The metalworking industry in Brazil is at a crossroads. While it drives economic growth and employs thousands, its environmental footprint—particularly in water use, waste generation, and energy consumption—has long been a concern. Now, a new study led by Angelino dos Santos Ernesto from the Industrial Engineering Post Graduation Program at the Federal University of ABC (UFABC) sheds light on how large-scale multinational metalworking industries in Brazil are adopting circular economy (CE) practices at the micro level. The findings, published in *Discover Sustainability*, reveal a mixed but promising picture: while some CE strategies are gaining traction, others remain underutilized, leaving room for transformative change—especially for the energy sector.
The research, based on a survey of LMMI in Brazil, evaluates their adoption of CE practices using the ReSOLVE framework—a model that outlines six key strategies: Regenerate, Share, Optimize, Loop, Virtualize, and Exchange. The results show that while some strategies like *substitute* (74.03%) and *optimize* (61.22%) are moderately implemented—often driven by economic incentives such as reducing metallic and water waste—others like *share* (32.51%), *regenerate* (43.82%), and *return* (44.90%) lag behind due to cultural, technological, and financial barriers.
Ernesto notes that the moderate overall adoption rate of 50.24% suggests that while progress is being made, “there is significant untapped potential for industries to integrate circular practices more deeply.” He emphasizes that barriers such as high initial costs, lack of technological infrastructure, and resistance to change are stalling broader implementation.
For the energy sector, this research offers a critical insight: the metalworking industry’s shift toward circularity could reshape energy demand and supply dynamics. For instance, the study highlights the need for industries to expand renewable energy sources, recover and reduce waste, and replace non-renewable inputs with sustainable alternatives—all of which could drive demand for cleaner energy solutions. Moreover, the adoption of machines with no greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as suggested by the study, could accelerate the transition to low-carbon industrial processes.
The practical implications are clear. Ernesto suggests that managers should prioritize interindustry collaboration, invest in training for occupational health and safety, and explore partnerships that foster innovation in waste reduction and energy efficiency. “The metalworking sector has the opportunity to not only reduce its environmental impact but also create jobs and improve public health,” he says.
While the study focuses on Brazil, its insights resonate globally. As industries worldwide grapple with sustainability pressures, the metalworking sector’s journey toward circularity could serve as a blueprint for others. The question now is whether these industries will seize the moment—or whether regulatory and economic barriers will continue to slow progress.
Published in *Discover Sustainability* (translated from *Descobrir Sustentabilidade*), this research is a call to action—not just for metalworking industries, but for policymakers, investors, and energy providers who must collaborate to accelerate the transition to a more circular economy. The stakes are high, but so are the opportunities.