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Sustainability Assessment with Integrated Circular Economy Principles: A Toy Case Study

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  • Rebeka Kovačič Lukman

    (Faculty of Logistics, University of Maribor, Mariborska c. 7, SI-3000 Celje, Slovenia
    Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Koroška c. 160, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia)

  • Vasja Omahne

    (Faculty of Logistics, University of Maribor, Mariborska c. 7, SI-3000 Celje, Slovenia)

  • Damjan Krajnc

    (Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia)

Abstract

When considering the sustainability of production processes, research studies usually emphasise environmental impacts and do not adequately address economic and social impacts. Toy production is no exception when it comes to assessing sustainability. Previous research on toys has focused solely on assessing environmental aspects and neglected social and economic aspects. This paper presents a sustainability assessment of a toy using environmental life cycle assessment, life cycle costing, and social life cycle assessment. We conducted an inventory analysis and sustainability impact assessment of the toy to identify the hotspots of the system. The main environmental impacts are eutrophication, followed by terrestrial eco-toxicity, acidification, and global warming. The life cycle costing approach examined the economic aspect of the proposed design options for toys, while the social assessment of the alternative designs revealed social impacts along the product life cycle. In addition, different options based on the principles of the circular economy were analysed and proposed in terms of substitution of materials and shortening of transport distances for the toy studied.

Suggested Citation

  • Rebeka Kovačič Lukman & Vasja Omahne & Damjan Krajnc, 2021. "Sustainability Assessment with Integrated Circular Economy Principles: A Toy Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-22, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:7:p:3856-:d:527559
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Haicheng Jia & Ling Liang & Jiqing Xie & Jianyun Zhang, 2022. "Environmental Effects of Technological Improvements in Polysilicon Photovoltaic Systems in China—A Life Cycle Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-18, July.
    4. Julian Gaus & Sven Wehking & Andreas H. Glas & Michael Eßig, 2022. "Economic Sustainability by Using Life Cycle Cost Information in the Buying Center: Insights from the Public Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-28, February.

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