PSS Landmarks

Initial situation

The transition from the sale of products to the offer of sustainable product service systems (PSS) represents a contribution on the way to sustainable development (not only in the sense of a reduction of the material stream around the factor 10, but also regarding a increased quality of life and the achievement of business competition advantages). Fact is however, that this paradigm change - away from the sales of products, in direction of the supply of solutions for the satisfaction of human needs - in reality not yet noticeably interspersed. This project takes up the problem of the conversion deficits and already offers solutions, that can already be incorporated into the next call of the factory of tomorrow program line 2004.

Challenges

The project aims a strengthening the market for sustainable Product-Service-Systems (PSS) by clearly identifying success factors and hindrances. Restraining factors and basic conditions are worked out on the basis of best-practice examples. From this, as well as from the own experiences of the project team, strategic recommendations for action (for political decision makers) are derived.

The project concentrates on selected fields within the range of industrial applications; in the area of business to business (b2b) commerce. National, European and international PSS are collected and analysed by using an analysis matrix which then will be examined and evaluated. To achieve this, national and international experts on this area, entrepreneurs and decision makers are incorporated in the discussion. This will be facilitated by workshops and interviews. During the project particularly outstanding PSS best practice examples; PDL Leuchttürme - will be selected and exemplary represented.

Nutrition (b2c) Housing (b2c) Energy supply (b2c and b2b) Mobility (b2c and b2b) Chemical based supply processes (b2b) Cleaning (b2b), Operation of machines and facilities (b2b), Recycling (b2b and b2c)

Results

Substantial result of the project is the structured analysis of examples, possibilities and hindrances of PSS as well as their sustainability relevance. The project prepares arguments, selects relevant materials/service ranges, lists interested enterprises and professional associations as well as case examples. By doing this success factors, barriers or activators for PSS have been derived.

The results of these in-depth analyses of selected demand areas is published as a book (only in German available).