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Buele, Jorge
Sustainable Innovation in Product Development: Current Challenges and Opportunities
A Review of Technological Innovations in Rubber Recycling
2025
,
Homero J. VelasteguÃ
,
Esteban Moreno-Vega
,
Jefferson Marcalla
,
Buele, Jorge
In the current context of industrial and environmental transformation, the development of sustainable products has become a key strategy to address the challenges of climate change and the depletion of natural resources. Companies are rethinking their production systems to meet growing social, regulatory, and environmental demands. Despite these efforts, the shift toward sustainable models still face significant challenges, including fragmented knowledge, lack of access to digital tools in some regions, and limited integration of interdisciplinary approaches. This article presents a narrative review aimed at synthesizing theoretical and practical advances in sustainable product development from a systemic perspective that incorporates technological, design, environmental, and social dimensions. The methodology involved a narrative literature review of recent scientific publications related to technological innovation, circular economy, and industrial sustainability. The selected content was organized into three key thematic areas: (1) technological innovation and industrial sustainability, (2) sustainable design and circular economy, and (3) environmental and social impact alongside current and future challenges. Key findings show that digital technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and blockchain are transforming industrial processes by improving energy efficiency, traceability, and decision-making capabilities. At the same time, sustainable design practices and the use of renewable or waste-based materials, such as natural fibber and agricultural by-products, offer viable alternatives to conventional production. Persistent barriers include resistance to change, regulatory gaps, and unequal access to innovation. The review concludes that advancing sustainable product development requires integrated, collaborative, and flexible strategies that align technological progress with social inclusion and environmental regeneration.
2024
,
Asubadin Espin, Pablo
,
De la Cruz, Rubén
,
Buele, Jorge
Rubber waste management poses a significant environmental challenge globally, exacerbated by the growing production of tires and limited recycling capacity in various industries. This study addresses the need for innovations in rubber recycling by identifying economic and structural barriers that hinder the effective implementation of advanced technologies. The goal is to analyze and evaluate technological innovations, such as enhanced tire marking and pyrolysis, and their potential to improve recycling efficiency and promote a circular economy. The methodology involved a systematic review of the literature, covering recent studies on recycling technology and extended producer responsibility models. Recovery rates of rubber below 4% were identified in some regions, highlighting the urgency of adopting these innovations. The main findings indicate that while technologies like pyrolysis can transform waste into valuable resources, their implementation remains limited due to a lack of infrastructure and economic support. It is emphasized that although promising solutions exist, their success depends on a comprehensive approach that considers socioeconomic realities and the need for supportive policies and public awareness.