Technological feasibility and circular economy in industry 5.0: a case for the 6R framework

Abstract

The transition to Industry 5.0 necessitates integrating sustainability into industrial practices, emphasizing human-centric and intelligent technologies. This study evaluates the 6R components (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, Remanufacturing, Repair) using the TOPSIS method, considering four impacting factors: Technological Feasibility, Economic Viability, Social Implications, and Environmental Impact. Two scenarios were analyzed: equal weights for all factors and a scenario prioritizing Technological Feasibility. Results highlight Reduce as the most critical component across scenarios, while Recover consistently ranks lowest. The findings underscore the alignment of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle with Industry 5.0 advancements and highlight areas for improving Recover. This study offers actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders to enhance circular economy practices in the Industry 5.0 era.