CoChat
Sign Up
Cited by 7Sustainable Supply Chain ManagementService and Product InnovationSharing Economy and Platforms

Servitization for a Circular Economy in Construction

Open access
Mark‐Herbert, Cecilia, Berg, Ellinor, Aldberg, Julia, Roos, Anders·2025·Business Strategy and the Environment
DOI 10.1002/bse.4218
Open this paper in CoChat — free accountOpen PDF

Abstract

Circular economy is pronounced in UN's Global Goals agenda 2030 as an alternative model for traditional linear production and consumption. Servitization refers to an increased resource efficiency and mitigation of climate effects by adding a service dimension through service‐based offerings (e.g., leasing and rentals), which are key to circular economy. The construction sector has large climate impacts where renting can contribute towards a more efficient resource use in this sector. The aim of this study is to explain factors that influence business customer behavior related to equipment rental in the construction industry, using a qualitative case study design and a Social Practice Theory perspective. This study explores how equipment renting in the construction industry could be used to the corporate sustainability communication and strategy. Findings suggest that convenience, performance, and clear communication of values are key motivators for service offers.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This qualitative single-case study uses Social Practice Theory to explain B2B construction customers’ equipment rental behavior as a servitization and circular-economy alternative. It finds rental choices are driven mainly by cost and convenience, with environmental aspects rarely considered unless required, and proposes communication as an added practice element.

Key findings

  • Environmental aspects are rarely considered during the rental process; when they are, it is due to upcoming legislation or sponsor requirements.
  • Rental motives are mainly economic and practical: costs, reduced maintenance costs, and reduced stockholding. Larger businesses rent almost all equipment and machinery, while smaller businesses both rent and buy; light equipment such as hand drills is usually bought.
  • Green product attributes: the energy source is one of the most influential aspects when choosing “green products,” with fossil-free fuels and electrically driven equipment mostly considered. Customers require the same efficiency and performance as conventional products and are not prepared to compromise performance or efficiency.
  • Customers do not perceive digitalization of services as beneficial; they value increased personal contact, collaboration, visual information, and environmental certification of equipment. The study proposes adding communication as a fourth element to Social Practice Theory’s materials, meanings, and competence.

Methods

  • Inductive qualitative single case study with a flexible design, using Social Practice Theory themes (meanings, materials, competence); the case is Cramo, a Swedish equipment rental company.
  • Data consist of semistructured interviews with 10 of Cramo’s business customers from six customer companies, with roles such as sustainability specialist, project manager, and construction site worker. Selection was a convenience sample based on Stockholm-to-Uppsala geography and frequent renting of construction equipment; interviews averaged 30 min, were conducted in Swedish, recorded, transcribed, and translated to English. Secondary sources included webpages, reports, and newspapers.
  • Thematic content analysis was performed on the empirical material, with triangulation and respondent validation.

Limitations

  • Stated: the study is based on B2B and the customers’ perspective; the case study does not allow empirical generalization but offers understanding of a specific case. SPT offers a context-bound understanding; ideally participant observations would have supplemented interviews. Availability of green equipment was not the focus, and more case studies from different industries and parts of the world would be helpful.
  • Evident from the text: small convenience sample of 10 respondents from six companies within one rental company and one Swedish region; no distinction is made between different kinds of rentals such as leasing or short-term rentals; reliance on self-report interviews and translation from Swedish to English.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1002/bse.4218

Cites

46 of 46 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

3 of 50 cited sources checked · 3 supported · 0 flagged

  • Interpretationown data

    The results partly contradict Shih and Chou's findings that customers are uncertain regarding emerging new technology like renewable energy sources.

    “These results partly contradict Shih and Chou's (2011) findings that customers are uncertain regarding emerging new technology, like renewable energy sources.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Shih and Chou's (2011) source
  • Findingown data

    Increased collaboration is the respondents' most frequent answer regarding potential improvements.

    “Increased collaboration is the respondents' most frequent answer regarding potential improvements.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Costs and practical aspects, such as the reduction of maintenance costs and stockholding, are reasons businesses rent equipment.

    “Costs and practical aspects, such as the reduction of maintenance costs and stockholding.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Some respondents did not consider the type of energy source as they usually only work with conventional products that already are electrically driven.

    “However, some of the respondents did not consider the type of energy source as they usually only work with conventional products that already are electrically driven.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The size and time horizon of the project, and how frequently the product is used, influence whether it is most economical to either buy or rent equipment.

    “The size and time horizon of the project, and how frequently the product is used, influence whatever it is most economical to either buy or rent equipment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 69
  • May combine two claims. 41

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Circular economy is still a relatively new topic in the construction industry.

    “CE is still a relatively new topic in the construction industry (Leising et al. 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Leising et al. 2017 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    On a global scale the construction industry uses 40% of the materials in the global economy.

    “On a global scale the construction industry uses 40% of the materials in the global economy (Leising et al. 2017, 977).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Leising et al. 2017, 977 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Access to complete sustainable services that resolve problems is the respondents' second potential improvement.

    “Further, the respondents mentioned access to complete sustainable services that resolve problems as the second potential improvement.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Price and economic factors have a big impact on the choice of rental provider.

    “The price and economic factors also have a big impact on the choice of rental provider.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Rental cannot be more sustainable as, in the long run, it is more expensive than buying equipment.

    “Others add an economic aspect of the situation and argue that rental cannot be more sustainable as, in the long run, it is more expensive than buying equipment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The main negative aspect of renting is unforeseen events and the delivery of new equipment in these situations.

    “Further, the main negative aspect of renting is unforeseen events and the delivery of new equipment in these situations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Easy access to new modern technology and products is the main advantage of renting equipment.

    “Except for the economic and practical aspects of rental, the respondents mention easy access to new modern technology and products as the main advantage of renting equipment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Knowledge is both mentioned as a benefit and a challenge with rental.

    “Knowledge is both mentioned as a benefit and a challenge with rental.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Several respondents emphasize the importance of increased collaboration and long-lasting relationships between customers and suppliers to increase efficiency.

    “Several respondents emphasize the importance of increased collaboration and longlasting relationships between customers and suppliers to increase efficiency.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Construction site workers are dependent on the rental business and its deliveries, and this dependency increases unforeseen events beyond their control.

    “When renting equipment, the construction site workers' are dependent on the rental business and its deliveries.The dependency increases unforeseen events beyond the construction site worker's control.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    A good relationship and collaboration between the respondent and the rental business, as well as good service and functioning equipment, are considered important factors.

    “However, a good relationship and collaboration between the respondent and the rental business, as well as good service and functioning equipment, are considered important factors.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    The most vital factors regarding required product attributes are high performance and efficiency.

    “The required green product attributes are depending on the sponsor's requirements, but the most vital factors regarding required product attributes are high performance and efficiency.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Fossil free fuels and electrical driven equipment was mostly considered.

    “Fossil free fuels and electrical driven equipment was mostly considered.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Short delivery time often requires access to a depot in the local area and enables the availability of picking up equipment themselves.

    “Further, short delivery time often requires access to a depot in the local area and enables the availability of picking up equipment themselves.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Office workers see other costs related to owning equipment, such as purchasing and maintaining, and for them rental appears a better alternative.

    “The office workers see other costs related to owning equipment, such as purchasing and maintaining the equipment.For them, rental appears to be a better alternative.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    A visual representation that guides environmental aspects would increase the customers' comprehension and ease the decision process.

    “A visual representation that guides environmental aspects would increase the customers' comprehension and ease the decision process.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Products' ergonomic aspects are taken into consideration.

    “Furthermore, the products ergonomic aspects are taken into consideration.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Most businesses both rent and buy equipment while larger businesses rent almost all equipment and machinery to their building's sites.

    “Most of the businesses both rent and buy equipment while larger businesses rent almost all equipment and machinery to their building's sites.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Renting equipment does not completely relieve customers from everyday maintenance and responsibilities, and unforeseen events are hard to avoid.

    “However, according to the results, renting equipment does not completely relieve customers from everyday maintenance of equipment and responsibilities; it is also hard to avoid unforeseen events.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Short delivery time of equipment is considered vital.

    “The short delivery time of equipment is considered as vital.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Knowledge exchange at the depot is useful and renting equipment through the rental business's online services is considered difficult as it requires experience and useful knowledge exchange is not available.

    “The knowledge exchange at the depot is useful and to rent equipment through the rental business's online services are considered as difficult as it requires experience and useful knowledge exchange is not available.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Most respondents believe buying equipment is more sustainable than rental.

    “Regarding the environmental aspects of rental, most of the respondents answered that they believe buying equipment is more sustainable than rental.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Respondents do not look for, and have not been given information regarding climate or environmental aspects.

    “In either case, the respondents do however not look for, and they have not been given information regarding climate or environmental aspects.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The equipment is reviewed according to several different aspects and rated with either letters or colors that makes it easier for the customer to create an understanding of the product and easier to follow and to implement into the business.

    “The equipment is reviewed according to several different aspects and rated with either letters or colors that makes it easier for the customer to create an understanding of the product and easier to follow and to implement into the business.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    It is difficult to plan for unforeseen events such as machinery that breaks, which makes availability an issue.

    “The respondents argue that it is difficult to plan for unforeseen events such as machinery that breaks, which makes availability an issue.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Equipment that is owned by the user is handled more gently than rental equipment.

    “One respondent argues that equipment that is owned by the user is handled more gently than rental equipment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Head office customers perceive reduced uncertainty when renting because of reduced need for maintenance, logistics, and stockholding, while construction workers perceive renting as increasing uncertainty.

    “Further, as the group of customers with roles as the head office perceive reduced uncertainty when renting because of the reduced need for maintenance, logistics, and stockholding, while the construction workers perceived renting increasing uncertainty.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Larger businesses tend to rent almost everything while smaller businesses both rent and buy equipment.

    “Larger businesses tend to rent almost everything while smaller businesses both rent and buy equipment.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Ordering online, digitalization, is not seen as a desirable solution.

    “Ordering online, digitalization, is not seen as a desirable solution.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Most respondents are not interested in or do not consider information regarding environmental aspects.

    “Most of the respondent answered that they are not interested or do not consider information regarding environmental aspects (Table 4).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Respondents perceive that it is sometimes difficult to keep updated regarding new products and technology available on the market.

    “The respondents perceive that it sometimes is difficult to keep updated regarding new products and technology available on the market.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Convenience, performance, and clear communication of values are key motivators for service offers.

    “Findings suggest that convenience, performance, and clear communication of values are key motivators for service offers.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    A few respondents mentioned the energy source as a requirement.

    “A few respondents mentioned the energy source as a requirement.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    The price of the product is an important part of product attributes and product requirements.

    “Once again, the price of the product is mentioned as an important part of product attributes and product requirements.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Regarding green product attributes, the study correlates with the current trend in the market and concludes that customers perceive renewable energy sources as most valuable.

    “Regarding green product attributes, the study correlates with the current trend in the market and conclude that customers perceive renewable energy sources as most valuable.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Increased personal contact seems to reduce unforeseen events and increase knowledge exchange.

    “Increased personal contact seems to reduce unforeseen events and increase knowledge exchange.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Customers are positive to green products but are not prepared to compromise performance or efficiency to increase environmental performance.

    “However, customers are not prepared to negotiate performance or efficiency.”
    • Also stated in: § 6 | Conclusions · plain
      “Further, customers are positive to green products but are not prepared to compromise performance and efficiency to increase environmental performance.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Customers do not perceive the digitalization of services as beneficial but wish for increased personal contact and collaboration.

    “The results show that customers do not perceive the digitalization of services as beneficial but wish for increased personal contact and collaboration.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Customers expect increased collaboration and customer relationship with rental providers.

    “Customers expect increased collaboration and customer relationship with the rental providers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Generation of waste is a problem, where construction is second to the mining industry in terms of generated volumes.

    “Generation of waste is also a problem, where construction is second to the mining industry in terms of generated volumes (Svenska MiljöEmissionsData 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Svenska MiljöEmissionsData 2018

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In 2017, the emissions by the construction industry represented 19% of Sweden's total emissions.

    “In 2017, the emissions by the construction industry represented 19% of Sweden's total emissions (National Board of Housing, Building and Planning 2020, 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites National Board of Housing, Building and Planning 2020, 1

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Uncertainty reduction and relative benefits are crucial for consumer acceptance of PSS.

    “They claim Linnelucke (2021)that uncertainty reduction and relative benefits are crucial for consumer acceptance of PSS.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Linnelucke (2021)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The literature on green preferences and whether it pays to prioritize sustainability in business strategy is overwhelming, and results are very contradictory and depend on the context and scope.

    “The literature on green preferences and whether it pays to prioritize sustainability in the business strategy is overwhelming, and results are very contradictory and depend on the context and scope (Ribeiro and de Meiros 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ribeiro and de Meiros 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Business models based on leasing may promote efficiency, maintenance and repair, and improved training.

    “Business models based on leasing may promote several gains: efficiency, maintenance and repair, and improved training (Sakao et al. 2011) as part of relationship marketing (Rexfelt and Ornäs 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Sakao et al. 2011 source
    • cites Rexfelt and Ornäs 2009 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The construction industry has the potential to offer PSS that combine products and services, to integrate the two concepts in the whole lifecycle, development, delivery, use, and, ideally, re-use.

    “With the construction sector in mind, Sakao et al. (2011) argue that the industry has the potential to offer PSS that combine products and services, to integrate the two concepts in the whole lifecycle, development, delivery, use, and, ideally, re-use (Ebenheardt et al. 2019).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Sakao et al. 2011 source
    • cites Ebenheardt et al. 2019

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The construction sector has large climate impacts.

    “The construction industry puts a significant pressure on the natural environment (Röcka et al. 2020).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Röcka et al. 2020

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Variable needs was a reason avoiding ownership.

    “The authors also conclude that variable needs was a reason avoiding ownership (Rexfelt and Ornäs 2009, 687).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Rexfelt and Ornäs 2009, 687 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Customers are influenced by green product attributes.

    “De Groot and Schuitema (2015), on the other hand, argue that customers are influenced by green product attributes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites De Groot and Schuitema 2015

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Customers' appeal to purchase green products might be limited by forced trade-offs on important attributes compared with conventional products, such as price, quality, and performance.

    “Customers' appeal to purchase green products might be limited by forced trade-offs on important attributes compared with conventional products, such as price, quality, and performance (Olson 2013;Wever et al. 2008).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Olson 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Wever et al. 2008 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Customers express concerns for the environment, but their attitudes are not always reflected in the consumption or management of resources.

    “Customers express concerns for the environment, but their attitudes are not always reflected in the consumption or management of resources (Luzio and Lemke 2013;Wever et al. 2008).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Luzio and Lemke 2013 source
    • cites Wever et al. 2008 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Renting equipment can contribute to more efficient resource use in the construction sector.

    “The construction sector has large climate impacts where renting can contribute towards a more efficient resource use in this sector.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Customers do not purchase green products as they do not value green product attributes.

    “It can be argued that customers do not purchase green products as they do not value green product attributes (De Groot and Schuitema 2015).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites De Groot and Schuitema 2015

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Changes to more sustainable industry and business practices are associated with numerous challenges.

    “However, the changes to more sustainable industry and business practices are associated with numerous challenges (Hargreaves 2011).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hargreaves 2011 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In B2B, PSS may offer partial solutions that support sustainable development, CE, and new resource-efficient business models.

    “In business to business (B2B), PSS may offer partial solutions that supports sustainable development (Global Goals 2020), CE (Ellen MacArthur Foundation 2013), and new resourceefficient business models (Bakker et al. 2016).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Global Goals 2020

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Ellen MacArthur Foundation 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Bakker et al. 2016

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Sources of changed behavior depend on the development of practices.

    “In other words, sources of changed behavior depend on the development of practices (Warde 2005).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Warde 2005 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Practices are done by interdependent relations between three elements: materials, competence, and meanings.

    “The model describes how practices are done by interdependent relations between three elements: materials, competence, and meanings (Shove et al. 2012).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Shove et al. 2012 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    SPT contributes with a multidisciplinary view on social marketing and might provide tools to build sustainable practices such as legislation, diverse social marketing, and infrastructure change.

    “However, SPT contributes with a multidisciplinary view on social marketing and might provide tools to build sustainable practices such as legislation, diverse social marketing, and infrastructure change (Spotswood et al. 2013).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Spotswood et al. 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The results partly correlate and partly contradict Rexfelt and Ornäs's argument that customers' acceptance of PSS depends on uncertainty reduction and relative benefits.

    “An interesting finding is that the results from this study partly correlate and partly contradict with Rexfelt and Ornäs (2009) argument that the customers' acceptance of PSS is depending on uncertainty reduction and relative benefits.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Rexfelt and Ornäs (2009) source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    An individual who gains a positive experience by performing a certain practice might increase his or her engagement and develop experience further.

    “An individual who gains a positive experience by performing a certain practice might increase his or her engagement and develop experience further (Shove et al. 2012;Warde 2005).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Shove et al. 2012 source
    • cites Warde 2005 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    A transcription was sent to all respondents for confirmation to validate the data and to give the respondents a chance to elaborate on their replies.

    “A transcription was sent to all respondents for confirmation to validate the data and to give the respondents a chance to elaborate on their replies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    SPT has not developed any set of tools for managing behavior change.

    “Critics against SPT claims that the theory has not developed any set of tools for managing behavior change (Spotswood et al. 2013).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Spotswood et al. 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    When empirical saturation was achieved, no further perspectives and respondents considered needed.

    “When empirical saturation was achieved, no further perspectives and respondents considered needed.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    The interviews were conducted in Swedish to minimize language misinterpretations during data collection.

    “The interviews were on average 30 min long and were conducted in Swedish to minimize language misinterpretations during data collection.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    A flexible design was used to ensure reflective learning in the research process, and triangulation to ensure the study's credibility.

    “A flexible design was used to ensure reflective learning in the research process, and triangulation to ensure the study's credibility in accordance with what is recommended by case experts (Yin 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Yin 2009

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    SPT offers a cultural theory perspective that focuses attention on practices instead of the individuals who perform them.

    “SPT offers a cultural theory perspectives that focuses the attention on practices instead of the individuals who perform them (Hargreaves 2011;Reckwitz 2002).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Hargreaves 2011 source
    • cites Reckwitz 2002 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Product environmental impact is mainly affected by the usage of the product.

    “Product environmental impact is mainly affected by the usage of the product.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    Since consumption is a part of practices, practices become important for sustainability.

    “Since consumption is a part of practices, practices become important for sustainability (Spurling et al. 2013).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Spurling et al. 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Practices start to evolve and change meaning when the number of engaged practitioners increases.

    “Practices start to evolve and change meaning when the number of engaged practitioners increases (Shove et al. 2012).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Shove et al. 2012 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    All interviews were recorded and transcribed with informed consent including GDPR procedures.

    “All interviews were recorded and transcribed with informed consent including GDPR procedures.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    In contradiction to Högberg's studies, this study's results correlate with Lanz and Maurer's argument that a service network's value chain is affected by technological change, distribution, and policy.

    “In contradiction to Högberg's (2019) studies, this study's results correlate with Lanz and Maurer (2015) argument that a service network's value chain is affected by technological change, distribution, and policy.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Lanz and Maurer (2015)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The study contributes a suggested new element, communication, to the elements of practice and SPT.

    “Finally, the study contributes with a suggested new element, communication, to the elements of practice and SPT.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Making servitization part of a business strategy may open doors to new markets and customers.

    “Making servitization part of a business strategy may open doors to new markets and customers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Political goals, new legislation regarding a net-zero carbon future, and financial incentives may enable transitions to sustainable construction practices.

    “Political goals, the new legislation regarding a net-zero carbon future, and financial incentives may also enable transitions to sustainable construction practices.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The case study does not serve as grounds for generalizing the results, but it offers understandings of the importance of customer perspectives in efficient resource use.

    “The case study does not serve as grounds for generalizing the results, but it offers understandings of the importance of customer perspectives in efficient resource use.”
    • Also stated in: § 5.5 | Limitations · plain
      “The case study does not allow for empirical generalization, but it offers understandings of a specific case.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationcitation

    This case study of construction industry practices of equipment rental offers practical insights to B2B customer motives and experiences of rental as a green alternative.

    “This case study of construction industry practices of equipment rental offers practical insights to B2B customer motives and experiences of rental as a green alternative as quested by Kennedy and Linnelucke (2021) in their review of circular economy and resilience.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kennedy and Linnelucke (2021)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Successful implementation of CE in the construction industry has to be supported with communication that enables a balance between short-term profit and long-term sustainability goals.

    “This indicates that successful implementation of CE in the construction industry has to be supported with communication that enables a balance between short-term profit in the interest of the industry stakeholders and long-term sustainability goals.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The findings suggest that increased availability of information, strengthened customer relationship, and communication influences customers to consider equipment renting as a green alternative.

    “Additionally, the findings suggest that increased availability of information, strengthened customer relationship, and communication influences customers to consider equipment renting as a green alternative.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    SPT offers a context bound understanding of conditions for management.

    “SPT offers a context bound understanding of conditions for management.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Strengthening the relationship between SPT elements (materials, meanings, competence) with communication secures the connection between the elements.

    “By strengthening the relationship between the elements in the SPT (materials, meanings, and competence) with communication, it secures the connection between the elements.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    While servitization holds potentials for working towards a circular economy, some challenges in perceptions, knowledge, and convenience need to be overcome by the industry and businesses to see a wide scale transition from traditional product and consumption practices.

    “From this case, we can conclude that while servitization holds potentials for working towards a circular economy some challenges in perceptions, knowledge, and convenience need to be overcome by the industry and businesses to see a wide scale transition from traditional product and consumption practices.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    By adopting the element of communication, it is possible to influence practitioners' motives to consider environmental aspects of their practices, such as renting.

    “It is clear that by adopting the element of communication, it is possible to influence the practitioners' motives to consider environmental aspects of their practices, such as renting.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    The transition may translate in accordance with Hockerts's model, from product to use or need oriented services.

    “This may translate as a transition in accordance with Hockerts (1999) model, from product to use or need oriented services (Figure 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hockerts (1999)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Adding communication as a fourth element to SPT enables a transition in practices supported by corporate servitization.

    “This study proposes a suggested modification of SPT implementing a fourth element, communication, to enable a transition in practices supported by corporate servitization (Figure 3).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Understanding of the importance of communication as a new element might ensure the connection between the elements that enable practices to change towards increased use of services as part of a circular economy.

    “Understanding of the importance of communication as a new element might ensure the connection between the elements that enable practices to change towards increased use of services as part of a circular economy.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The results contribute to understandings of pro-environmental behavior from an SPT perspective.

    “The results from this study contribute to the understandings of pro-environmental behavior from an SPT perspective.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    This study supports Spurling et al.'s argument that an SPT perspective can be used and may need recrafted elements to develop understandings of sustainable practices further.

    “This study supports Spurling et al.'s (2013) argument that an SPT perspective can be used and how it may need to require recrafted elements to develop the understandings of sustainable practices further.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Spurling et al.'s (2013)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

86 of 86

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Cramo's business customers are representative of B2B customers in the Swedish construction industry for equipment rental.

    “This study focuses on one large company to observe the phenomenon and its context through an in-depth case study as suggested by Dubois and Gadde (2002, 554).”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The respondents' self-reported practices, values, and beliefs accurately reflect their actual behavior and the practices of their businesses.

    “A transcription was sent to all respondents for confirmation to validate the data and to give the respondents a chance to elaborate on their replies.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The convenience sample of six customer companies and 10 respondents is adequate to represent the customer perspective.

    “A selection of customers was based on a convenience sample, through the authors' contacts and with the help of representative from Cramo.”
3 of 3

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Table 1 does not contain the stated textile-market study

    Minor

    The text says Table 1 includes one additional reference to the consumer market for textile. The table instead lists non-construction contexts including retail and solar power systems, without identifying a textile-market study.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 7

  1. 10.1080/21681015.2016.1172124 · DOI · Paper page
  2. Ellen MacArthur Foundation.2013.Towards the Circular Economy. Available:https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/assets/downloads/publications/Ellen‐MacArthur‐Foundation‐Towards‐the‐Circular‐Economy‐vol.1.pdf[23.09.19]
  3. Freeman H. L., 1989, Dienstleistungen: Neue Chancen Fur Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft
  4. Jensen H. K., 1996, AP ‐ Asia Pacific Advances in Consumer Research, 60
  5. Kvale S., 1996, An Introduction to Qualitative Research Interviewing
  6. Lovelock C. H., 2015, Services Marketing
  7. Robson C., 2011, Real World Research, 1405182407

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Mark‐Herbert, C., Berg, E., Aldberg, J., & Roos, A.
Affiliations
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SE)
Corresponding author
Mark‐Herbert, Cecilia
ORCID
Venue
Business Strategy and the Environment
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2025-03-10
Volume
34
Issue
4
Pages
5019-5030
ISSN
  • 0964-4733 (ISSN-L)
  • 1099-0836
DOI
10.1002/bse.4218
OpenAlex
W4408383805
Semantic Scholar
92be3da2d613ff6ad925791095819b1197570e3c
Cited by
7
References
43
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 2
FWCI
6.41
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Business Strategy and the Environment (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • Epsilon Open Archive (Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet biblioteket (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences)) (acceptedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Strategy and Management › Sustainable Supply Chain Management
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Marketing › Service and Product Innovation
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Marketing › Sharing Economy and Platforms
Keywords
servitization, circular economy, construction industry, equipment rental, leasing, consumer behavior, social practice theory, corporate sustainability communication, resource efficiency, climate impact mitigation

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-18.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-18.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review