Multiple Life-Cycle Products: A Review of Antecedents, Outcomes, Challenges, and Benefits in a Circular Economy

Abstract

The importance of design and its contribution to society is heavily emphasised in the literature. Multiple life-cycle products are based on the ideology value retention of components, products, and materials after its use phase, and utilised for the next life cycle. It contributes to economic growth by reducing resource consumption and environmental impact. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic literature review to understand what antecedents are involved in the generation of multiple life cycles. This study analyses 87 papers on the numerous life-cycle products, using designs for sustainability principles (Reuse, Refurbish, Remanufacturing, Recycle). The study highlighted that DfS could contribute to multiple life-cycle generation by enabling the products to be recoverable at the end-of-use or the end-of-life. The analysis identified antecedents being important for the product and related them to the outcome, benefits, and challenges. Managers need to carefully select the appropriate model for the product's design, evaluation of recovery alternatives, and prices of new and remanufactured products keeping in mind return uncertainty, quality, and volume of used products.