, including the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), in creating smart, traceable, and efficient circular systems is elucidated. We also investigate the critical biological cycles, focusing on nutrient recovery from waste streams and the principles of industrial ecology. Recognizing that technological solutions are insufficient alone, the paper integrates discussions on essential stewardship frameworks, including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), policy instruments like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and the behavioral science of consumption. By synthesizing insights from materials science, chemical engineering, environmental science, data science, and social science, this article presents a holistic and integrative roadmap for engineering a resilient, regenerative, and sustainable economic system founded on the precise and responsible management of resources.
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