RFID and the Circular Economy: A Cross View Between Technical Aspects and Philosophical Perspectives

Abstract

In a planetary context where natural resources, such as water, minerals, fossil fuels, and raw materials used for food and manufacturing, are increasingly overexploited to satisfy human needs, with increasingly worrying consequences for the environment and for future generations, new paradigms are emerging such as the circular economy. The aim is to identify new solutions for optimizing the use of resources and minimizing waste. In this context, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology appears to be a relevant tool for many industrial sectors, as it can potentially track and identify an object throughout its life cycle. This article aims to reflect on the use and impact of RFID in the circular economy, highlighting key issues at stake. To provide a broader perspective, this discussion incorporates ethical and philosophical concepts.