Analysis of product life cycles in the context of the circular economy and its strategies

ABSTRACT:

The product life cycle (PLC) is the basis for every development task. Its modeling is especially important in the context of the circular economy, as recirculation within the PLC forms its basic concept. To derive requirements for circular products, it must be known which phases are to be passed through within which circular strategy. This paper links R-strategies and life cycle phases by analyzing 56 life cycle models in regard to the number of phases, sequence, and other characteristics. A dependency matrix consolidated from the life cycles allows the findings to be utilized further.