Zero waste manufacturing: A framework and review of technology, research, and implementation barriers for enabling a circular economy transition in Singapore

Abstract

Zero waste manufacturing (ZWM) is a concept to support countries transition to a circular economy by developing manufacturing technologies and systems that eliminate waste across entire waste value chains to the fullest extent possible through reuse and recycling. Implementation of ZWM, particularly in dense urban settings such as Singapore, presents challenges for stakeholders, which stem from issues related to land scarcity, productivity, and labor shortage. A framework to address these challenges is proposed comprising six themes of design for zero waste, smart waste audit and reduction planning, smart waste collection, high-value mixed waste processing, collaborative platform for industrial symbiosis, and waste to resource conversion and recycling. A systematic literature review is used to examine industry technologies and research across the six themes to determine how the technologies can support ZWM. The research reveals that a variety of mature waste measurement, collection, and conversion technologies can be integrated through internet-of-things applications and a collaborative platform for industrial symbiosis to support Singapore and other countries in developing a ZWM ecosystem. This research examines the technical limitations of implementing ZWM technologies in dense urban settings using Singapore as a case study. Future areas of research are then proposed to overcome the implementation barriers so that ZWM can be enabled.