Overcoming barriers to circular product design

Wang, J. X., Burke, H. and Zhang, A. (2022) Overcoming barriers to circular product design. International Journal of Production Economics, 243, 108346. (doi: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2021.108346)

Abstract

The circular economy concept provides sustainability research with a new vision in place of the present linear economic model. This study focuses on product design, the starting point of applying circular thinking in supply chain functions. We investigate barriers to circular product design from a stakeholder perspective. Using thematic analysis and data collected from 15 semi-structured interviews in New Zealand, we identify four prominent barriers: financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, government inaction, and global market barriers. The most influential stakeholder classes for overcoming the barriers are consumers, industry leaders, and governments. Circumventing measures lie in sustainable end-of-life product and waste management, resource circularity, modularity and standardization in design, and supply chain collaboration. Based on these new insights, we develop a roadmap for circular product design, providing practical guidance for businesses and policymakers. We also add to research on stakeholder theory by exploring its descriptive aspect in the context of a transition to circular economy at the supply chain level.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Zhang, Dr Abraham
• Authors: Wang, J. X., Burke, H., and Zhang, A.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Journal Name: International Journal of Production Economics
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0925-5273
• ISSN (Online): 1873-7579
• Published Online: 29 October 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 Elsevier
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Production Economics 243:108346
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher