Should the milkman return? The effect of a reusable packaging on product perceptions and behavioural intentions

This research investigates how consumers evaluate returnable packaging for fast-moving consumer goods. Through three online studies, we analysed how returnable packaging influences consumer behavioural intentions (intention to recommend and repurchase intention), overall attitudes and product perceptions (attitude towards the product,...

Design for divestment in a circular economy: Stimulating voluntary return of smartphones through design

For the transition toward a circular economy, it is essential that products are returned for reuse, refurbishing or recycling. In order to address the lack of literature on the topic from a user perspective, this paper explores how users can be stimulated to return used smartphones. Taking a Research through Design approach, we developed a...

Decontaminating experiences with circular offerings

Keeping a product offering in the system through continued use and between multiple users creates the potential for interactions which become contaminated. These contaminated interactions can cause a barrier to material circulation and extended product lifetimes. This study seeks to identify the underlying design strategies useful in addressing...

The influence of information about prior use on consumers' evaluations of refurbished electronics

Refurbishment – the process of collecting used products, assessing their condition, and replacing and/or upgrading parts in order to resell them to other consumers – is increasingly seen as both economically and environmentally advantageous. The present research investigates in an experimental study and with qualitative post-hoc interviews how...

Consumers' attitudes towards product care: An exploratory study of motivators, ability factors and triggers

To contribute to a more sustainable way of consumption, products should stay usable as long as possible. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of products. Product care should be understood as any action that helps prolonging the lifetime of a product, such as maintenance, repair etc. These product care activities can be conducted by the...

Is there a market for refurbished toothbrushes?: An exploratory study on consumers' acceptance of refurbishment for different product categories

Refurbishment is the process of collecting used products, assessing their condition, and replacing and/or upgrading parts in order to resell them to other consumers. Although refurbishment is increasingly seen as both economically and environmentally advantageous, it remains questionable whether consumers will accept refurbishment as a viable...