The effects of product lifetime extension on short- and long-term supply chain circularity: A case study of the European aluminum automotive supply chain

This paper models, quantifies, and analyzes the environmental impacts of Product Lifetime Extension (PLE) on circular materials in the short and long term. The European Aluminum Rolled Products Automotive Supply Chain (ARPASC) is used as a case study. We present a system dynamics model for the European ARPASC to fit short-term and long-term goals. The computational results show that PLE reduces the demand for products and primary and secondary resources in the short and long term. A 25 % PLE starting in 2025 is found to reduce the global warming potential of the European ARPASC by 16.7 % in 2050. The results of different scenarios show that the degree of PLE and the timing of its implementation should be chosen carefully to ensure that the long-term objectives of the Paris Agreement are achieved without compromising short-term goals. PLE proves to be a sustainable product development strategy for realizing the European Green Deal.