Scenario Analysis of Global Resource Circulation with Traceability Index Targeting Sustainable Manufacturing

Abstract

Global, or transboundary, resource circulation involves the movement of recyclable resources from developed to developing countries. Despite concomitant problems such as the dumping of hazardous materials, global resource circulation helps to conserve resources. The risk-based traceability this paper proposes for evaluating global circulation scenarios based on economic and environmental aspects clarifies conditions for sustainable global circulation. The key to its success is traceability, and this paper presents a case study on desktop computers whose simulation results demonstrate that reuse scenarios are economically superior to recycling scenarios, but are less traceable because of their longer supply chains. Implementing anti-risk measures improves traceability and lessens environmental risk.