Track: Circular Economy

Abstract

The objectives of the circular economy require manufacturers not only to shift from linear supply chain approaches towards inter-company production networks, but also to trace all flows of material and energy within the network as well as at its boundaries with the natural environment. Research on production networks has been limited in that studies focus on a single or a small set of production phases or production methods or that only linear cause-effect-relationship are being studied. Consequently, feedback and feedforward loops are insufficiently captured in these partial studies. This paper closes the gap by conceptualizing production networks that include the entire product lifecycle including the resulting complex structures and interdependencies. The paper introduces a framework with standardized modules (modelled as input-output systems) that can be combined into alternative product-independent production networks. Depending on the requirements modules of different granularity are presented. The paper then applies the framework to the case of car manufacturing and recycling. The merits of this innovative research are twofold. Such a material and energy flow framework was previously not available, thus the research promises original results. Furthermore, the results can serve as excellent input for companies in their planning and assessment of environmentally oriented production networks.