When Industry 5.0 Meets the Circular Economy: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract This paper examines the convergence of Industry 5.0 and the circular economy, emphasizing the role of emerging technologies in promoting sustainability via human-centric approaches. In contrast to Industry 4.0, which prioritizes automation and digitalization, Industry 5.0 stresses the synergistic integration of technology, environmental sustainability, and human collaboration to enhance resource efficiency and minimize waste. Using co-word analysis and BERTopic modeling on 283 journal articles extracted from the Scopus database, this research identifies key trends and themes linking Industry 5.0 and the circular economy. The study findings demonstrate the use of automation, machine learning, and 3D printing in sustainable manufacturing, which aligns with circular economy principles by optimizing resource efficiency and reducing waste. The topic modeling analysis further demonstrates the role of blockchain, cybersecurity, and human-centric AI in enabling closed-loop systems while assuring transparency and accountability in circular production models. The collaboration between humans and machines emerges as a crucial topic highlighting the need for adaptive manufacturing systems to balance productivity and environmental responsibility. The findings indicate that Industry 5.0 increasingly aligns with circular economy goals, paving the way to more sustainable, resilient, and human-centric industrial processes. This study offers valuable insights for academics and practitioners, indicating that the confluence of technology, sustainability, and human involvement will propel the future of industrial innovation.