New paper about Product Life-Extending Operations (PLEO)
Circular supply chains are frequently discussed in political contexts but are rarely observed in reality. How can we close this gap? This question is addressed in our latest publication in the International Journal of Production Research (IJPR): “Overcoming the productivity challenge in product life-extending operations: a multiple-case study of European facilities” by Dr. Clemens Gróf and Prof. Torbjørn Netland.
Our study highlights how extending the life of products can
significantly support the shift to closed-loop supply chains. We analyzed nine industry-leading companies engaged in large-scale product life-extending operations, such as repair and remanufacturing. We developed a practical framework outlining key operational decisions and identified a major productivity barrier: the frequent need for interaction with both the customer and the product during the process.
We also proposed a theoretical model linking product and customer interactions to productivity outcomes. The model was tested with five
additional firms, reinforcing its relevance. The paper provides practical
guidance for companies and policymakers seeking to expand the scale and
scope of their product life-extending operations.
Citation: Gróf, C., & external page Netland, T. (2025). Overcoming the productivity
challenge in product life-extending operations: a multiple-case study of
European facilities. International Journal of Production Research, 1–21.