Closing the loops of fast-moving consumer goods
File(s)
Author(s)
Zeeuw Van Der Laan, Anouk
Type
Thesis
Abstract
The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs) sector aspires to transition to a Circular
Economy (CE) but there is a lack of knowledge and support methods. This research has
investigated how material resources flow in FMCG systems and developed new design
support for the sector. Initially, the research focused on the moment when resources
become obsolete which can disrupt flows. Consumers were found to have critical roles to
ensure resource revalorisation and the findings of this study can inform the design of future
revalorisation services. Further, it explored Product-Service Systems (PSSs) and studied the
elements that could help overcome obsolescence and enable closed loops resource flows.
A framework presents these elements, mapped against requirements for PSSs that close
loops. Subsequently, the research focused on investigating the resource flow-system, which
encompasses all the system elements in place to produce a resource flow. A new modelling
method is proposed that describes the movements and transformations of resources and
helps configure FMCG sector-specific system elements. The model can be used to explain how
FMCG systems work. Finally, a tool called the Flow Mapper is presented, which embeds the
modelling method as well as the process to apply it and analyse the model. The tool enables
industrial users to develop a holistic view and an in-depth understanding of the resource flowsystem
informing the development of future systems solutions.
Economy (CE) but there is a lack of knowledge and support methods. This research has
investigated how material resources flow in FMCG systems and developed new design
support for the sector. Initially, the research focused on the moment when resources
become obsolete which can disrupt flows. Consumers were found to have critical roles to
ensure resource revalorisation and the findings of this study can inform the design of future
revalorisation services. Further, it explored Product-Service Systems (PSSs) and studied the
elements that could help overcome obsolescence and enable closed loops resource flows.
A framework presents these elements, mapped against requirements for PSSs that close
loops. Subsequently, the research focused on investigating the resource flow-system, which
encompasses all the system elements in place to produce a resource flow. A new modelling
method is proposed that describes the movements and transformations of resources and
helps configure FMCG sector-specific system elements. The model can be used to explain how
FMCG systems work. Finally, a tool called the Flow Mapper is presented, which embeds the
modelling method as well as the process to apply it and analyse the model. The tool enables
industrial users to develop a holistic view and an in-depth understanding of the resource flowsystem
informing the development of future systems solutions.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2021-01
Date Awarded
2022-02
Copyright Statement
Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial NoDerivatives Licence
Advisor
Aurisicchio, Marco
Childs, Peter
Sponsor
Procter & Gamble Company
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Grant Number
Voucher no. 16000165
Publisher Department
Dyson School of Design Engineering
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)