A conceptual model to support sustainable Product-Service System implementation in the Brazilian agricultural machinery industry

Abstract

Many studies demonstrate the potential contribution of the Product-Service System (PSS) to the development of sustainable management practices and Circular Economy (CE). However, companies face challenges when implementing PSS, and few studies examine how the manufacturing industry can develop sustainable offerings by adopting product-oriented PSS, especially in the agricultural machinery industry. Thus, we investigated how this industry perceives environmental sustainability and product-oriented PSS, and we identified practices that can be implemented to qualify the life cycle management of their products. Based on that, we proposed a conceptual model for implementing product-oriented PSS in the agricultural machinery sector. An exploratory research was carried out in two steps: a systematic literature review complemented by multiple case studies. We list the possibilities of product-oriented PSS services that can be offered for traditional industries to guide their business towards sustainable practices. In parallel, we have identified good practices and benefits of adopting product-oriented PSS. Subsequently, we conducted a diagnosis on sustainability and product-oriented PSS in agricultural machinery companies. Although companies already offer some services to customers, our results show ample opportunities for improvement, especially to offer product-oriented PSS considering socio-environmental issues. In this sense, the conceptual model proposed allows industries to expand their understanding and adherence to product-oriented PSS. As contributions, we demonstrate how the agricultural machinery industry can develop sustainable practices and promote CE through product-oriented PSS implementation.