This case study of the waste management at a pharmaceutical company investigates the current situation and possible improvements for future work in terms of amount of waste generated, treatment methods and economy. The scope of the project was to assess all current waste streams from the everyday activities and find potential areas for improvement. Chemical/solvent waste have not been investigated thoroughly because of the complexity to make changes within the manufacturing processes. Waste generated during demolition and construction by external contractors have been excluded since it is not a part of the business as usual. The company has set the goal to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 20% and waste generated by 15% and to achieve these goals the waste diagnostic project have been initiated. Waste reports and guided tours at each department have been compiled to assess and map out all waste streams at the site. The waste management hierarchy has been used as a tool together with performance measurements to evaluate current situation and with examples from literature, other sites and industries recommendations have been made. The waste management hierarchy is a tool used to prioritize waste management to reach a circular economy, with landfill at the bottom and reduction/reuse at the top of the hierarchy the current status of a company can be assessed and also what areas that have to be improved in order to climb the hierarchy. The company shows a good environmental performance today and comply with internal standards, the waste metric scoring calculation results in a value of, , 464 which corresponds to energy recovery level of the waste management hierarchy. An ISO certificate ensures customers that a product or service meet the standards the customer have. There are ISO standards within many different areas and ISO 14001 applies to environmental management which the company is not certified with. The company comply with the internal standards but an ISO certificate would result in extra credibility. Some of the recommendations to the site includes a waste management communication program to engage employees, reuse of disposable pallets, drying of wastewater sludge and installation of paper shredder to reduce costs related to classified documents. / Denna fallstudie om avfallshanteringen på ett läkemedelsföretag undersöker den nuvarande situationen och potentiella förbättringsmöjligheter för framtida arbete beträffande mängd avfall som genereras, behandlingsmetoder och ekonomi. Projektets mål var att utvärdera alla avfallsströmmar från de dagliga aktiviteterna och identifiera potentiella områden för förbättring. Kemiskt/lösningsmedelavfall har inte undersökts på djupet på grund av komplexiteten att göra ändringar inom tillverkningsprocesserna. Projektavfall som genererats under rivning och byggande av externa entreprenörer har uteslutits eftersom det inte är en del av den dagliga verksamheten. Företaget har satt som mål att minska utsläppen av växthusgaser med 20% och avfall genererat med 15% och för att uppnå dessa mål har ”waste diagnostic” projektet inletts. Avfallsrapporter och guidade turer vid varje avdelning har sammanställts för att utvärdera och kartlägga alla avfallsströmmar på siten. Avfallshierarkin har använts som ett verktyg tillsammans med prestandamätningar för att utvärdera den aktuella situationen och med exempel från litteratur, andra siter och branscher har rekommendationer gjorts. Avfallshanteringshierarkin är ett verktyg som används för att prioritera avfallshantering för att uppnå en cirkulär ekonomi, med deponering i botten och minskning / återanvändning högst upp i hierarkin kan den aktuella statusen för ett företag bedömas och även vilka områden som måste förbättras för att nå högre upp i avfallshierarkin. Siten visar på en bra miljöprestanda idag och uppfyller de interna standarder som fastställts. Beräkningen av ”waste metric scoring” resulterar i ett värde, , på 464 vilket motsvarar nivån för energiåtervinning i avfallshanteringshierarkin. Ett ISO-certifikat garanterar kunder att en produkt eller tjänst uppfyller de standarder kunden har. Det finns ISO-standarder inom många olika områden och ISO 14001 är certifikatet för miljöledning som siten inte är certifierad med. Företaget följer de interna standarder som har satts men ett ISO-certifikat skulle resultera i ökad trovärdighet. Några av de identifierade rekommendationerna till företaget inkluderar ett kommunikationsprogram för avfallshantering för att engagera och utbilda anställda, återanvändning av engångspallar, torkning av slam och installation av dokumentförstörare för att minska kostnaderna kring sekretessbelagda dokument.

The concept of circular economy has gained a lot of interest among both researchers and practitioners. Moving from the traditional linear “take, make, disposal” resource management approach towards circular economy principles that aim to keep resources in a loop of usage is considered to be a possible way for material-intensive industries to decouple economic growth from environmental constraints. This could enable increased value creation while maintaining a decreased environmental footprint. The transition towards circular economy has stimulated companies across industries to introduce varying types of circular business model innovations. By using the case of clothing resale in the fashion industry, this thesis aims to explore how companies innovate their business models in the context of circular economy. The study uses the Multi-Level Perspective framework to analyze the emerging business model innovations within the clothing resale markets, incumbent fashion retailers’ reactions towards them, and the role of innovating business models in possible future stages of the fashion industry’s transition towards circular economy. The findings show that the main types of business model innovations emerging in the highly growing clothing resale markets are born-circular fashion retailers, online resale platforms, B2B back-end services for clothing resale and clothing as a service. Most incumbent fashion retailers have been actively monitoring the development of the clothing resale market, but only a small part of them have introduced resale-related business models themselves. Some fashion retailers that have taken a more active approach towards clothing resale have followed a business model diversification strategy where the existing business model stays in place and a secondary resale business model is established parallel with the core business model. Although the clothing resale business model innovations can entail some short-term economic and brand benefits especially with specific product types and price segments, the largest benefits are likely to be related to preparing for future changes. Fashion retailers that are currently reacting early to the circular economy transition by diversifying their business model with novel resale business model innovations strengthen their future position if changes in regulatory frameworks, consumer mindsets and technologies further accelerate the importance of circular economy in the industry. / Begreppet cirkulär ekonomi har fått ett stort intresse bland både forskare och utövare. Genom att förflytta ifrån den traditionella linjära resurshanteringsstrategin: "ta, göra, bortskaffa", till principerna för cirkulär ekonomi. Principerna syftar till att istället hålla resurserna i en slinga av användning och anses vara ett möjligt sätt för materialintensiva industrier att koppla från den ekonomiska tillväxten från miljöbegränsningar, där en cirkulär ekonomi kan möjliggöra ökad värdeskapande samtidigt som ett minskat miljöavtryck bibehålls. Övergången till en cirkulär ekonomi har stimulerat företag över en mängd olika branscher att införa olika typer av cirkuläraffärsmodellsutveckling. Genom att studera det nya fenomenet av återförsäljning av kläder inom modebranschen, syftar examensarbetet att undersöka hur företag utvecklar sina affärsmodeller i samband med cirkulär ekonomi. Studien använder ett multi-perspektivramverk för att analysera de nya affärsmodellinnovationerna inom klädåterförsäljningsmarknaderna. Utöver det studeras även de nuvarande modeförsäljares reaktioner gentemot dessa samt rollen som innovativa affärsmodeller kan ha i framtida stadier av modebranschens övergång till cirkulär ekonomi. Resultaten visar att de viktigaste typerna av affärsmodellinnovationer på de signifikant växande marknaderna för återförsäljning av kläder är de `föddes-cirkulära´ modeförsäljarna, återförsäljningsplattformar på nätet, samt B2B-tjänster för återförsäljning av kläder och kläder som en tjänst. De flesta nuvarande modeförsäljare har aktivt övervakat utvecklingen av marknaden för klädåterförsäljning, men bara en liten del av dem har själva infört återförsäljningsrelaterade affärsmodeller. Vissa modeförsäljare som har tagit ett mer aktivt förhållningssätt till återförsäljning av kläder har följt en strategi för diversifiering av affärsmodeller där den befintliga affärsmodellen förblir på plats och en sekundär affärsmodell för återförsäljning upprättas parallellt med den huvudsakliga affärsmodellen. Trots att utveckling av affärsmodellens klädesåterförsäljning kan medföra ekonomiska fördelar och varumärken på kort sikt, särskilt med specifika produkttyper och prissegment. Förutses de största fördelarna troligen vara relaterat till förberedelser för framtida förändringar. Modeaktörer som reagerar tidigt på övergången till cirkulär ekonomi genom att diversifiera den befintliga affärsmodellen med nya innovationer eller kompletterar med en ny affärsmodell, stärker sin framtida position om förändringar i regelverk, konsumentens tankesätt och teknik ytterligare påskyndar vikten av cirkulär ekonomi i branschen.

The Circular Economy is on the top of the corporate agenda and provokes the interest of the academic community, governments, and policymakers. The Circular Economy paradigm is seen as a better solution and more sustainable alternative to the current linear system. To realize the benefit of the CE, new thinking and new business models are required. So far, there is limited progress has been achieved regarding the implementation of the Circular Economy. Therefore, scholars strive to understand the phenomena, providing conceptualizations, new strategies, and new business models, lacking empirical testing. The purpose- this study is mainly conducted to test empirically a set of influencing factors that include drivers which stimulate SMEs to implement Circular Business Models and the barriers that prevent or complicate the implementation process. Methodology- in order to fulfill the research objective, qualitative research with a multiple-case study approach is employed, focusing on three Swedish SMEs that operate in three different sectors. Findings- the outcome empirically confirmed that organizational drivers related to leadership and organizational culture, resource availability including technology and knowledge, financial factors, product and process development, society, environment, and stakeholder pressure, geographical proximity, entrepreneurship, and bran strengthening are seen as driving and facilitating factors to implement Circular business model. While, the lack of supportive regulation and policies, consumer behaviors related to single-use culture, the nature of the product and material, and the presence of incompatibility and monopoly in the supply chain are observed as major barriers.

Abstract Background:  Electric Vehicles (EVs) have been identified as a sustainable alternative to reduce the world’s dependence on fossil fuels. EV sales are starting to reach significant numbers. Subsequently, the demand for Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs), a key component in EVs, has increased. Due to the higher demand, a greater volume of LIBs will enter the waste stream. The waste-management strategies commonly used for the disposal of LIBs create potential risks of soil and air pollution, affecting the sustainability of EVs. The underdeveloped waste-management strategies, and the environmental and social risks related to improper disposal of LIBs, makes the study of second-life strategies of LIBs relevant.  Circular Economy (CE) promotes circular instead of linear flows of materials to reduce environmental impacts and maximize resource efficiency. LIB recycling is gaining popularity since LIBs contain valuable metals such as cobalt and lithium. A major challenge for LIB recycling is developing economical ways to extract and process metals from spent LIBs. The reviewed literature points to aresearch gap formed by the lack of study on the standardization of LIBs aimed to improve LIB recycling. The research gap is relevant because the reviewed literature points to a connection between standardization, innovation, and sustainability. Innovation of LIBs is a driver of sustainable transportation solutions, and the study of LIB standardization is relevant for two reasons. Firstly, standardization may influence further innovations needed to enable sustainable transportation. Secondly, standardization is relevant to achieve better recycling of LIBs and reduce the negative environmental and health effects of improper LIB disposal. Objectives:  During the development of the theoretical framework, two paradoxes were observed. The first paradox is between the dimensions of innovation and sustainability. Innovation acts positively on sustainability by enabling LIB development necessary to include EVs in the transportation sector. On the other hand, improper disposal of LIBs results in pollution affecting sustainability negatively. The second paradox is between the dimensions of standardization and innovation. Academics perceive standardization either as an enabler or as a hinder to innovation. Standardization enables innovation by giving a path and conditions for further technological developments, but standardization could also constrain the freethinking needed in innovation. Considering that innovation of LIBs has been a driver in the development of EVs, often described as a sustainable transportation solution, the study of LIBs’ standardization is relevant in the context of further innovation and higher sustainability goals.  The purpose of this study is to help to fill the gap in existing research on LIB recycling by exploring what factors in the dimensions of standardization, innovation, and sustainability are perceived as relevant for LIBs’ standardization aimed for better recycling. Moreover, the purpose of this thesis is also to explore how these factors influence further innovation of LIBs. Consequently, this thesis seeks to answer the following research question: What factors are perceived to be relevant for standardization of LIBs in the dimensions of standardization, innovation and sustainability aimed to improve recycling, and why? Also, how could these factors influence innovation of LIBs? Methodology:  Research in standardization aimed for recycling of LIBs is in its infancy. Therefore, the research problem is perceived as unstructured and modestly understood. Consequently, an exploratory research design has been selected for this thesis. The chosen research strategy was to conduct a case study focused on automotive firms. The selection of the case was based on four criteria. The first criterion was to select a firm in Sweden. The second criterion was to choose a firm with a defined strategy towards electric vehicles and a track of being innovative. A third criterion behind the selection was the firm’s potential for growth in units sold. The fourth criterion was that the firm should have a publicly known ambition or strategy towards sustainability. Volvo Cars Corporation (VCC) fulfilled all four criteria and was selected as the study case for this thesis. Data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with key organizational members involved in work related to second-life strategies of LIBs, development of LIBs, sustainability analysis, andlegislations or standardization. The sampling then focused on informants in the business areas of R&D,which covers these organizational activities. The interview questions were based on factors found to berelevant during the literature review within the dimensions of standardization, innovation, and sustainability. Also, each factor was associated with corresponding attributes. The formulation of the interview questions aimed to explore the relevance of an attribute for the standardization of LIBs aimed for better recycling and to explore how the factor influences innovation. The explored factors in the dimension of standardization were the source of standard, working groups for standardization development, practices during standard development, and design of standards. Meanwhile, the explored factors in the dimension of innovation were network effects and barriers to entry. In the sustainability dimension, the explored factors were exploration-exploitation balance and network effects.  The data analysis for the interviewees was based on first-order categorization of the answers, followed by creating second-order themes. The first-order categories and second-order themes were used for analyzing and assessing the relevance of the explored factors for the standardization of LIBs. Afterward, the second-order and aggregate themes were considered for the analysis of the factors’ influence on innovation. Moreover, the second-order themes have been used to identify new relevant factors to be considered in the standardization of LIBs with an influence in innovation. In this work, those identified relevant factors are referred asidentified elements. Finally, the analysis for the influence of the identified elements on innovation was visualized by the elaboration of a thematic map.  Results & Analysis:  The explored factors of standardization sources, working groups for standardization development, practices during development of standards and design of standards within the dimension of standardization were perceived as relevant and influenced innovation in combination with other identified elements. The most relevant identified elements were maturity, rigid standards, harmonization, flexibility, tacit knowledge, and culture. Maturity and rigid standards were perceived as the dominant among the identified elements by being important to avoid a negative influence on innovation caused by technology lock-in and obsolescence of the developed standards. Regarding identified elements with a positive influence on innovation, harmonization, culture, tacit knowledge, and flexibility are perceived as relevant to innovation by enabling common solutions in harmonized alliances, clarity in scope for the standards, and allowing freedom in the choice of methods. In the case of explored factors in the dimensions of innovation and sustainability, the explored factors of networks effects, entry barriers, and exploration-exploitation were perceived as relevant for the standardization of LIBs. Moreover, the results of the identified elements showed technology lock-in and iiiinefficient products as the biggest influence negatively affecting innovation and sustainability,respectively. The most important identified elements are maturity and investments for the technology lock-in aggregate theme, whereas efficiency, pricing, and environmental impact are identified for the case of inefficient products. Regarding aggregate themes enabling innovation and sustainability, they were presented in the form of resource and process optimization, market dynamics, and holistic view. Among the dominant identified elements enabling innovation are efficiency and specialized facilities.In addition to positive and negative aggregate themes, the aggregate theme of technology path was created. This aggregate theme refers to a technology development path that could influence innovation and or sustainability in potentially different ways: positive, neutral, or negative. The dominant identified elements in this theme are infrastructure, social realm, and consumer preference and awareness. Conclusions:  This thesis explored the relevance of factors in the dimensions of standardization, innovation, and sustainability on LIB standardization and their influence on the innovation of LIBs. The exploration of the factors’ perceived relevance answered the research question and resulted in new identified elementsrelevant to be considered in the standardization of LIBs with an influence on innovation. Consequently, this thesis fulfilled its purpose by helping to fill the gap in the existing research on LIB recycling. The main conclusions for the exploration of factors within the dimension of standardization are two. Firstly, the explored factors are relevant to be considered in the standardization of LIBs. Secondly, the exploration led to the new identified elements with negative and positive influence on innovation. The identified elements of maturity and rigid standards showed a negative influence on innovation in the form of technology lock-in or obsolescence of standards. However, the identified elements of harmonization, flexibility, tacit knowledge, and culture, showed a positive influence on further innovation of LIBs. The main conclusions for the dimensions of sustainability and innovation were that the explored factors are relevant in LIB standardization. Also, high compatibility between LIB manufacturers and recyclers raises challenges towards innovation while supporting sustainability. Also, consumer preferences and their shifts play a central role with negative and positive influence on innovation and sustainability and as a driver to certain segments of standardization.

Waste is a complex challenge when it comes to reaching a more sustainable society, to achieve this everyone needs to get involved, not only in the own household but also at the workplace. Unsorted waste increases the risk of toxic substances being released in nature as well as a more rapid depletion of resources which then results in an increase of required amounts of energy to be utilized. The purpose of this study was to examine factors that influence employees’ behaviors regarding waste sorting at municipal workplaces. By gaining a better understanding of the factors that affect this behavior and the role attitudes play in it, obstacles and opportunities for achieving higher levels in the waste hierarchy could be identified. A survey was conducted amongst employees at a Swedish municipality to study what influenced the frequency of the waste sorting they performed. A significant difference between behavior at home and in the workplace was confirmed. The results showed that attitudes about the importance of waste sorting did influence behavior, but there were factors that hindered the behavior from occurring more frequently. Lack of knowledge about waste management, unclear routines, perceived low engagement from colleagues and thus no clearly established social norms, as well as poor access to sorting bins, were factors that proved to disrupt the correlation between attitudes and behavior. The motivation and willingness for more accurate waste sorting exist among employees, but more education, greater access to sorting facilities, and transparency from management are needed.

The waste and carbon emissions in Sweden is comprehensively contributed by the construction industry. With focus on the growing need for raw materials, reports indicate that by 2060 the use of raw materials is expected to increase by 50%. It is evident that the production of windows can have negative environmental consequences, from extraction to its contribution to a building’s energy consumption. By centering on the circular economy framework, this study aims to promote reuse of windows, by focusing on environmental, economic and quality factors. Through literature reviews, case studies and stakeholder interviews, this study focus upon window reuse in construction projects in a feasible manner. The absence of knowledge and logistical concerns hinders the reuse of windows, despite its environmental and economic benefits. Reuse relies on inventory, digital logistics and collaboration among stakeholders as a vital key motivator. Furthermore, limited support and resources has been identified as some of the key obstacles for progress and implementation of reuse of windows. Emphasizing on the importance of responsibility allocation and considering sustainability throughout the entire construction process. Quality criteria for window reuse include energy efficiency and cultural value. Despite challenges such as economics, logistics, collaboration and the share of knowledge, it’s believed that this study can significantly transform the reuse process and steer towards a more sustainable future. / Bygg- och fastighetssektorn står för en stor andel av Sveriges koldioxidutsläpp samt av den energi som förbrukas i Sverige. Sektorns användning av råmaterial tenderar att stiga och förväntas fördubblas till 2060. Utvecklingen skapar ett tydligt behov av att minska sektorns negativa miljöpåverkan och öka återbruket av byggmaterial, som för närvarande står för 35% av Sveriges totala avfall. Fönster är en komplex del av en byggnad vars utformning kan variera avsevärt och ha stor inverkan på hur energieffektiv en byggnad är. Vidare har fönster krav på både estetik, komfort och funktion. Produktionen av fönster kan ha negativa miljökonsekvenser, från råvaruutvinning till dess bidrag på en byggnads totala energiförbrukning vid bruksskedet. Denna studie fokuserar på återbruk av fönster för att minska miljöpåverkan och öka resurseffektiviteten.Studiens syfte är att identifiera och optimera återbruksprocessen av fönster och samtidigt beakta miljö, ekonomi och kvalitetskrav. Frågeställningar inkluderar hur återbruk kan främjas, vem som styr och fattar beslut om återbruk, samt vilka kvalitetskriterier som behövs för fönster. För att besvara frågeställningarna kombineras de tre tillvägagångssätten; litteraturstudie, fallstudier och intervjuer med branschaktörer. Med tillvägagångssättet undersöks utmaningar, möjligheter samt vem som lämpligast driver frågan om återbruk av fönster i ett projekt. Målet med studien är att utforma en handlingsplan för resurseffektivt återbruk. Studiens teoretiska ramverk bygger på konceptet om cirkulär ekonomi, som syftar till att minska avfall och främja återanvändning.Resultatet av studien visar att både miljömässiga och ekonomiska aspekter motiverar återbruk av fönster inom bygg- och fastighetssektorn. De främsta utmaningarna identifieras som relaterade till logistik, brist på kunskap och motstånd mot förändring. Åtgärder såsom inventering, digitala logistikportaler och ökad medvetenhet föreslogs för att främja återbruk av fönster. Implementering av återbruk av fönster och därmed cirkulärt byggande kräver att dessa utmaningar adresseras, vilket kan underlättas om aktörer inom sektorn samarbetar. Utmaningar vid implementering kan uppstå på grund av bristande stöd från beslutsfattare och resursallokering. Begränsningar i tidigare forskning och den svenska marknadens förutsättningar kan påverka resultatets betydelse utanför Sverige. Studienbelyser vikten av ansvarsfördelning och att beakta hållbarhet genom hela byggprocessen. Kvalitetskriterier för återbruk av fönster avser energieffektivitet och kulturellt värde. Trots utmaningar som ekonomi och logistik, kan samarbete och kunskapsdelning effektivisera återbruksprocessen och leda sektorn mot en mer hållbar framtid.

Today, we live according to the linear economy which depletes the planet's resources and gives rise to large amounts of waste. The circular economy, on the other hand, can be seen as a kind of cycle where the extraction of raw materials is minimized, and reuse is to be maximized. The generation of waste should preferably be avoided. This study aims to investigate how circular micro-enterprises engage with the principles of the circular economy and to identify any associated difficulties or challenges connected to circular economy. The study also examines whether these companies utilize specific tools to measure their circularity. Four companies were interviewed through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, and the data was analyzed using thematic analysis as a guiding framework. The findings revealed several challenges associated with implementing circular economy practices, including issues related to transportation and behavior patterns. Furthermore, the majority of the four respondents reported not using any specific tools to measure their circularity, although some companies employ life cycle analysis to assess the environmental impact of their products or services. There is a clear need for the development of standardized tools that facilitate the assessment of circularity for companies, enabling easy comparison and evaluation of progress in adopting circular economy principles.

Cities, as epicenters of resource consumption and waste production, play a crucial role in spearheading the transition towards a circular economy, where waste is minimized and the lifecycle of resources is maximized. Fashion industry activities, in particular, are predominantly concentrated in the urban context, from design activities to consumption and disposal. Given their role as centers of entrepreneurship and innovation, what opportunities and challenges do cities present in facilitating an industrial paradigm shift towards circularity in the fashion industry? How do entrepreneurial actors and supportive intermediaries pave the way toward a circular system? This dissertation examines the processes of entrepreneurship and the dynamics of learning that propel the fashion industry toward a circular economy, or circular fashion. It brings together literature on circular economy businesses and entrepreneurship with economic geography insights into the localized processes of innovation and entrepreneurship within cultural and creative industries. The three papers presented contribute to the expanding field of research and practice in the circular economy and circular fashion by underscoring the significance of proximity relations, entrepreneurial initiatives, and the dynamics of knowledge intermediation. Through a systematic literature review and a case study of New York City’s fashion industry, the three papers cultivate a nuanced understanding on the micro-dynamics of circular fashion entrepreneurship and relational processes that accompany the transition towards circular fashion. They highlight the importance of the interplay between geographical and non-geographical proximities, place-based entrepreneurial initiatives, and knowledge coordination efforts, offering a comprehensive view of the circular fashion landscape and policy implications.

Globally, the rising extraction of raw materials results in substantial resource depletion. The global circularity rate declines yearly as goods manufacturing consumes energy, fossil fuels, and primary materials. In the EU, about 11 million tonnes of furniture are discarded annually, and most end up in landfills. Sweden discards about 330.000 tonnes of office furniture each year. Sharing and reusing with Circular Economy (CE) strategies can possibly reduce environmental impact, yet challenges may arise from extra measures and expectancies when sharing. There are few studies that assess CE strategies in the use phase and environmental impacts of furniture. For the evaluation of CE strategies and a product's potential environmental impact and comparing user scenarios, this study used a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The goal is to explore under what circumstances height adjustable desks (desks) in four user scenarios (baseline scenario and three scenarios with adopted CE strategies for closing, slowing, and narrowing the material loops) are the most beneficial for the environment. The evaluation is conducted by analysing the scenario’s potential impact (i.e., midpoint categories GWP, HNCT and MRS). The results show that the manufacturing of the desk frame has a significant impact in the midpoint categories GWP and MRS, and the manufacturing of the motor in the midpoint category HNCT, in all four scenarios. The rental scenario, with high utilisation (80%) due to flexibility, has the lowest potential impact, compared to the three other scenarios with 40% utilisation. Two sensitivity analyses were conducted, which showed that the utilisation rate and lifespan of parts (due to aesthetic expectations) is crucial for what scenario that has the best outcome. Rental and reuse have a lower impact compared to recycling and baseline. The circumstances of high utilisation rate and flexibility benefitted the rental scenario. Product design strategies such as modular, easy repair and maintenance, and the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) keeping ownership or agreeing with the user are critical for substituting parts in the reuse and rental scenarios. This study shows that renting office desks is the best option, compared to the other scenarios, as long as utilisation is over 54% and high user expectations do not demand new desktops every 5th year.

Abstract Background:Industrial symbiosis, a concept where waste or by-products from one industry serve as resources for another has gained attention as industries seek sustainable and efficient resource management solutions. However, the practical implementation of industrial symbiosis remains complex. Purpose:This research investigates the factors influencing the establishment of industrial symbiosis among stakeholders in Vetlanda, Sweden. Method:Utilizing a qualitative approach, interviews with six regional stakeholders provide insights into the dynamics of symbiotic relationships and the obstacles and aids to their development. Key findings indicate that financials, collaboration, resources, geographical proximity, politics and regulations are crucial factors when establishing industrial symbiosis partnerships. Conclusion:Despite potential benefits like resource efficiency and reduced environmental impact, practical challenges like high initial investment costs and organizational complexities remain significant. This study contributes to understanding the conditions necessary for successful industrial symbiosis implementation and suggests areas for future research that include, continuation of this research and cross regional research.