The transition to a circular economy, where companies recover, reuse or recycle resources, has not been without obstacles so far. The low value of used products and the high costs of separating and processing materials are some of them.
We live on a planet with finite resources and the idea of implementing processes based on the circular economy is very attractive. However, we cannot fool ourselves, the circular economy must be profitable to be functional. For this we have a powerful tool, Artificial Intelligence.
AI can partner with human talent to enable a much more efficient regenerative economy.
Through this article we will analyze some examples of how to take advantage of this tool in the service of the circular economy:
1. Optimizing resources: because AI can analyze large volumes of data to identify patterns and optimize the use of finite resources, reducing waste and improving efficiency in production and consumption.
2. Sustainable design: Using machine learning algorithms, AI can help design products and systems that are more sustainable. New products will promote the reuse and recycling of materials.
3. Regenerative agriculture: AI can improve agricultural practices by analyzing soil, climate and plant data. This will help farmers to take more informed decisions based on data analysis to regenerate ecosystems while increasing biodiversity.
4. Renewable energy: AI can optimize the generation and distribution of renewable energy.
5. Circular economy: AI can facilitate the transition to a circular economy by improving waste management, optimizing the supply chain and creating new business models that promote the reuse and recycling of resources.
These applications not only help reduce environmental impact but can also generate significant economic benefits and improve the quality of life of people and their environment.
Focusing on the case of the Circular Economy, we can give some examples of successful cases in which the practical application of AI in production processes has facilitated the transition of these companies towards a circular economy:
1. Apple: Uses software upgrades to maintain the value of iPhones in the second-hand market.
2. SXD Zero Waste: Applies AI to redesign garments with less material waste.
3. Interface: This carpet company has implemented an end-of-life recycling program for its products, using AI to optimize the material recovery process.
4. SuperCircle: In the fashion industry, SuperCircle uses digital infrastructure and AI to manage the circularity of garments, improving the traceability and recycling of textile materials.
5. Norsk Gjenvinning: This Norwegian company uses robots with machine vision to sort construction and demolition waste, recovering valuable materials such as wood, metals and plastics.
6. Hostalets de Pierola light packaging sorting plant: At this plant, a pilot project has been implemented that uses AI for real-time monitoring of waste streams, improving recycling efficiency and quality.
7. GALY: This company grows cotton in the lab using 80% fewer resources compared to traditional agriculture, thanks to process optimization through AI.
These are just a few examples that demonstrate how AI can be an essential tool for promoting sustainability and the circular economy. Its use will allow us to manage resources while preserving the planet’s conservation and ensuring its existence for future generations.
AI4Green SME program co- funded by the European Union, merges AI with the Circular Economy, training SME managers in sustainable practices. Beyond education, this program fosters a community that emphasizes lifelong learning, ethical use of AI and strategic partnerships.
As the integration of AI into the circular economy poses a hurdle for SMEs, the mission of this program is to empower managers by fostering collaboration for lifelong learning and ethical use of AI.