The sustainability paradox of the sharing economy

Hans Verboven () and Lise Vanherck ()
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Hans Verboven: University of Antwerp
Lise Vanherck: University of Antwerp

Sustainability Nexus Forum, 2016, vol. 24, issue 4, No 2, 303-314

Abstract: Abstract The positive effects of new ‘sustainable’ business models, e. g. the sharing economy business model, are well-documented and widely acclaimed. However, these sustainable models also have unintended negative side-effects that are less visible and often ignored. In this article we describe these unintended side-effects as the sustainability paradox. We will discuss the negative externalities of sharing economy business models by comparing them to the characteristics of a sustainable economy model. Furthermore, we will propose a brief and simple checklist or framework for quick identification of sustainable business models. This framework can facilitate the top-down implementation of legislative measures and the bottom-up prevention of negative externalities of sharing economy initiatives.

Keywords: Sharing economy; Product-to-service economy; Externalities; Rebound effect; Sustainable business models; Prevention of externalities; Sustainability paradox (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (13)

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DOI: 10.1007/s00550-016-0410-y

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