Value-retention processes (VRPs), a collective term that includes practices of direct reuse, repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing, can facilitate the cycling of products and components within a circular economy (CE). VRPs are often presented as alternatives to conventional manufacturing and consumption, and as mechanisms for avoiding negative environmental impacts (e.g., landfill) and mitigating issues of material scarcity. However, these practices are typically lumped together under generic ‘reuse’ strategies within sustainable materials management programs and policies. Further, there is a lack of clarity and data regarding how VRPs differ, and the extent to which they contribute to the avoidance of negative environmental and economic impacts. Using novel integrated product-, process, and economy-level models, we quantify select environmental and economic impact metrics for VRPs and conventional manufacturing across six case study products, in two industrialized economies (USA and China). Using this novel methodology, we demonstrate a basis for clear differentiation of VRPs as distinct strategies within a CE, and show that each VRP offers differing forms of value (e.g. cost reduction, labor opportunity, and material retention) and differing degrees of environmental and economic impacts (e.g., primary material requirement, embodied emissions, process emissions). In all cases, the product- and process-level comparative analyses indicate that VRPs present a clear opportunity for significantly reduced environmental impacts, relative to conventional manufacturing. This novel methodology provides an adaptive, comprehensive model that can support the decision of whether or not to engage in VRPs. By quantifying and evaluating VRPs in terms of their relative environmental and economic performance, the distinct avenues, expectations and outcomes for CE can be better integrated across diverse industry and product portfolios (International Resource Panel [29]).

The transition to a circular economy (CE) requires companies to evaluate their resource flows, supply chains, and business models and to question the ways in which value is created. In the high value manufacturing (HVM) sector, this evaluation is critical, as HVM enables value in nonconventional forms, beyond profit, including unique production processes, brand recognition, rapid delivery times, and highly customized services. We investigate the role of value, cost, and other factors of influence in the selection of a circular business model (CBM) for HVM. Explored through five case studies using a qualitative evaluation of circularity, we then contribute to the emerging field of CBMs by modifying the CBM canvas that can capture the nontraditional value, traditional value, cost, and other influencing factors enabled via CBM adoption in HVM. Finally, the important role of digital technologies for incentivizing and enabling CBM adoption, is clarified.

A circular economy (CE) calls for the value of materials and products to be maintained and recovered through narrowing, closing, and slowing loops. However, there remain challenges in capturing value through reuse of components in refurbished and repaired products. In this paper, we provide an overview of the research and practice of harvesting spare parts from used and waste electrical and electronic equipment (white goods and consumer electronic products). Through a literature review and case studies of Norway, Sweden, and California, we provide an overview of drivers and barriers for spare part harvesting. Applying a stakeholder value mapping framework, we identify the key stakeholders involved in spare part harvesting and map the values captured, missed, and destroyed to identify opportunities for increased value retention. Finally, we suggest further refinements for policy to upscale spare part harvesting in light of CE goals and objectives.