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Title Conflicting consequences of price-induced product lifetime extension in circular economy: The impact on metals, greenhouse gas, and sales of air conditioners
ID_Doc 4528
Authors Nishijima, D; Nansai, K; Kagawa, S; Oguchi, M
Title Conflicting consequences of price-induced product lifetime extension in circular economy: The impact on metals, greenhouse gas, and sales of air conditioners
Year 2020
Published
DOI 10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.105023
Abstract This study examined the effects of product price increases on metal consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and product sales via changes in the product replacement decisions of consumers. A dynamic discrete choice model was applied to air conditioners (ACs) in Japan to determine these effects when product price is increased by from 5% to 30% in 5% increments. To illustrate, a 5% increase in air conditioners was shown to reduce consumption of iron, copper, and aluminum by six, one, and two thousand tons, respectively, while increasing GHG emissions by 506 kt-CO2 eq. and decreasing product sales by 56 billion Japanese yen. Thus, product price increases for ACs led to a reduction in material consumption while decreasing product sales. The effect on GHG emissions depends on the level of the product price increase. These interactions suggest that consumers will use products longer so long as the value of the product's enhanced durability and longevity matches the increased price of the product. Efforts to improve product durability and longevity, however, will require that AC companies explore new business models in order to cope with the anticipated decrease in product sales as the transition to a circular economy continues.
Author Keywords Circular economy; Longer product use; Sustainable consumption; Value retention
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED); Social Science Citation Index (SSCI)
EID WOS:000569614800018
WoS Category Engineering, Environmental; Environmental Sciences
Research Area Engineering; Environmental Sciences & Ecology
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