Based on an analysis of challenges and enablers of circular economy (CE) practices for
outdoor brands and retailers, we aim to identify which of these CE practices are best suited for the
outdoor sporting goods industry. To develop the study, we used a qualitative methodology through a
content analysis of 21 expert interviews. From these interviews, we derived challenges and enablers
for different CE elements in the categories reduce, circulate products, circulate materials, and shift
towards renewable resources. Our findings indicate trade-offs related to the high complexity and
functionality of many products, the juxtaposition of extremely technical and less technical products,
and the low product return rate as challenges, while design for durability, design for repairability,
and linking the degree of circularity to product types were identified as enablers. Based on our data,
we argue that among circular practices reduce should form a basis upon which other aspects can
build, with durability and repairability best suited for technical outdoor gear. As our study adds
an industry-specific perspective, it contributes new knowledge to the CE literature. It also helps
managers with the practical implications, as we argue they should be aware of potential downsides
of CE elements and thus consider carefully which of those elements can help support their overall
business and sustainability strategies.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:DRESDEN/oai:qucosa:de:qucosa:87520 |
| Date | 20 October 2023 |
| Creators | Fuchs, Michael, Hovenmann, Gregor |
| Publisher | MDPI |
| Source Sets | Hochschulschriftenserver (HSSS) der SLUB Dresden |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion, doc-type:article, info:eu-repo/semantics/article, doc-type:Text |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
| Relation | 7771 |
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