The circularity of product-service systems: the role of macro-, meso- and micro-level contextual factors
International Journal of Operations & Production Management
ISSN: 0144-3577
Article publication date: 23 August 2022
Issue publication date: 22 March 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the relationships between macro-, meso- and micro-level contextual factors that enable or inhibit the contribution of product service systems (PSS) to circularity. It is informed by the natural resource-based view (NRBV) and the multi-level perspective as theoretical lenses.
Design/methodology/approach
A theory elaboration approach is used through three in-depth case studies of UK and German manufacturers. Case studies provide use- and result-oriented PSS for personal computers, power tools and wind turbines. Multiple sources of evidence, including 20 semi-structured interviews, company documents and quantitative data, are triangulated to improve the validity of the results.
Findings
Empirical evidence for relationships between macro-, meso- and micro-level contextual factors show significant barriers to the extending and cycling of resource loops, primarily through maintenance, repairs and refurbishment. A firm’s environmental awareness has a determining role in the contribution of PSS to circularity. The evidence from two use-oriented PSS reveals different circularity maturity levels.
Originality/value
This research makes three key contributions. Firstly, it elaborates on NRBV by showing that a firm’s environmental awareness determines product stewardship. The type of product stewardship practices depends on the enabling and inhibiting effects of macro- and meso-level factors. Secondly, it shows that use-oriented PSS have different circularity profiles and proposes three circularity maturity levels. Finally, it provides an empirically validated framework of macro-, meso- and micro-level enablers and barriers and how they interact to enable or inhibit circularity in PSS.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was made possible by the Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network “Circ€uit” - Circular European Economy Innovative Training Network, within the Horizon 2020 Program of the European Commission (grant agreement number: 721909). The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the European Commission and the contributions of partners in this project.
Citation
Kühl, C., Skipworth, H.D., Bourlakis, M. and Aktas, E. (2023), "The circularity of product-service systems: the role of macro-, meso- and micro-level contextual factors", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 43 No. 4, pp. 619-650. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-01-2022-0055
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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