Smart circular product design strategies towards eco-effective production systems: A lean eco-design industry 4.0 framework

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2021-10, Vol.320, p.128847, Article 128847
• Main Authors: Dahmani, Noureddine, Benhida, Khalid, Belhadi, Amine, Kamble, Sachin, Elfezazi, Said, Jauhar, Sunil Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Circular business models; Circular economy; Eco-design; Industry 4.0; Lean design; Smart circular product design; Sustainable products
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128847

For industrial enterprises, the transformation to circular business models can be curbed both by operational tools and the lack of relevant data. Lean thinking has offered great flexibility in production processes and systems by challenging mass production practices, resulting in more “Lean” products with less waste. Lean design and Eco-design, associated with Industry 4.0 technologies, can be an efficient structured and methodological approach in developing products based on the circular economy strategies. Indeed, decisions made during the product design stage can significantly impact the sustainability of products throughout their life cycle. Hence, lean design combined with eco-design and Industry 4.0 represents an innovative model to include sustainability throughout the product life cycle. This paper explores the relationship between lean eco-design and I4.0 strategies for designing eco-efficient products based on a literature review. The proposed framework is based on the synergic use of Lean design, Eco-design, and Industry 4.0. It offers the right formula to deliver better and cleaner products using appropriate processes to support manufacturers in designing products, fulfilling customers' needs and expectations. It provides scholars, designers, and managers with valuable insights into deploying strategies to design sustainable products.