Production
https://prod.org.br/article/doi/10.1590/0103-6513.20250015
Production
Research Article

Moving towards a circular chain for coffee capsules: applying requirements engineering and product-service system

Nicole Cecchele Lago; Italo Rodeghiero Neto; Márcia Elisa Echeveste; Maria Auxiliadora Cannarozzo Tinoco; Natália Valmorbida Moraes; Paola Graciano

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0103-6513.20250015 Production, vol.36, e20250015, 2026
PDF
Downloads: 0
Views: 9

Abstract

Paper aims: This paper proposes a conceptual model for a circular product service system (PSS-C) in the Brazilian coffee capsule chain, integrating requirements engineering and circular economy principles.

Originality: The research introduces a novel approach by employing the Requirements for Sustainable Product-Service Systems (R-PSS) method, combining tools from requirements engineering, design, innovation, and sustainability to address key challenges in the lifecycle of coffee capsules.

Research method: The study was conducted as a case study in a Brazilian startup specializing in managing packaging waste for a coffee manufacturer. It utilizes the R-PSS method to propose strategies for improving circularity in the capsule chain.

Main findings: The PSS-C conceptual model prioritizes strategies such as reducing material usage, implementing remanufacturing processes, and fostering consumer education for proper disposal. It emphasizes the critical role of consumers in achieving capsule circularity, including initiatives to expand collection points and promote environmentally responsible behaviors.

Implications for theory and practice: The findings contribute to the theoretical discourse on circular business models by demonstrating how the integration of product and service requirements can generate environmental value. Practically, the study offers insights into sustainable development, providing a foundation for further research in both theoretical and applied contexts.

Keywords

Circular economy, Sustainable business model, Coffee pods, Single serve coffee, Environmental value proposition

References

Abbasi, G. A., Chee Keong, K. Q., Kumar, K. M., & Iranmanesh, M. (2022). Asymmetrical modelling to understand purchase intention towards remanufactured products in the circular economy and a closed-loop supply chain: An empirical study in Malaysia. Journal of Cleaner Production, 359, 132137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.132137.

Associação Brasileira da Indústria de Café – ABIC. (2020). Indicadores da indústria de café. Rio de Janeiro: ABIC.

Abuabara, L., Paucar-Caceres, A., & Burrowes-Cromwell, T. (2019). Consumers’ values and behaviour in the Brazilian coffee-in-capsules market: Promoting circular economy. International Journal of Production Research, 57(23), 7269-7288. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2019.1629664.

Ahmed, S., & Amagoh, F. (2010). Application of QFD in product development of a glass manufacturing company in Kazakhstan. Benchmarking, 17(2), 195-213. https://doi.org/10.1108/14635771011036302.

Akao, Y. (2004). Quality function deployment: integrating customer requirements into product design (1st ed., Vol. 1). Abingdon: Taylor & Francis Inc.

Amaya, J., Lelah, A., & Zwolinski, P. (2014). Design for intensified use in product-service systems using life-cycle analysis. Journal of Engineering Design, 25(7–9), 280-302. https://doi.org/10.1080/09544828.2014.974523.

Ayanso, A., & Lertwachara, K. (2015). Analyzing customer service technologies for online retailing: A customer service life cycle approach. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 55(4), 73-80. https://doi.org/10.1080/08874417.2015.11645789.

Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50(2), 179-211. https://doi.org/10.1016/0749-5978(91)90020-T.

Blank, S. (2013). Why the lean startup changes everything. Harvard Business Review, 91, 63-72.

Borsatto, J. M. L. S., & Bazani, C. L. (2023). Green innovation and environmental and financial performance: Trends and challenges for future research. International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 17(1/2), 152-181. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJISD.2023.127951.

Brasil. (2010). Lei No 12.305 de 02 de Agosto de 2010. Institui a Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos; Altera a Lei No 9.605, de 12 de Fevereiro de 1998; e Dá Outras Providências. Diário Oficial da República Federativa do Brasil.

Brasil. (2022). Decreto No 10.936 de 12 de Janeiro de 2022. Regulamenta a Lei No 12.305, de 2 de Agosto de 2010, Que Institui a Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos. Diário Oficial da República Federativa do Brasil.

Brown, T. (2008). Design thinking. Harvard Business Review, 86(6), 84-92, 141. PMid:18605031.

BSI Group. (2017). BS 8001: Framework for Implementing the Principles of the Circular Economy in Organizations: Guide. London: BSI Group.

Callegaro, A. M., Caten, C. S., Tanure, R. L. Z., Buss, A. S., Echeveste, M. E. S., & Jung, C. F. (2016). Managing requirements for the development of a novel elbow rehabilitation device. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 113, 404-411. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2016.07.027.

Campos, E. A. R., Tavana, M., ten Caten, C. S., Bouzon, M., & de Paula, I. C. (2021). A grey-DEMATEL approach for analyzing factors critical to the implementation of reverse logistics in the pharmaceutical care process. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 28(11), 14156-14176. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-11138-8. PMid:33206293.

Cannarozzo Tinoco, M. A., Lago, N. C., Echeveste, M. E., Rodeghiero Neto, Í., & Schwengber ten Caten, C. (2023). Circular value proposition for the coffee capsule chain from a sustainable PSS solution design method. Proceedings of the Design Society, 3, 907-916. https://doi.org/10.1017/pds.2023.91.

Cazaudehore, G., Monlau, F., Gassie, C., Lallement, A., & Guyoneaud, R. (2021). Methane production and active microbial communities during anaerobic digestion of three commercial biodegradable coffee capsules under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. The Science of the Total Environment, 784, 146972. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146972. PMid:33892320.

Chiu, M.-C., Chu, C.-Y., & Chen, C.-C. (2018). An integrated product service system modelling methodology with a case study of clothing industry. International Journal of Production Research, 56(6), 2388-2409. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2017.1374570.

Craswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: choosing among five approaches (3rd ed.) Thousand Oaks: SAGE.

De Felice, F., Petrillo, A., & Cooper, O. (2013). An integrated conceptual model to promote green policies. International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 7(4), 333-355. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJISD.2013.057037.

Desole, M. P., Gisario, A., & Barletta, M. (2024). Comparative life cycle assessment and multi-criteria decision analysis of coffee capsules made with conventional and innovative materials. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 48, 99-122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2024.05.003.

Echefaj, K., Charkaoui, A., Cherrafi, A., Garza-Reyes, J. A., Khan, S. A. R., & Chaouni Benabdellah, A. (2023). Sustainable and resilient supplier selection in the context of circular economy: An ontology-based model. Management of Environmental Quality, 34(5), 1461-1489. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-02-2023-0037.

Echeveste, M. S. E., Tinoco, M. A. C., Sastre, R. M., & de Paula, I. C. (2020). Requirements Engineering in Product-Service Systems: From the Business Model to the Concept (1st ed.). Marcavisual.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2015). Growth within: A circular economy vision for a competitive. Isle of Wight: Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Esken, B., Franco-García, M.-L., & Fisscher, O. A. M. (2018). CSR perception as a signpost for circular economy. Management Research Review, 41(5), 586-604. https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-02-2018-0054.

Euromonitor. (2020). Global Coffee: Understanding threats to growth in 2020 and beyond. London: Euromonitor.

Fernandes, S. da C., Pigosso, D. C. A., McAloone, T. C., & Rozenfeld, H. (2020). Towards product-service system oriented to circular economy: A systematic review of value proposition design approaches. Journal of Cleaner Production, 257, 120507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120507.

Fitzgerald, B., Hartnett, G., & Conboy, K. (2006). Customizing agile methods to software practices at Intel Shannon. European Journal of Information Systems, 15(2), 200-213. https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.ejis.3000605.

Gandia, R. M., Sugano, J. Y., de Barros Vilas Boas, L. H., & Mesquita, D. L. (2018). Beverage capsule consumption: A laddering study. British Food Journal, 120(6), 1250-1263. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-07-2017-0401.

Geum, Y., & Park, Y. (2011). Designing the sustainable product-service integration: A product-service blueprint approach. Journal of Cleaner Production, 19(14), 1601-1614. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.05.017.

Ghafoor, S., Hosseini, M. R., Kocaturk, T., Weiss, M., & Barnett, M. (2023). The product-service system approach for housing in a circular economy: An integrative literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 403, 136845. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.136845.

Graciano, P., Gularte, A. C., Lermen, F. H., & de Barcellos, M. D. (2022). Consumer values in the Brazilian market for ethical cosmetics. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 50(4), 458-478. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJRDM-01-2021-0040.

Griskevicius, V., Cantú, S. M., & van Vugt, M. (2012). The evolutionary bases for sustainable behavior: Implications for marketing, policy, and social entrepreneurship. Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 31(1), 115-128. https://doi.org/10.1509/jppm.11.040.

Grupo 3Corações. (2021). Relatório de Sustentabilidade 2021. Eusébio: 3 Corações.

Jabbour, C. J. C., Colasante, A., D’Adamo, I., Rosa, P., & Sassanelli, C. (2023). Customer attitudes toward circular economy in the e-waste context: A survey assessing sustainable consumption dynamics. IEEE Engineering Management Review, 51(4), 28-45. https://doi.org/10.1109/EMR.2023.3303209.

Jaca, C., Prieto-Sandoval, V., Psomas, E. L., & Ormazabal, M. (2018). What should consumer organizations do to drive environmental sustainability? Journal of Cleaner Production, 181, 201-208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.01.182.

Karlsson, J. (1997). Managing software requirements using quality function deployment. Software Quality Journal, 6(4), 311-326. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018580522999.

Kim, S., Son, C., Yoon, B., & Park, Y. (2015). Development of an innovation model based on a service-oriented product service system (PSS). Sustainability (Basel), 7(11), 14427-14449. https://doi.org/10.3390/su71114427.

Kirchherr, J., Reike, D., & Hekkert, M. (2017). Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 127, 221-232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.09.005.

Kooduvalli, K., Vaidya, U. K., & Ozcan, S. (2020). Life cycle assessment of compostable coffee pods: A US university-based case study. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 9158. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-65058-1. PMid:32513993.

Kuhl, C., Skipworth, H. D., Bourlakis, M., & Aktas, E. (2023). The circularity of product-service systems: the role of macro-, meso- and micro-level contextual factors. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 43(4), 619-650. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-01-2022-0055.

Lago, N. C., Auler, M. S., Fleith de Medeiros, J., & Duarte Ribeiro, J. L. (2022). Promoting unused medicine pro-environmental disposal: Characterization of consumer behavior and strategic propositions. Environmental Development, 44, 100770. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2022.100770.

Lee, C. H., Chen, C. H., & Trappey, A. J. C. (2019). A structural service innovation approach for designing smart product service systems: Case study of smart beauty service. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 40, 154-167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2019.04.006.

Lermen, F. H., Ribeiro, J. L. D., Echeveste, M. E., Milani Martins, V. L., & Tinoco, M. A. C. (2020). Sustainable offers for drying and storage of grains: Identifying perceived value for Brazilian farmers. Journal of Stored Products Research, 87, 101579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jspr.2020.101579.

Lindahl, M., Sundin, E., & Sakao, T. (2014). Environmental and economic benefits of integrated product service offerings quantified with real business cases. Journal of Cleaner Production, 64, 288-296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.07.047.

Manninen, K., Koskela, S., Antikainen, R., Bocken, N., Dahlbo, H., & Aminoff, A. (2018). Do circular economy business models capture intended environmental value propositions? Journal of Cleaner Production, 171, 413-422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.10.003.

Marinello, S., Balugani, E., & Gamberini, R. (2021). Coffee capsule impacts and recovery techniques: A literature review. Packaging Technology & Science, 34(11–12), 665-682. https://doi.org/10.1002/pts.2606.

Mont, O. K. (2002). Clarifying the concept of product–service system. Journal of Cleaner Production, 10(3), 237-245. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0959-6526(01)00039-7.

Mostaghel, R., & Chirumalla, K. (2021). Role of customers in circular business models. Journal of Business Research, 127, 35-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.12.053.

Nag, U., Sharma, S. K., & Govindan, K. (2021). Investigating drivers of circular supply chain with product-service system in automotive firms of an emerging economy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 319, 128629. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128629.

Nanni, A., Colonna, M., & Messori, M. (2022). Fabrication and characterization of new eco-friendly composites obtained by the complete recycling of exhausted coffee capsules. Composites Science and Technology, 222, 109358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2022.109358.

Nespresso. (2023). Sustentabilidade Nespresso. São Paulo: Nestlé Nespresso S.A.

Nguyen, G. N. T., & Sarker, T. (2018). Sustainable coffee supply chain management: A case study in Buon Me Thuot City, Daklak, Vietnam. International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility, 3(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40991-017-0024-x.

Nobre, G. C., & Tavares, E. (2021). The quest for a circular economy final definition: A scientific perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production, 314, 127973. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127973.

Nußholz, J. (2017). Circular business models: Defining a concept and framing an emerging research field. Sustainability, 9(10), 1810. https://doi.org/10.3390/su9101810.

Oliveira, A. S., Souki, G. Q., Gandia, R. M., & Vilas Boas, L. H. (2020). Coffee in capsules consumers’ behaviour: A quantitative study on attributes, consequences and values. British Food Journal, 123(1), 191-208. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-02-2020-0116.

Osterwalder, A., Pigneur, Y., Bernanda, G., & Smith, A. (2015). Value proposition design. Hoboken: Wiley & Sons.

Peralta, C. B. L., Echeveste, M. E., Martins, V. L. M., & Lermen, F. H. (2020). Applying the framework to identify customer value: A case of sustainable product in agriculture. Journal of Cleaner Production, 270, 122384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122384.

Peruzzini, M., & Germani, M. (2014). Design for sustainability of product-service systems. International Journal of Agile Systems and Management, 7(3/4), 206-219. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJASM.2014.065355.

Peruzzini, M., Marilungo, E., & Germani, M. (2015). Structured requirements elicitation for product-service system. International Journal of Agile Systems and Management, 8(3/4), 189. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJASM.2015.073516.

Pezzotta, G., Sassanelli, C., Pirola, F., Sala, R., Rossi, M., Fotia, S., Koutoupes, A., Terzi, S., & Mourtzis, D. (2018). The product service system lean design methodology (PSSLDM). Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 29(8), 1270-1295. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-06-2017-0132.

Pieroni, M. P. P., McAloone, T. C., Borgianni, Y., Maccioni, L., & Pigosso, D. C. A. (2021). An expert system for circular economy business modelling: Advising manufacturing companies in decoupling value creation from resource consumption. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 27, 534-550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2021.01.023.

Pizzi, S., Leopizzi, R., & Caputo, A. (2022). The enablers in the relationship between entrepreneurial ecosystems and the circular economy: The case of circularity.com. Management of Environmental Quality, 33(1), 26-43. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-01-2021-0011.

Ries, E. (2011). The lean startup: How today’s entrepreneurs use continuous innovation to create radically successful businesses. New York: Crown Books.

Sangwan, K. S. (2017). Key activities, decision variables and performance indicators of reverse logistics. Procedia CIRP, 61, 257-262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2016.11.185.

Shapira, H., Ketchie, A., & Nehe, M. (2017). The integration of design thinking and strategic sustainable development. Journal of Cleaner Production, 140, 277-287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.10.092.

Song, W., & Sakao, T. (2017). A customization-oriented framework for design of sustainable product/service systems. Journal of Cleaner Production, 140, 1672-1685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.09.111.

Speed, C., & Maxwell, D. (2015). Designing through value constellations. Interactions (New York, N.Y.), 22(5), 38-43. https://doi.org/10.1145/2807293.

Sutanto, A., Yuliandra, B., Tjahjono, B., & Hadiguna, R. A. (2015). Product-service system design concept development based on product and service integration. Journal of Desert Research, 13(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1504/JDR.2015.067224.

Terra, S. X., Gregory, G., Echeveste, M. E., Cannarozzo Tinoco, M. A., & Melecardi Zani, C. (2025). Sustainable product-service system using the r-pss method: recycled asphalt pavement case. Revista Latino-Americana de Inovação e Engenharia de Produção, 13(25), 22-56. https://doi.org/10.5380/relainep.v13i25.97714.

Tukker, A. (2004). Eight types of product–service system: Eight ways to sustainability? Experiences from SusProNet. Business Strategy and the Environment, 13(4), 246-260. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.414.

Tukker, A. (2015). Product services for a resource-efficient and circular economy review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 97, 76e91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.11.049.

Velenturf, A. P. M., & Purnell, P. (2021). Principles for a sustainable circular economy. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 27, 1437-1457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2021.02.018.

Vezzoli, C., Garcia Parra, B., & Kohtala, C. (2021). Designing sustainability for all. Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-66300-1.

Visser, R., & Dlamini, S. (2021). Green purchasing behaviour towards compostable coffee pods. Sustainability, 13(12), 6558. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126558.

Voss, C., Tsikriktsis, N., & Frohlich, M. (2002). Case research in operations management. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 22(2), 195-219. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443570210414329.

Xiang, H., Li, W., Hong, Y., & Li, C. (2024). A novel requirement elicitation and evaluation framework for product-service systems based on contextual matching and hybrid decision-making. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 194, 110391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2024.110391.

Yang, M., Vladimirova, D., Rana, P., & Evans, S. (2014). Sustainable value analysis tool for value creation. Asian Journal of Management Science and Applications, 1(4), 312. https://doi.org/10.1504/AJMSA.2014.070649.

Yin, R. K. (2009). Case study research: Design and method (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks: Sage.

Zhou, T., Chen, Z., Cao, Y., Miao, R., & Ming, X. (2022). An integrated framework of user experience-oriented smart service requirement analysis for smart product service system development. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 51, 101458. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2021.101458.
 

Submitted date:
03/11/2025

Accepted date:
12/15/2025

69a9988ba9539540bd69c428 production Articles
Links & Downloads
1980-5411 (Electronic) 0103-6513 (Printed)
Production ©2026 All rights reserved.

Production

Share this page
Page Sections