Business Models and Sustainability Quiz

A production system where resources are constantly reused and recycled, mimicking natural cycles. It aims to minimize waste and maximize resource utilization.

A circular supply chain model where products are designed for disassembly and reuse, with the goal of creating closed-loop systems with minimal waste.

The traditional model of supply chains, focusing on linear flow of products from suppliers to customers.

The process of planning, implementing, and controlling the flow of products, materials, and information from the point of consumption back toward the point of origin.

Involves managing the flow of returned products from customers back to the company for various purposes like repair, reuse, or recycling.

The difference between a conventional supply chain and a circular one. Conventional chains are linear, while circular chains aim to keep resources in a continuous loop.

The process of collecting, dismantling, and recycling end-of-life products and materials.

The process of managing the flow of products that are returned to the manufacturer or retailer due to defects, damage, or customer dissatisfaction.

The process of bringing back used or unwanted products to a manufacturer or retailer.

A type of reverse logistics that focuses on managing products at the end of their useful life.

The strategy of incorporating both forward and reverse supply chains into a single interconnected system.

When a new product replaces an older one, potentially affecting the sales of the older product.

A business approach that seeks to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency.

Refers to the different ways resources are utilized within the circular economy. It includes "Closing" (reducing waste and maximizing resource use), "Slowing" (extending product lifespan), and "Narrowing" (using fewer materials).

A business model that prioritizes sustainability, considering economic, social, and environmental aspects.

The key challenge in closed-loop supply chains arises from products not being designed for easy disassembly and reuse at the end of their life, making difficult to recycle.

The need for companies to consider both operational and strategic aspects of their supply chains to implement effective closed-loop processes.

A primary driver for companies to adopt closed-loop supply chains due to their potential to increase profitability.

A business model that focuses on offering products as services. It emphasizes access and performance, not ownership. Examples are platforms like Uber and shared bikes, where users pay for temporary access to a product.

A business model that leverages existing technologies and resources to create new products or services from recycled materials. It focuses on creating value from waste.

A business model that focuses on designing products that are intended to last longer and are easily repairable. It challenges planned obsolescence by emphasizing durability and sustainability.

A business model that actively seeks to reduce consumption by offering products and services that encourage use reduction, repair, and reuse. This model emphasizes empowering customers to value longevity over disposable use.

The process of returning a product to its original manufacturer or retailer after its useful life is over. It can involve various stages like collection, sorting, and further processing. Examples include take-back schemes for electronics or clothing.

The process of taking apart a used product to extract valuable components and materials. This can involve different levels of disassembly, from simple component removal to complex material recovery.

A business model that leverages a combination of design strategies and business models to create closed-loop systems. Key elements include designing for product-life extension, offering services with reusable parts, upcycling, and facilitating recycling.

A business model that focuses on creating a closed-loop system for a product by using the value of its residual waste to create new resources. Processes can include recycling, remanufacturing, and upcycling.

Designing products that can be easily taken apart and put back together, promoting repair and reuse.

Creating products with components that can be upgraded or adapted to meet changing needs or technological advancements.

Designing products to use standard parts and components, ensuring compatibility and ease of repair.

Designing products for long-term use and minimizing waste by emphasizing repair, reuse, and recycling.

A collaborative approach where industries share resources, energy, and by-products to reduce waste and improve efficiency.

A secure ICT platform for managing shared resources in Industrial Symbiosis, facilitating collaboration and resource exchange.

A type of analysis used in SHAREBOX to identify potential matches and strategies for reusing waste.

The stage of Industrial Symbiosis where opportunities for resource sharing are identified.

A method for assessing environmental impacts throughout a product's entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. It helps inform decisions about product design, environmental performance, and eco-labeling.

This perspective considers a product's journey from its initial raw materials to its final destination at the factory gate, excluding use and disposal.

It examines a product's full life cycle, including production, use, and disposal. This holistic approach can help identify opportunities for environmental improvement.

This focuses on creating closed-loop systems, minimizing waste, and reusing resources. It emphasizes circularity, where products are designed for disassembly and recycling.

The first step in LCA, defining the study's purpose, audience, and the system boundaries. It also sets up a functional unit for comparing products.

The second step in an LCA involves measuring the environmental impacts associated with every stage of a product's life cycle. This involves quantifying inputs and outputs, and ensuring data accuracy and consistency.

This is the third step in an LCA: classifying and evaluating environmental impacts. It involves using various impact assessment methods to determine the severity of impacts.

The final stage of LCA involves drawing conclusions and recommendations based on the results. This helps decision-makers evaluate trade-offs, develop sustainable practices, and make informed choices.

Grouping entities (like companies or factories) with similar attributes across various dimensions (e.g., location, waste type) to identify potential collaboration opportunities.

Matching waste outputs from suppliers with input needs from potential receivers using algorithms to optimize resource reuse and reduce waste.

A technique using past successful examples to guide current decisions. This allows drawing parallels to find effective solutions for resource recovery and waste management.

A profit assessment framework used to evaluate the economic viability of waste exchange systems. It considers the potential savings (reduced disposal costs) and the added expenses (transport, treatment) to determine the overall profitability.

A game theory approach that models how stakeholders can collaborate to maximize collective benefit while fairly sharing the gains. It encourages cooperation and resource reuse in waste exchange systems.

A modeling technique that simulates the behavior and interactions of individual actors within a system, like waste suppliers and receivers. It predicts how the system will evolve under different policies and conditions.

Promoting and facilitating cooperation between businesses for sustainable resource management. It involves building networks of waste generators, receivers, recyclers, logistics providers, and policymakers.

Using contractual agreements to optimize waste flow management. It helps ensure effective coordination, minimizes landfill waste, and promotes resource reuse.