This report has focused on key product groups where PSS models are well-established. However, while not as prominent in the Nordic region, some categories still show potential for Product-Service Systems. These product types have not been given their own category due to the limited number of existing examples. However, they still offer opportunities for increasing product utilisation, reducing waste, and leveraging smart technology.
This section highlights emerging PSS solutions in the Nordic region across less established categories such as agriculture, infrastructure, animal care, plants, and dinner subscriptions and catering. While these areas are not yet as developed as the major product groups, they represent promising avenues for future growth in PSS adoption.
14.1 Agriculture and nature preservation
The Nordic agricultural sector provides products in various categories, such as food, animal fodder, fibres, construction materials, and energy generation. While PSS services in this sector are still limited, there is potential for growth. Existing PSS services mainly focus on B2B and B2G, such as contractors offering haying or other tasks across multiple farms. However, the sector holds opportunities for expanding leasing, renting, and pooling models, particularly for agricultural machinery, which comes with high acquisition costs.
PSS solutions in agriculture could improve the utilisation of expensive machinery by facilitating shared access to state-of-the-art technologies, such as precision-based drone distribution of fertilisers and pesticides. Such technologies could help lower emissions and pollution from the agriculture sector. These models also encourage more efficient land use and resource management by offering access to machinery that may otherwise be financially out of reach.
An example of a PSS model in agriculture is Nielsen’s Service, an SME offering agricultural services such as ploughing, potato planting and harvesting, pruning of protective forest belts, and nature conservation. Nielsen’s Service uses the latest technologies for efficient planting and harvesting, particularly in soft soils (Nielsen’s Service, n.d.). While the company’s services are described as sustainable, the actual impacts on biodiversity depend on the specific agricultural methods used, offering both benefits and potential challenges for ecosystems.
Another interesting aspect of this category is the inclusion of animals within PSS models, particularly those focused on ecosystem services provided by animals. For instance, some providers lease grazing animals for nature preservation, contributing to local biodiversity and offering potential benefits to animal welfare. These animals can replace machinery for tasks like mowing, improving soil health by reducing compaction and fostering better soil conservation. However, the overall environmental impact of PSS solutions involving animals remains undocumented and highly variable, depending on factors like production intensity, waste management, and transport. Although grazing can positively affect biodiversity and soil quality, animals emit greenhouse gases. Thus, the environmental benefits of such models need further investigation.
14.2 Plants
In the Nordic Region, plants are a popular element of interior design, known for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of spaces while improving physical health and emotional well-being (Lohr & Pearson-Mims, 2000). Although PSS solutions for plants are widely available in the B2B and B2G sectors, they are yet to gain traction in the B2C market. Common offerings include potted plants, plant walls, and comprehensive maintenance services. Some providers offer functional result models, ensuring consistent greenery in office environments, but use-oriented models – such as plant rentals with maintenance – remain the most common.
The environmental impact of PSS solutions for plants largely depends on how the plants are produced. Plants grown in heated greenhouses, for example, can result in higher emissions. Additionally, the production process often involves using fertilisers and pesticides, which can contribute to nutrient pollution in water bodies. However, when well-managed, PSS models for plants have the potential to extend the lifespan of plants, providing psychological benefits and contributing to CO2 capture. Depending on factors such as transportation, plant type, and maintenance practices, PSS models may offer environmental advantages compared to traditional ownership models.
One example of a PSS for plant is the Swedish Ambius providing plant furnishings for businesses through both sales and a rental-based PSS model. Their subscription service includes design, installation, and regular maintenance, ensuring plants remain healthy and vibrant. Ambius retains ownership of the plants, and clients receive reimbursement when the plants lose their ornamental value, provided the maintenance contract continues. Ambius’s approach extends plant lifespans and ensures optimal plant health through regular care. While no detailed environmental impact data is available, the model has potential benefits, including improved employee well-being, reduced plant replacement needs, and lower demand for new plant production.
Overall, the environmental impact of PSS solutions for plants depends largely on production practices. Plants grown in heated greenhouses can result in significant emissions, and the use of fertilisers and pesticides can contribute to water pollution. Thus, the production method and type of plants offered play a role in the environmental impact assessment. However, the most critical factor in assessing the environmental benefits of such PSS models (as well as many other product groups) is whether the service effectively replaces the need for product sales. For example, if the PSS model leads to the rental and maintenance of plants that would otherwise be bought and quickly die, it can reduce the demand for new production. Well-managed PSS models that prolong plant life, enhance CO2 capture, and reduce product turnover offer a clear advantage over traditional ownership models – in particular, if the sourcing of plants is based on environmental and biodiversity considerations.