Applying the Circular Economy Framework to Blockchain Agricultural Production

Abstract

Agriculture is one of the most economically important practices in the world; it is essential for food security and socioeconomic development in several countries. However, the use of pesticides, which are essential for fighting pests and weeds and guaranteeing agricultural yields, has brought about an environmental issue pertaining to the management of empty pesticide packaging. The improper disposal of pesticide packaging can put both environmental and human health at risk. Therefore, the implementation of reverse logistics systems will be essential if we are to ensure that packages are collected, recycled, and disposed of safely. Blockchain technology is an innovative solution that offers transparent and immutable recording of data, thereby facilitating traceability. In this study, we present the application of a circular economy-based framework to agricultural production via blockchain (and involving all actors within production and consumption) to enable the more responsible disposal of empty pesticide packaging for eventual reuse, recovery, or recycling. Bibliographical research was carried out through Scopus and Web of Science from 2018 to 2023; we principally aimed to provide an overview of this pertinent area of research using the following keywords: “blockchain”, “circular economy”, “pesticide packaging”, and “reverse logistics”. Bibliometrics using graphs and tables made it possible to refine the information collected from the databases. We analyzed how blockchain can be integrated alongside reverse logistics, highlighting how it can promote the principles of the circular economy through various methods of sustainable and responsible agriculture.