Blockchain Enabled Circular Supply Chain Management for Product Lifecycle Tracking and Consumer Incentives: A Case Study in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Closing the post-consumer loop remains a persistent challenge in waste management and pollution control. While blockchain technology has improved upstream traceability, most systems terminate tracking at the point of sale, leaving consumer disposal undocumented. This blind spot undermines circular economy implementation, limits Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance, and exacerbates municipal solid waste pollution. This study addresses this gap by developing a blockchain-enabled tracking framework that integrates an immutable ledger for life cycle tracking, a consumer mobile application for disposal registration, and IoT-enabled smart disposal machines to verify physical waste recovery events. The system’s technical feasibility was validated through a functional prototype and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) blockchain validation, confirming efficient transaction handling and secure life cycle updates. Furthermore, socio-technical factors driving user adoption of this green technology were evaluated using an empirical survey (*r* = .72, *p* < .001) and stakeholder interviews. This research provides an enhanced framework incorporating Digital Product Passports (DPP) to improve global material recovery and reduce environmental contamination. The system architecture is evaluated across high-impact waste streams including fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), automotive parts, and electronic waste (mobile phones) while contextualizing regional regulatory challenges against global sustainability standards. Visual diagrams and policy comparison analyses support a clearer understanding of life cycle traceability and tech-driven pollution mitigation. These contributions offer a validated, scalable framework that organizations can leverage to enhance consumer participation, improve material recovery, and enable data-driven environmental management.