Product-Services for a Resource-Efficient and Circular Economy: An Updated Review

Abstract

The development of product-service systems (PSSs) has become one of the most prominent ways in which to promote a circular and resource-efficient economy. These systems shift the focus from selling products as commodities to offering solutions that fulfil customers’ needs and provide added value. PSSs have gained attention due to their potential to foster sustainability, particularly in the context of the circular economy and resource efficiency. This review article analyzes the literature on PSSs for the period of 2016–2022, aiming to explore the links between PSSs, sustainability, circular economy, and resource efficiency. Close to 160 relevant articles were identified and examined. The overall findings reinforce contributions from previous studies, which denote a tendency towards sector-specific studies, barriers, and stimuli to implementation and adoption, and PSS design methodologies in specific industries and sectors. The overall results show a steady growth of PSS literature, as well as consistency in its definition, despite variations according to the perspective from which the topic is analyzed. This study focuses on eight main trends in PSS research, along with eight challenges that arise in its design, implementation, and adoption, identifying avenues for future research.

Recycling Product Model and Its Application for Quantitative Assessment of Product Recycling Properties

“…This approach is consistent with the closed-loop economy's emphasis on preserving the value and utility of a product after its initial use [3,5,22]. An essential aspect of reuse is reducing premature disposal, contributing to waste reduction and promoting responsible consumption [20]. Remanufacturing, on the other hand, involves the systematic renovation and restoration of used products to like-new condition, often surpassing their original properties [23,24].…”

“…Reuse and remanufacturing is another strategy within the closed-loop economy supporting resource efficiency and sustainability patterns. This approach involves extending the life of products by putting them back on the market in their original form or after refurbishment, thereby minimizing waste and contributing to the overarching principles of the closed loop [18][19][20].…”

Application of a framework for product-service systems characterization

“…Product-service systems consist of a system that combines marketable products and services to meet customer demands (Goedkoop et al, 1999). In fact, they are proposals that shift the focus from selling products as commodities to offering solutions to meet customer needs in order to provide added value (Henriques et al, 2023). In this sense, there is a contribution towards resource efficiency, becoming a strategy for merging economic and environmental development (Henriques et al, 2023).…”