Sustainability Indicators for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the Transition to Provide Product-Service Systems (PSS)

Product-Service Systems (PSS) were developed as more sustainable alternativesto traditional product sales, especially through better and more intensive use of materials. Some companies currently use this business model successfully,while others are still in the process of transforming to PSS. The change from providing a product to providinga service has proved to be rather difficultand actual sustainable benefits have been questioned.The research described in this paper was part of the ServINNOV project.The initial idea was to find out if, and how, indicators could help in the moveto PSS. Indicators could give a clearer picture of thesituation andmonitor progress during the transition period. Indicators could also help companiesfocus on their core activities,and determine whether a PSS offering really helps them to become more sustainable. The study covers an overall view of sustainable indicators, with a focus on environmental issues.The research for this paper was carried out throughboth theoretical and empirical studies. Empirical findings were obtained from interviews with three companies, all of them working with PSS on different levels. The results will guide transition to providemore sustainable PSS.