CHEMISTRY 5.0 0 0

THE CONVERGENCE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE CHEMICAL PRACTICES

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56579/406wgc61

Keywords:

Ecological Efficiency, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Green Chemistry, Industrial Process Optimization

Abstract

In the context of digital transformation and the growing demand for sustainability, the integration of Industry 5.0 principles into the chemical industry emerges as a promising pathway toward sustainable and human-centered innovation. This article examines the synergy between digital technologies—such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), digital twins, and robotics—and circular economy models, emphasizing the importance of eco-efficiency, digital integration, and workforce development. Case studies illustrate the optimization of industrial processes, including the application of AI to control membrane fouling in water treatment, the development of polymer concrete composites from waste materials, and the continuous use of glycerol in solketal synthesis. In addition, we discuss circularity indicators in the Brazilian chemical sector, highlighting the positive effects of sustainable approaches on reducing emissions and energy consumption. The main findings reveal that process digitalization and the adoption of advanced technologies can significantly mitigate environmental impacts while fostering innovation in the chemical industry. This strengthens collaborative relationships between the public and private sectors and promotes new business models based on circular principles. Such innovations not only address the challenges of waste management and pollutant emissions but also create opportunities for economic growth and sustainable regional development.

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Author Biographies

  • Luana Costa de Souza, Federal University of São João del-Rei

    Bachelor’s Degree in Food Engineering from the Federal University of Maranhão and Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of São João del-Rei. She has experience in scientific research in the areas of food science and technology, including laboratory activities, research project development, and participation in academic events. She has also worked as a consultant in the food sector, with experience in preparing labeling for dairy products and conducting Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) training. She received the Young Scientist Award from the Foundation for Research and Scientific and Technological Development of Maranhão (FAPEMA), in recognition of her research on fish upcycling and the circular food economy. Her research interests include the development of biofilms and biomaterials applied to food preservation; smart packaging; sustainability and circular economy in the food supply chain; agro-industrial waste valorization; and the development of sustainable materials.

  • Ariene de Morais Alves, Federal University of São João del-Rei

    Bachelor’s Degree in Food Engineering from the Federal University of Maranhão and Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of São João del-Rei. During her undergraduate studies, she participated in scientific initiation projects focused on drug development, an experience that sparked her interest in the intersections between engineering, health, and technology. Subsequently, during her Master’s Degree, she further developed her expertise in reaction engineering and materials development, with a focus on biomaterials and sustainability. Her research focused on the development of alginate biofilms containing natural pH bioindicators obtained from Hibiscus sabdariffa L., with potential applications in smart packaging capable of monitoring food quality. In addition to her academic background, she has practical experience in quality control, having worked at Friobom Comércio de Frios e Transportes LTDA, where she was involved in compliance verification routines and process monitoring.

  • Boutros Sarrouh, Federal University of São João del-Rei

    Associate Professor IV in the Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Bioprocess Engineering (DQBIO) at the Federal University of São João del-Rei, Alto Paraopeba Campus, Ouro Branco, Minas Gerais. Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Beirut Arab University, Lebanon; a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering – Process Analysis in the Chemical Industry from Universidad Central de Las Villas (UCLV), Cuba; a PhD in Industrial Biotechnology from the University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil; and a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Department of Biological Sciences at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Leads a research group focused on the development of projects related to scale-up and the production of bioproducts from renewable agro-industrial residues through chemical and biological processes.

  • Igor José Boggione Santos, Federal University of São João del-Rei

    Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Bioprocess Engineering. Holds both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Teaching Degree in Chemistry from the Federal University of Viçosa, with a technological emphasis, where he proceeded directly to a PhD in the area of Physical Chemistry. Completed a Junior Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Laboratory of Operations and Processes (LOP) of the Department of Food Technology at the Federal University of Viçosa. He is the leader of the Nanotec – Nanotechnology in Bioprocesses Research Group, where he develops research in the areas of nanotechnology and thermodynamics. His main research topics include nanotechnology in packaging; nanotechnology for the development of new dairy products; nanotechnology for waste treatment; and nanosensors for the detection of herbicides in food, molecules released into milk as a result of diseases in cows, and lipids in milk.

  • Érika Cristina Cren, Federal University of Minas Gerais

    Bachelor’s Degree in Food Engineering from the University of Campinas (2002), Master’s Degree in Food Engineering from the University of Campinas (2005), and PhD in Food Engineering from the University of Campinas (2009). Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering (DEQ) at the School of Engineering of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (EE/UFMG). She has experience in Engineering, Food Science, and Food Technology, with emphasis on Food Engineering, working mainly on the following topics: adsorption, extraction, separation and purification processes of biocompounds, ion-exchange resins, lipid systems, and solid-liquid equilibrium. Her current research interests include bioprocesses, biorefineries, and sustainable production processes.

  • Renata Carolina Zanetti Lofrano, Federal University of São João del-Rei

    Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São João del-Rei (UFSJ). Brazil, Minas Gerais, Ouro Branco.

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Published

2026-08-31

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Vol. 8 No. 4 (2026): JOURNAL OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

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CHEMISTRY 5.0: THE CONVERGENCE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE CHEMICAL PRACTICES. (2026). Interdisciplinary Studies Journal, 8(4), 01-15. https://doi.org/10.56579/406wgc61