Product-Service Systems (PSS), if properly designed and implemented, represent a promising approach to sustainability. However, there is a number of organisational, cultural and regulatory barriers that hinder the widespread PSS implementation. In this paper, we address this problem by applying Distributed Manufacturing (DM) to tackle some of PSS implementation barriers. We systematically analyse favourable DM features and their potential application for PSS and put forward a set of near-future scenarios. 40 scenarios created to initiate strategic discussion about DM and PSS combination are presented along PSS life cycle stages illustrating the potential of DM features to address PSS implementation. These scenarios can be used by educators, designers and businesses to identify future opportunities to design sustainable PSS solutions.

Authors: Aine Petrulaityte, Fabrizio Ceschin, Eujin Pei, David Harrison