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The role of material change in the transition to the circular economy

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Ben BridgensORCiD

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Abstract

Circular economy business models have the potential to reduce the environmental impacts of production, consumption and disposal, however their uptake is hindered by negative perceptions of ‘material change’, which encompasses ageing, wear and contamination. The framework presented in this paper provides researchers and practitioners with a greater understanding of the factors which influence how materials change through time and use, and how people’s responses to material change impacts upon the movement of products through circular economy business models, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for design.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Lilley D, Bridgens B

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Circular Economy and Sustainability

Year: 2026

Volume: 6

Print publication date: 19/03/2026

Online publication date: 19/03/2026

Acceptance date: 25/08/2025

Date deposited: 20/10/2025

ISSN (print): 2730-597X

ISSN (electronic): 2730-5988

Publisher: Springer Cham

URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-026-00839-w

DOI: 10.1007/s43615-026-00839-w

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