Smart Sustainability: Product Lifecycle Management Strategies to Combat the E-Waste Crisis
摘要
The increasing worldwide e-waste problem presents significant environmental and health challenges that are driven by consumer demand for new electronic gadgets and the rapid advancement of technology. Merely 17% of global electronic waste was subjected to official recycling processes in 2019. Global e-waste generation stood at 53.6% in 2019 and is projected to reach 74.7% by 2030. This study analyzes the definition and composition of e-waste while exploring its developing challenges and emphasizing its valuable resources and hazardous elements. This examines health hazards such as respiratory and neurological disorders, alongside environmental impacts including soil, water, and air pollution, utilizing case studies from China, Ghana, India, and Nigeria. The examination of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) approaches highlights their role in reducing e-waste, alongside the significance of sustainable design, which prioritizes energy efficiency, modularity, and eco-friendly materials. Key management practices are analyzed through case studies of Apple, Dell, and Fairphone. The tactics encompass Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), reverse logistics, consumer awareness, and the principles of the circular economy. Challenges such as inadequate recycling infrastructure, lenient rules, and minimal consumer engagement persist despite progress. This document underscores the imperative for manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers to collaborate in attaining sustainable e-waste management and a circular economy.