Digital Tools and 3D Printing Drive Circular Economy Research, 2020–2026 Review Finds

A new literature review covering 2020 to 2026 identifies digital technologies, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and resource recovery as central themes in the shift to a circular economy. Published in the International Journal of Services and Operations Management, the study analyzed recent research to map how these innovations enable waste reduction and material reuse. The findings stress that technology alone is not enough: greater collaboration among businesses, governments, and other stakeholders is essential, along with supportive policies to accelerate adoption. By pinpointing these key areas, the review offers a roadmap for researchers and practitioners aiming to close resource loops and decouple economic growth from environmental harm. As industries face rising material costs and stricter regulations, integrating digital tools and 3D printing could become a competitive necessity—not just an environmental choice.