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Eco‐design as Driver for Circular Economy: An ICESP's Empirical Investigation on Italian Firms

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  • Pasquale Del Vecchio
  • Flavio Scrucca
  • Susanna Paoni
  • Grazia Barberio

Abstract

The paper contributes to the debate on eco‐design as a driver for the circular economy configuration of firms' business models. The study presents the empirical evidence of a research promoted by the Working Group on the Eco‐design and Circular Business Model of ICESP, the Italian Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform. The research adopted a two‐stage qualitative investigation approach, including an online focus group and a self‐administered online survey. Findings showed that the adoption of eco‐design is conceived into a larger strategy of innovation aimed at continuous improvement, quality management, and collaboration with stakeholders. Eco‐design is also identified as a strategy for improving customer satisfaction that leverages collaborative innovation paths with suppliers, external partners, and universities. Implications for theory arise in terms of a major understanding of eco‐design as a driver for value creation, while for the practice the study highlights new directions for managerial and entrepreneurial practical applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Pasquale Del Vecchio & Flavio Scrucca & Susanna Paoni & Grazia Barberio, 2025. "Eco‐design as Driver for Circular Economy: An ICESP's Empirical Investigation on Italian Firms," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(3), pages 3717-3727, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:3:p:3717-3727
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.3316
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    References listed on IDEAS

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