Detailing the Circular Economy Rebound Effect Reference Model Through Rebound Effect Mechanisms

In manufacturing, circular economy (CE) strategies, such as remanufacturing and cleaner production, are adopted to reach economic, environmental, and social benefits, gathered under the term circular manufacturing (CM). However, the expected advantages of CM can be counteracted by the occurrence of the rebound effect (RE), a phenomenon where unintended consequences offset the anticipated environmental gains of CE initiatives. Despite increasing attention to the RE in CE, existing research lacks explanation about how RE is triggered in manufacturing. A reference model has been developed to present and model the current situation regarding the potential occurrence of RE within the CE implementation, but it lacks a detailed explanation and categorization of the role of the factors as causes and effects of RE. To address this gap, this study details the factors of the CE-RE reference model by the identification and integration of the RE mechanisms in relation to its factors. According to the Design Research Methodology, the paper analyses the factors of the CE-RE reference model by the definition of the RE mechanisms. The resulting categorization of the factors as causes and effects of the RE mechanisms enhances the theoretical understanding of the RE in CE and paves the way for the development of the impact model.