Product design and business model strategies for a circular economy. (3rd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bocken, Nancy M. P.; de Pauw, Ingrid; Bakker, Conny; van der Grinten, Bram
• Is Part Of: Journal of industrial and production engineering. Volume 33:Number 5(2016)
• Page Start: 308
• Page End: 320
• Publication Date: 2016-07-03
• Subjects: Circular business model -- circular design -- circularity -- sustainability -- closed loop; Industrial engineering -- Periodicals; Production engineering -- Periodicals; 620
• DOI: 10.1080/21681015.2016.1172124
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2168-1015

Abstract

Abstract : The transition within business from a linear to a circular economy brings with it a range of practical challenges for companies. The following question is addressed: What are the product design and business model strategies for companies that want to move to a circular economy model? This paper develops a framework of strategies to guide designers and business strategists in the move from a linear to a circular economy. Building on Stahel, the terminology of slowing, closing, and narrowing resource loops is introduced. A list of product design strategies, business model strategies, and examples for key decision-makers in businesses is introduced, to facilitate the move to a circular economy. This framework also opens up a future research agenda for the circular economy.