| Title |
(Im)possibilities of "circular" production: Learning from corporate case studies of (un)sustainability |
| ID_Doc |
16228 |
| Authors |
Kopnina, H; Padfield, R |
| Title |
(Im)possibilities of "circular" production: Learning from corporate case studies of (un)sustainability |
| Year |
2021 |
| Published |
|
| DOI |
10.1016/j.indic.2021.100161 |
| Abstract |
This article discusses Cradle to Cradle (C2C) and circular economy designs including three key principles of C2C production as well as the so-called 9-R hierarchy of priorities in circular economy production. This article ex-amines student assignments that apply these circular and C2C principles to the detergent brand Method, the refillable drinking bottle Dopper, and the packaging of Burger King. Product improvements identified by students include expanding transparency of the "invisible" aspects of production, such as the types of materials and en-ergy used for packaging and transport, or the potential for take-back and repair. In the student analysis, it ap-pears that the supposedly circular or C2C products have their shortcomings, especially when it comes to the first R of the 9-R hierarchy - Refuse or avoid making or buying new products. The larger lesson from these case studies is that the buzzword circularity might not be delivering on its promise of absolute decoupling of resource consumption from economic activity. Students are recommended to engage with tools, concepts, and approaches, such as critical thinking and degrowth strategies to provide insight into sustainable transformations for society. |
| Author Keywords |
Circular economy; Cradle to cradle; Degrowth; Greenwashing; Sustainability |
| Index Keywords |
Index Keywords |
| Document Type |
Other |
| Open Access |
Open Access |
| Source |
Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI) |
| EID |
WOS:000783202700004 |
| WoS Category |
Environmental Sciences; Environmental Studies |
| Research Area |
Environmental Sciences & Ecology |
| PDF |
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2021.100161
|