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Identifying the Equilibrium Point between Sustainability Goals and Circular Economy Practices in an Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Context Using Eco-Design

Author

Listed:
  • Fernando E. Garcia-Muiña

    (Department of Business Administration (ADO), Applied Economics II and Fundaments of Economic Analysis, Rey-Juan-Carlos University, 28032 Madrid, Spain)

  • Rocío González-Sánchez

    (Department of Business Administration (ADO), Applied Economics II and Fundaments of Economic Analysis, Rey-Juan-Carlos University, 28032 Madrid, Spain)

  • Anna Maria Ferrari

    (Department of Sciences and Methods for Engineering, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42122 Modena, Italy)

  • Lucrezia Volpi

    (Department of Sciences and Methods for Engineering, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42122 Modena, Italy)

  • Martina Pini

    (Department of Sciences and Methods for Engineering, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42122 Modena, Italy)

  • Cristina Siligardi

    (Department of Engineering “Enzo Ferrari”, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy)

  • Davide Settembre-Blundo

    (Department of Business Administration (ADO), Applied Economics II and Fundaments of Economic Analysis, Rey-Juan-Carlos University, 28032 Madrid, Spain
    Project Management Office, Gruppo Ceramiche Gresmalt, 41049 Sassuolo, Italy)

Abstract

For manufacturing companies, the transition to circular business models (CBMs) can be hampered both by the lack of relevant data and by operational tools. Eco-design, associated with Industry 4.0 IoT (Internet of Things) technologies, can be an effective methodological approach in developing products that are consistent with the principles of the circular economy. The reason is that, in the design phase, decisions are made that can significantly influence the degree of sustainability of products during their lifecycle. Therefore, in the manufacturing environment, eco-design represents an innovative approach to include sustainability among the traditional industrial variables such as functionality, aesthetics, quality, and profit. This study aimed to test eco-design as a tool to define the equilibrium point between sustainability and circular economy in the manufacturing environment of ceramic tile production, and to demonstrate how new business opportunities can be created through evolution from a linear to a circular business model, thanks to IoT and Industry 4.0 technologies used as enabling factors. The main result of this paper was the empirical validation in a manufacturing environment of sustainability paradigms through eco-design tools and digital technologies, proposing the circular business model as an operational tool to promote the competitiveness of enterprises.

Suggested Citation

  • Fernando E. Garcia-Muiña & Rocío González-Sánchez & Anna Maria Ferrari & Lucrezia Volpi & Martina Pini & Cristina Siligardi & Davide Settembre-Blundo, 2019. "Identifying the Equilibrium Point between Sustainability Goals and Circular Economy Practices in an Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Context Using Eco-Design," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 8(8), pages 1-22, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:8:y:2019:i:8:p:241-:d:257663
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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