Examining Sustainable Product Design Technology: a Comprehensive Exploration of Trends, Innovations, Challenges, and Future Horizons

Ahmed M. Moustafa ()
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Ahmed M. Moustafa: University of Essex - Colchester Campus: University of Essex

Circular Economy and Sustainability, 2025, vol. 5, issue 5, 4421-4445

Abstract: Abstract Sustainable product design (SPD) has seen significant growth in recent years. However, a critical gap remains in the exploration of the technological aspects that drive SPD practices. This study addresses the gap by conducting a comprehensive review of SPD technology research using bibliometric network techniques to uncover its intellectual foundations, thematic evolution, and emerging future horizons. Drawing on 1,867 documents from the Web of Science (WoS) database (1993–2023), authored by 5,159 researchers across 83 countries, the study employs Bibliometrix and VOSviewer software to perform thematic analysis, citation network analysis, and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). These methods help identify key research trends, dominant thematic clusters, influential countries, and leading institutions in SPD technology research. The results reveal that the USA and China are the leading contributors to SPD technology research, highlighting their pivotal role in shaping the global research landscape. European countries, particularly France, Italy, and Spain, also demonstrate strong engagement, indicating broad international interest in the field. The results also show dominant thematic clusters on sustainable product development, built environment, eco-design, circular economy, and energy efficiency which reflect the multidimensional nature of SPD technological innovation. Furthermore, the MCA identifies three major knowledge domains on environmental management, supply chain integration, and policy-related barriers, underscoring where coordinated advancements in SPD research is needed. By synthesizing these insights, this study provides a structured and data-driven understanding of SPD technology research, offers guidance for future scholarly exploration, and delivers practical implications for businesses and policymakers aiming to support sustainable production systems through more targeted regulatory and innovation strategies.

Keywords: SPD; Technology; Sustainability; Sustainable development; Circular economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s43615-025-00591-7

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