Rapid technological advancement and shortened product life cycles have led to a significant increase in electronic waste (e-waste), which has become an environmental, economic, and health threat. Traditional e-waste management systems are characterised by limited or a lack of traceability, transparency and accountability, which leads to massive material loss and environmental contamination. The limitations of traditional payment solutions have been addressed by blockchain technology, which consists of decentralised, immutable, and transparent features. This paper critically discusses how blockchain may assist in electronics lifecycle management and how it can leverage traceability, transparency, and compliance enforced through smart contracts. Through the thorough assessment of packaged content literature review and study of cases in Europe and Asia, this study reveals how blockchain can help enhance recycling rates, eliminate damaging practices, and automate compliance reporting. However, though blockchain holds great potential to change the world, facing the reality of high first implementation costs, scalability issues, and the complexity of integrating the stakeholders is still a reality. Based on the study, the conceptual framework is proposed to be validated using blockchain-based cybersecurity, stakeholder engagement and capacity building. Future research should integrate technological frameworks concurring with AI and IoT for more efficient and possible blockchain efficiency and scalability optimisation in e-waste management.

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Blockchain in Electronics and E-Waste Management

  • Hemlata Parmar,
  • Utsav Krishan Murari

摘要

Rapid technological advancement and shortened product life cycles have led to a significant increase in electronic waste (e-waste), which has become an environmental, economic, and health threat. Traditional e-waste management systems are characterised by limited or a lack of traceability, transparency and accountability, which leads to massive material loss and environmental contamination. The limitations of traditional payment solutions have been addressed by blockchain technology, which consists of decentralised, immutable, and transparent features. This paper critically discusses how blockchain may assist in electronics lifecycle management and how it can leverage traceability, transparency, and compliance enforced through smart contracts. Through the thorough assessment of packaged content literature review and study of cases in Europe and Asia, this study reveals how blockchain can help enhance recycling rates, eliminate damaging practices, and automate compliance reporting. However, though blockchain holds great potential to change the world, facing the reality of high first implementation costs, scalability issues, and the complexity of integrating the stakeholders is still a reality. Based on the study, the conceptual framework is proposed to be validated using blockchain-based cybersecurity, stakeholder engagement and capacity building. Future research should integrate technological frameworks concurring with AI and IoT for more efficient and possible blockchain efficiency and scalability optimisation in e-waste management.