Towards the development of a model for circularity: The circular car as a case study

Abstract

The “Circular Car”, as a strategic concept, adopts a circular flow in the whole product lifecycle: reduction, recovery, repair, renovation, reuse, and recycling of all components. These processes are a part of the value chain, and the reason is to increase value and the circularity of materials. The goal of this paper is to develop a conceptual model that uses cars as a case study in order to support the development of a full circular car throughout the product lifecycle, i.e. from the drawing to the use of the vehicle that we know today, to make the companies more environmental, socially and economically responsible. Based on the literature review and interviews and questionnaires with the automotive industry’s stakeholders, a set of practices - designated by “circular practices” – that can be used by the automotive industry are identified and the relationships between them established by using the Interpretative Structural Modelling (ISM). The main results of this study make it possible to identify the practice “Development of alternatives to internal combustion engines” being at the top of the ISM hierarchy, which means that this practice is dependent on the other practices. In order to have the “Circular Car” concept implemented solutions as battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, among others, need to be supported by the other “circular practices”.