Optimizing Recycling Management Using Industrial Internet Supporting Circular Economy: A Case Study of an Emerging IPS2

The paper concerns a case study about optimizing recycling management in terms of emptying containers holding, for instance, glass, paper, plastics or metal waste collected, thus supporting sustainability of natural resources and the circular economy. The case has been followed from the very start all the way to the current transformation into an IPS2 sold on a subscription basis. The main results of the case study suggest that the provider side must change considerably in terms of the business and organizational set-up, which has been challenging compared to the necessary, though more easily implemented, technological changes. Further, the IPS2 customers foresee improved efficiency and a decrease in unnecessary work if containers are emptied on time. In addition, the core of the IPS2 seems generalizable and transferable to other applications where collection and analysis of data are needed to support decision-making.