How AI Will Accelerate the Circular Economy: Digital technology will help companies extend the life of products, use fewer materials in production, and use more recycled materials.

The article focuses on how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies can accelerate the transition to a circular economy, which aims to extend product lifecycles, improve material efficiency, and increase the use of recycled materials. It highlights innovations such as over-the-air software updates that enhance product longevity, AI-driven design to reduce manufacturing waste, and advanced recycling technologies like robotic sorting and digital watermarks for better material recovery. The article also discusses challenges including limited availability of recycled materials, opaque supply chains, and investment barriers, emphasizing the need for new funding models and sector-specific expertise to realize the trillion-dollar potential of circular economy solutions.