Abstract
Product circularity has been promoted globally to improve the efficiency of material use, and to reduce the consumption of natural resources. This concept emphasises utilising waste from a single product to produce secondary material to be reused in the same product through a closed-loop recycling system. The manufacturing of aluminium cans is often used as an example product reaching near circularity. However, how does the learning from aluminium cans apply to more complex multi-material products? This paper uses the System Dynamics approach to model a simple product (aluminium cans) with a specific focus on the interaction between product design and recycling phases. This assessment highlights characteristics of the product design and recovery systems that realise near circular material recovery. The characteristics of the product life cycle assessed include material and manufacturing choices, product recovery systems, public education, and economic value. Based on this assessment the key focus areas for more complex products are discussed. This work provides insight into future directions for product design and research to realise a circular economy.
Published Version
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