The Triple-Level Proposal of the Circular Economy: Circular Performance, Case Studies and a Design Workshop

Shuai Zhang, Yicheng Han () and Dajian Zhu
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Shuai Zhang: College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Yicheng Han: Shanghai International College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Dajian Zhu: School of Economics and Management, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-18

Abstract: The conventional linear economic model has intensified global resource depletion and environmental degradation, underscoring the pressing necessity for a transformation toward the Circular Economy (CE). Currently, research generally segregates materials, products and services within the CE, overlooking their hierarchy and interactions in circular performance. Employing a mixed methodology of induction and deduction, this study constructs a triple-level proposal for the CE from a design perspective. The proposal integrates material recycling, product reuse and service circulation into a multi-hierarchical progression, clarifying the priorities of the CE and sustainable design. It not only enriches the theoretical basis of the CE and sustainable design, but also offers a transformative perspective for optimizing circular performance. Case studies in the deductive stage provide measurable criteria to assess the performance of each level, while a design workshop featuring the CE canvas and heuristics is adopted to test the effectiveness of our proposal in guiding practice. The results demonstrate the theoretical and practical feasibility of the proposal. This study emphasizes the progression from materials to products and services, exploring the potential of the triple-level proposal in guiding design and improving circular performance. By proposing policy recommendations based on the proposal, this study provides stakeholders with an actionable roadmap for CE implementation.

Keywords: circular economy; triple-level proposal; circular performance; case studies; design workshop; sustainable design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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