Opportunities and challenges to increase circularity in the product's use phase

Abstract

The circular economy (CE) seeks to optimize the use of natural resources and to allow sustainable production processes to work in a closed-loop system. Each product's life cycle phase must be analyzed from the CE perspective in a production environment. Although the use phase is significant in terms of environmental impact, it faces challenges and opportunities that must be explored. The objectives of this study are (i) to identify the main guidelines companies can implement to increase circularity in the product's use phase and (ii) to outline the existing opportunities and challenges to increase circularity in the product's use phase. The study identified guidelines related to CE practices in the product's use phase that companies can adopt, which were categorized into 15 key areas: reuse, reverse logistics, resources, marketing, contract, systems, tools, and others. Furthermore, it highlighted opportunities to improve the relationship between companies and consumers, such has expanding product-service systems and connecting them to EC coverage levels. The research also recognized challenges that impede the effective implementation of CE in the use phase, such as the packaging sector, electrical and electronics sector, durability of products, need for different players, the importance of top management, CE level approach, renting as a business model, remanufacturing and reprocessing of electronic equipment and engines, options to sell products in bulk and raising people's awareness of the importance of CE throughout the product's life cycle. The research shows concluded that the guidelines found can facilitate the transition to CE, actively involving users and using existing methodologies and tools.