Structuring Circular Objectives and Design Strategies for the Circular Economy: A Multi-Hierarchical Theoretical Framework

Alessio Franconi, Fabrizio Ceschin and David Peck
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Alessio Franconi: Design for Sustainability Research Group, Brunel Design School, Brunel University London, London UB8 3PH, UK
Fabrizio Ceschin: Design for Sustainability Research Group, Brunel Design School, Brunel University London, London UB8 3PH, UK
David Peck: Department of Architectural Engineering & Technology, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment-BK, Delft University of Technology—TU Delft, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 15, 1-26

Abstract: Most frameworks for dealing with the complexity of designing for the circular economy have limitations in terms of correlating different domains of knowledge, correlating highly complex design strategies, and facilitating the process of design strategies’ discovery and development. This paper discusses how managers and designers can create products that can be circulated for several life cycles by considering five different circular objectives (i.e., maintenance/longevity, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture and/or recycling). To achieve one or more of these objectives, multiple design strategies can be used at various phases of each product life cycle and throughout the product’s lifetime. A literature review is used in this article to evaluate how circular objectives and design strategies are classified in terms of relevance, product life cycle phases, and product life cycles. The three classifications are merged to create a novel conceptual framework, which is then tested through the use of four circular case studies to map out life cycles, circular objectives, and design strategies. The framework may help managers and designers better understand how their businesses and products interact along the supply chain, allowing them to establish more effective product lifetime plans.

Keywords: circular economy; circular objectives; design strategies; multi-hierarchical classification; product lifetime plan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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