# Circular Economy Strategy Selection Through a Digital Twin Approach
## 2 Short distances can justify recycling at the manufacturer's facility  
Short distances between the manufacturer and the customer can significantly influence the sustainability and economic viability of different CE practices. When the distances between the manufacturer and the customers are short, it may be more beneficial to prioritize recycling rather than other CE practices. Despite the higher environmental impact of recycling processes, the reduced transportation costs make recycling the more economical and environmentally favorable option in such cases.  
The environmental impact of recycling, particularly in terms of energy consumption and emissions, is often considerable due to the complex and energy-intensive nature of many recycling processes. However, when transportation distances are minimal, the overall environmental footprint is substantially reduced. The decreased need for extensive transportation mitigates the carbon emissions typically associated with long-haul logistics, making recycling a more environmentally favorable option in such circumstances.  
This finding is consistent with the simulation results presented by [PERSON] et al. [38], where the Monte Carlo-based analysis demonstrated that when logistical costs are low, such as in scenarios with short travel distances, recycling can emerge as a viable option even when energy consumption is relatively high.  
Economically, short transportation distances can also make recycling more profitable due to the higher prices of recycled products. This is particularly relevant in cases where the volume of products requiring recycling is significant, and where the cost of manufacturing would otherwise impose a heavier financial burden.  
It is important to recognize that the choice between recycling and other CE practices should be based on a comprehensive analysis of both environmental and economic factors, including transportation costs, energy consumption, and the specific requirements of the remanufacturing process. Companies should also take into account the evolving nature of recycling technologies, which may increasingly reduce the environmental impact of recycling and improve its economic viability in the future. Thus, while recycling is typically associated with a higher environmental impact, short distances can make it a more favorable option, both environmentally and economically, when transportation costs are minimized. In cases where customers are geographically close to the manufacturing facility, centralizing inspection and recycling operations can yield economic benefits despite the higher energy intensity of recycling--a situation that often occurs in local or regional supply chains across various industries. Managers can thus prioritize recycling for local returns while reserving on-site remanufacturing for long-distance clients. However, the findings suggest that no models are universally optimal. Managers should consider adopting flexible, hybrid strategies that can be dynamically adjusted based on product quality, transportation distance, and expected volume of returns.  
Future research should explore the integration of these factors and investigate how short-distance logistics can be optimized within circular economy strategies to achieve better sustainability outcomes.