Circular products and business models and environmental impact reductions: Current knowledge and knowledge gaps

The circular economy is billed as a solution to increase economic growth while reducing environmental impact. It argued that retaining the value of products, components and materials by fostering “inner loops”, such reuse, refurbishment remanufacturing, increases resource-efficiency. However, published assessments estimating actual impact these so-called outcomes are inconclusive. This paper presents results systematic literature review previous on products business models, focusing tighter technical loops including refurbishment, remanufacturing. Mapping reveals factors influence other aspects should be incorporated in assessments. Even though 239 papers were identified discuss and/or far majority only considers traditional product sales model remanufactured compares impacts remanufacturing with manufacturing new products. While it important quantify remarkable design strategies for (e.g. upgradability, modularity) product-service systems or types models usually not considered LCA studies. A lack studies designs utilized within apparent. In addition, many static analyses limited consideration given future share renewable energy. One can thus question how well available products/offerings performance gains they could provide economy. show there an urgent need more LCAs done way better captures potential benefits deficiencies Only then will possible make robust claims about sustainability finally total.