A perspective on digitally enabled circular waste-to-resource systems integrating biomass engineering, pyrolysis, and adsorption

The transition from linear waste management to circular resource systems is central to achieving global sustainability targets. This Perspective proposes an integrated waste-to-resource framework that converges biomass engineering, pyrolysis, and adsorption into a unified, systems-level platform for circularity. Within this framework, lignocellulosic and mixed waste streams are transformed into functional materials, energy carriers (bio-oil and syngas), and carbon-rich adsorbents, enabling simultaneous resource recovery and environmental remediation. A key innovation lies in the deployment of modular and decentralized architectures, which enable localized waste processing, reduce transportation-related emissions, and enhance system resilience across diverse socio-economic settings. Furthermore, the integration of digital technologies—including artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and digital twins—facilitates real-time monitoring, predictive optimization, and lifecycle management, advancing these systems toward adaptive and scalable infrastructures. This approach directly contributes to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) through decentralized bioenergy generation, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) via integrated and smart process design, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by enabling closed-loop material flows and resource efficiency. Additionally, carbon sequestration through biochar supports climate mitigation under SDG 13 (Climate Action). Overall, this Perspective highlights a novel convergence strategy that redefines waste as a resource, offering a scalable pathway toward resilient, low-carbon, and circular bioeconomy systems. This Perspective was developed through a structured synthesis of recent literature published between 2020 and 2026 focusing on biomass valorization, thermochemical conversion, adsorption technologies, and digitally enabled circular economy systems. Recent studies indicate that decentralized waste-to-resource systems can reduce transportation-related emissions by 20–40%, while optimized pyrolysis systems may achieve bio-oil yields of 60–75 wt% and biochar carbon retention efficiencies exceeding 50%. The conceptual framework was formulated by comparatively evaluating emerging integration strategies, decentralized processing architectures, and sustainability-oriented waste valorization pathways reported across recent studies.