Abstract
This design review evaluates the use of bio-based plastics in durable consumer products. The main question is: how does the use of bio-based plastics influence the product’s design, functionality, marketing & communication, and sustainability? Although higher material prices would lead one to expect that higher value applications would be targeted, research shows bio-based plastics are mainly used in short-lived applications like packaging. This study investigates their use in durable consumer products through a design review. The results indicate that bio-based plastic usage is still in its early days in durable products. Bio-based plastics appear to be utilized as straightforward replacement of fossil-based plastic. Designers are not yet using the unique properties of bio-based plastics in the design of their products. Companies mainly exploit the green image of bio-based plastics in their marketing & communication. Their focus is on the renewable feedstock and not on sourcing, or on recovery at end-of-life.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of DRS |
| Editors | Dan Lockton, Sara Lenzi, Paul Hekkert, Arlene Oak, Juan Sádaba, Peter Lloyd |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-1-91229-457-2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2022 |
| Event | DRS 2022 - Bilbao, Spain Duration: 25 Jun 2022 → 3 Jul 2022 https://www.drs2022.org |
Publication series
| Name | Proceedings of DRS |
|---|---|
| Volume | 2022 |
| ISSN (Electronic) | 2398-3132 |
Conference
| Conference | DRS 2022 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Spain |
| City | Bilbao |
| Period | 25/06/22 → 3/07/22 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- Bio-based plastic
- Product design
- Design review
- Circular Economy (CE)
