Abstract
Composite materials are an attractive material choice as they enable lightweight, low maintenance products with a long lifespan. But closing the loop for these materials in a Circular Economy (CE) is challenging, especially for thermoset composites. In a CE, products should be designed for minimal impact while preserving their environmental and economic value for as long as possible. However, design strategies for composite products in a CE are currently largely unexplored.
Insights from literature on design for a CE as well as on composites recovery are combined to create a set of design principles for composites in a CE. In addition to well-known long life, lifetime extension and product recovery approaches, literature indicates the potential value of structural recycling. Structural recycling preserves most of the functional value of the product, which is largely lost in
materials recycling. Experts from composites industry were interviewed in focus groups to further explore CE strategies and design principles for a set of reference products, such as car interior components. The resulting framework connects Circular strategies to design principles for composite products and supports design of new composite products for use, reuse and recycling in a CE.
Insights from literature on design for a CE as well as on composites recovery are combined to create a set of design principles for composites in a CE. In addition to well-known long life, lifetime extension and product recovery approaches, literature indicates the potential value of structural recycling. Structural recycling preserves most of the functional value of the product, which is largely lost in
materials recycling. Experts from composites industry were interviewed in focus groups to further explore CE strategies and design principles for a set of reference products, such as car interior components. The resulting framework connects Circular strategies to design principles for composite products and supports design of new composite products for use, reuse and recycling in a CE.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | PLATE – Product lifetimes and the environment |
Subtitle of host publication | 3rd PLATE Conference, September 18–20, 2019 Berlin, Germany |
Editors | Nils F. Nissen, Melanie Jaeger-Erben |
Pages | 411-416 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 978-3-7983-3125-9 |
Publication status | Published - 2021 |
Event | PLATE 2019 - Berlin, Germany Duration: 18 Sept 2019 → 20 Sept 2019 https://www.plateconference.org/ |
Conference
Conference | PLATE 2019 |
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Abbreviated title | PLATE |
Country/Territory | Germany |
City | Berlin |
Period | 18/09/19 → 20/09/19 |
Internet address |
Keywords
- Design
- Circular Economy
- Composite products