Application of a Generic Model for the Transition to a Product Classified as a Product-Service System: Bike Sharing Case

Abstract

This paper aims to apply a generic model for the transition to a product classified as a Product-Service System in the bike sharing case. For theoretical foundation, a systematic literature review was conducted, and then, the model was developed and validated with PSS experts and statistical analysis. Considering the need of PSS products to be aligned with the Tripple Botton Line, a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) was performed to measure the environmental and human health impacts of a bike. Aiming to design an action plan and mitigate these impacts, the generic model was applied. The results contribute to (i) the theoretical development of the literature by proposing a generic model validated and applicable in other cases, and (ii) with the practical development, since with the application of the LCA and the model, it was possible to identify an alternative to mitigate the impacts of the most polluting part of a bike: the aluminum frame. Thus, this study proposes substituting aluminum with a polymeric biocomposite: a blend between polypropylene and bamboo fiber. Given the theoretical modeling of this work, future studies can focus on the practical validation of this blend through mechanical testing.