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Home > Databases > Library > Tracking Value

Tracking Value

February 2020
Source: 
Circle Economy
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world, estimated at 48.5 million tonnes in 2018. If nothing changes, e-waste is predicted to more than double to 120 million tonnes by 2050. Only 20 percent of global e-waste is formally recycled, the remaining 80 percent will likely be incinerated or dumped in landfills leaving a trail of toxic materials and valuable precious metals to waste. In addition to being environmentally relevant, e-waste is also important economically. The total value of all raw materials found in e-waste is estimated at 55 billion euros in 2016. 
 
In addition to reducing the consumption of electronics, a circular electronics system needs to be adopted to encourage closing the loop of these materials through better design, reuse, and recycling of valuable materials. Asset tracking, which includes monitoring the identity, location, and condition of individual components or products, can effectively extend the economic lifetime of products, thereby bringing a host of benefits to companies. 
 
This paper discusses the possibilities of asset tracking for intelligent management and monitoring of circulating assets and describes how asset tracking can contribute to an improved business case in circular business propositions. Key learnings include:
  • QR codes, memory chips, and RFID tags are the most suitable tracking technologies.
  • Tracking provides insight into the location and condition of assets, which can help to lower the risk profile of the proposition, making it an interesting business case for financiers.
  • Gathering data on the condition of and required maintenance for assets leads to improved estimates of future contractual obligations and inventory required, which strengthens the business case.
  • Collecting insights about usage and performance of assets enables the entrepreneur to improve the product, further increasing the product lifespan.

 

Read Online
Sectors: 
Waste Management and Recycling
Business Sectors: 
Waste Management and Recycling
Themes: 
Circular Economy, Consumption
Key search terms: 
e-waste, solid waste, circular economy, electronics, reuse, recycling, asset tracking, RFID, QR codes

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