Systematic Literature Review—Effects of PSS on Sustainability Based on Use Case Assessments

Till Blüher, Theresa Riedelsheimer, Sonika Gogineni, Antje Klemichen and Rainer Stark
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Till Blüher: Institute for Machine-Tools and Factory Management, Department of Industrial Information Technology, Technische Universität Berlin, Pascalstr. 8–9, 10707 Berlin, Germany
Theresa Riedelsheimer: Fraunhofer Institute Production Systems and Design Technology, Pascalstr. 8–9, 10707 Berlin, Germany
Sonika Gogineni: Fraunhofer Institute Production Systems and Design Technology, Pascalstr. 8–9, 10707 Berlin, Germany
Antje Klemichen: Institute for Machine-Tools and Factory Management, Department of Industrial Information Technology, Technische Universität Berlin, Pascalstr. 8–9, 10707 Berlin, Germany
Rainer Stark: Institute for Machine-Tools and Factory Management, Department of Industrial Information Technology, Technische Universität Berlin, Pascalstr. 8–9, 10707 Berlin, Germany

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 17, 1-26

Abstract: Product-service systems (PSS) are often presented as an inherently sustainable business model. The argumentation is often based on theoretical considerations, which cite circular economy (CE) characteristics in PSS business models as an explanation. In this paper we examined to what extent positive and negative sustainability effects of PSS could actually be observed, based on use cases. For this purpose, we conducted a systematic literature review and analyzed the statements on sustainability effects based on the triple bottom line approach. We find that positive sustainability effects, especially on the environmental sustainability of PSS, are described disproportionately often, which may be indicating a possible publication bias. In addition, the methods used to derive statements on sustainability effects are very heterogeneous and often unsystematic, making it difficult to compare the described effects. Furthermore, we were able to identify drivers that are particularly often considered in literature to be responsible for sustainability effects. As a result, we were able to derive direct implications for future research in the field of sustainability assessment of PSS.

Keywords: product-service system; sustainability; systematic literature review; life-cycle assessment; environmental impact (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:17:p:6989-:d:404944

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