A circular manufacturing framework for SMEs leveraging on low-cost digital technologies

The circular economy is a system aimed at eliminating waste and promoting the continual use of resources. It represents a shift from the traditional linear economy to one that is restorative and regenerative by design. Despite its potential benefits, the perceived complexity and resource requirements can discourage manufacturing SMEs from adopting circular strategies in their production systems. This research paper addresses these challenges by proposing a framework that guides manufacturing companies in selecting low-cost digital solutions to support the implementation of circular manufacturing practices. The framework is constructed on four main dimensions: circular manufacturing strategies, production resources, manufacturing scope, and low-cost digital technologies. The research methodology followed a three-step iterative approach: framework development, framework testing, and framework evaluation. During the framework development phase, implementation methodologies for circular manufacturing strategies and low-cost digital solution areas were used to populate the framework. The framework was subsequently tested in a workshop held in Italy, attended by industrial participants from manufacturing companies. This workshop facilitated the testing and evaluation of the framework's effectiveness. The framework successfully guided participating companies in identifying their priority waste resources and the corresponding low-cost digital solution areas to address these wastes. Areas for improvement in the methodology of the workshop and framework have been identified and will be refined in future iterations. This study establishes a basis for further exploration into how manufacturing companies can adopt simple and cost-effective steps for the transformation of their manufacturing process from a linear to a more circular approach. Additionally, it lays the groundwork for continued investigation into how low-cost digital solutions can facilitate this transformation.