How does the circular economy affect product development?

19.6.2017

The circular economy is being sought as a solution to the depletion of natural resources. Industry, and especially its product development process, plays a significant role in this. The change is facilitated by the ever-increasing popularity of 3D printing, which, on the other hand, is associated with major intellectual property rights issues.

According to UN forecasts, the world's population will grow to 9,7 billion by 2050. With a current population of 7,5 billion, we are already facing a shortage of natural resources, so the situation will not improve without appropriate measures. This is where the circular economy comes in.

The circular economy seeks new business models that help raw materials and products circulate instead of ending up as waste, thus saving materials. It is replacing the linear economy, which is based on an unsustainable take-use-discard model.

In order to maximize the benefits of the circular economy to society, it must be internalized, especially in industrial product development. In product development, the most important phase from a circular economy perspective is the design phase, which includes selecting materials and deciding on the modularity of the product.

3D printing helps in the transition to a circular economy

3D printing opens new doors for business and also helps facilitate the transition to a circular economy. When products can be printed close to the customer, they no longer need to be transported from afar to the customer. This shortens production chains and logistics operations. This saves on harmful emissions from transportation and the excessive use of packaging materials.

When using 3D printing in business, it is also possible to manufacture customized products to meet the needs of the customer. This means that there is no longer a need to store shelves of mass-produced goods in case they are needed one day. This is useful, for example, in the case of spare parts. When a customer needs a specific spare part, the right one is printed for them and they no longer have to wait weeks for it to be delivered.

The thesis examines the prospects for a circular economy in industry.

In my undergraduate thesis “Impacts of the circular economy on product development” I am studying the industrial product development process from a circular economy perspective. The case study examined intellectual property rights (e.g. patents, trademarks and design rights) in 3D printing.

Based on the research, it can be said that the circular economy is already quite visible in industry. This has been helped by the emphasis on the circular economy at the administrative and EU level. Large companies are particularly well-versed in the circular economy and intellectual property rights. However, more work should be done with small companies, both in environmental matters and in intellectual property rights.

Intellectual property rights in 3D printing are in a transitional phase, making it difficult to assess their status in the near future. In order to ensure a smooth transition and avoid infringement of rights held by others, rights holders need to develop new business models as 3D printing transforms society. Intellectual property rights education should also be integrated into education as a basic education.

Laura Laitinen,

student at Turku University of Applied Sciences

Thesis “Impacts of the circular economy on product development” can be read in its entirety here [http://theseus.fi/handle/10024/127750].

Image: 3D printed hand. Scanstockphoto.