The WEF & Accenture's Guide to Circularity in Supply Chains

The World Economic Forum (WEF) and Accenture have published a collaborative report highlighting how innovation and digital traceability can unlock the value of waste and promote a circular economy across global supply chains.

Their paper, 'Scaling Traceability Innovation to Unlock the Value of Informal Waste Management', draws on perspectives from experts and pioneers in the waste sector. It explores how improved visibility and scalable technological change can advance sustainability goals.

Realising the full potential of waste management, the partners argue, depends on innovation, cooperation and ambition to scale.

Addressing ESG and waste challenges

Rapid urbanisation, limited infrastructure and lack of financial support are leaving many urban areas overwhelmed by waste, leading to worrying health, environmental and economic issues.

As traceability tools and technologies (like blockchain, AI-enabled analytics and digital platforms) informal waste workers are becoming more visible within formal systems.

This growing transparency offers the foundation for stronger policy formation and strategic decision-making.

According to the report, 60% of companies see limited supply chain visibility as a major risk factor, particularly in waste management.

To address this, WEF and Accenture outline emerging technologies that are transforming the sector, a scalable framework to guide investment, and a roadmap for implementing digital waste tracing systems.

Low-income nations face the greatest risk of unmanaged waste accumulation. WEF estimates that 93% of waste in these countries is either dumped or burned.

Establishing effective waste management systems across emerging markets could cost US$680bn, but ignoring the issue is even more costly – with mismanaged waste causing between 400,000 and one million deaths each year.

Although informal waste networks currently recover more than 88 million tonnes of recyclables annually, progress is hindered by inconsistent traceability and fragmented infrastructure.

These workers often operate outside regulated conditions, with little income security or legal protection. Global initiatives are now emerging to elevate their visibility and integrate them into secure, traceable systems.

"How we source, trace and manage waste responsibly is central to the future of circularity, climate action and corporate responsibility," says Wesley Spindler, Managing Director for Sustainability at Accenture.

"This is not just a question of how we track waste but also its accountability, human rights, environmental impact and return on investment. If we address these priorities through emerging technologies, such as digital product passports, blockchain and AI-driven analytics, we can gain access to new, transformative solutions."

Trends for change

Post-consumer recycled (PCR) feedstock – recycled plastic derived from discarded products like bottles – is gaining commercial traction.

It not only supports manufacturers seeking sustainable supply routes but also helps corporations meet environmental goals, strengthened by government incentives and regulatory mandates.

Developments in traceability have been spearheaded by a number of trends, with innovation accelerating due to the convergence of these trends:

• Technology - digital payment systems, AI-driven analytics and blockchain platforms are being used within waste management
• Capacity - decades of NGO work has created foundations and models for the application of these technologies
• Policy - commitments to sustainability have become part of international and national law, with a growing demand for traceability
• Corporate accountability - businesses are now assessing the impact of their supply chains on the environment and surrounding communities, increasing their understanding of traceability
• Public-sector transparency - Governments are demonstrating where their funding for waste management is going, in order to display effective and fair operations
• Consumer expectations - consumers are becoming more conscious of sustainability, with 25% reporting zero tolerance for unethical practices

Building a path towards the circular economy

Traceability mechanisms are already enabling circular waste systems, yet data fragmentation continues to restrain large-scale progress. Successful adoption of waste management innovation will depend on improved data sharing, cross-sector partnerships and global regulatory standards.

"An effective transition to more sustainable and resilient industries cannot leave anyone behind, even when the change needed is so significant that it requires the ‘leapfrogging’ of intermediate and outdated models," says Pedro Gomez, Head of Industry Agenda at the World Economic Forum.

"Early-stage innovations can support this transition, but they require collaboration, investment and trust. When society invests in ideas as a collective, economic models can surge forward, not only becoming more resilient but also positively impacting all who depend on them."

By embedding transparency through traceability technology and encouraging joint action, the report suggests that organisations can build stronger, more adaptable supply chains while achieving long-term cost savings and environmental benefits.

With the right momentum, circular waste systems can take root globally, supporting a sustainable industrial future.