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All over the world, sustainability has been given immense attention, thus novel state-of-the-art materials and building systems are emerging as alternatives. With those different alternatives, comparison and the selection of a better-performing material or a building system using diverse perspectives becomes important. Literature shows its complexity in adopting social and cultural dimensions in decision-making that adversely impacted on most desirable material selections in tropical underdeveloped countries as well as indigenous communities. This study proposed an eco-design-based material selection approach that considers the individual and holistic perspective of diverse eco-design indicators such as economic, ecological, social, and cultural. Several subthemes are identified under each theme and are verified through expert surveys. The identified sub-themes are verified and compared Pairwise through expert surveys and using the Analytical Hierarchy Process leads to proposing weights for each theme and sub-theme and developing an eco-design-based material selection framework. Accordingly, saving energy (10.7%), reducing the overexploitation of natural resources (9.1%), reducing energy emissions (7.9%), and reducing construction (7.3%), as well as operational cost (7.6%), are the parameters that create a greater impact on the selection of sustainable material with the aid of eco-design. Overall, the ecological theme creates the highest impact of around 46% and the cultural theme contributes to a lower percentage of around 5% while the economic and social themes impact considerably 30% and 19% respectively. Furthermore, the developed framework is tested in a case study by comparing an emerging walling material, Cement Stabilized Earth Blocks with conventional materials such as Burnt Clay Bricks and Cement Sand Blocks. Technique for Order Preference by Similarities to Ideal Solution was carried out to compare and rank the respective walling materials under different scenarios. Accordingly, Cement Stabilized Earth Blocks is concluded to be the best alternative when analyzed in the eco-design concept. The proposed framework could be highly beneficial for industry practitioners in tropical underdeveloped countries and indigenous communities in choosing community-preferred, affordable, and environmentally-friendly construction materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen has emerged as a promising future energy source, but efficient, eco-friendly production and storage remain challenging. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is crucial for evaluating environmental impacts and guiding eco-design strategies. Among emerging techniques, magnesium hydrolysis for hydrogen production has gained attention. The presented LCA of a patented Mg-alloy with carbon and nickel additives identified nickel as the primary environmental impact contributor. To mitigate this, using ternary phases with minimal nickel content is proposed. Moreover, leveraging magnesium waste presents an opportunity to give alloys a second life, while enhancing the recycling of the resulting product, Mg(OH) 2. Although LCA results show that magnesium hydrolysis has a lower environmental impact than steam reforming, further industrial-scale research is needed. This highlights the importance of ongoing investigation and refinement of magnesium hydrolysis as a green energy solution. • Recycling Mg(OH) 2 via CRT method causes nearly 90% of environmental impacts. • Recycled aluminum and ternary Mg base compounds reduces environmental impacts. • Hydrolysis with magnesium is eco-friendly but less resource-efficient than steam reforming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Eco-design of a highly efficient Cr(VI) adsorbent with bimodal micro-/mesoporous structure. • Green synthesis approach utilizing Sorghum waste as a sustainable silica source for the adsorbent. • A one-pot synthesis method led to homogeneously distributed adsorption sites on the MI-Cl-FDU-12. • MI-Cl-FDU-12 demonstrated a high adsorption capacity of 416.9 mg g-1 at 313 K for Cr(VI) • MI-Cl-FDU-12 adsorbent revealed excellent regeneration performance by six consecutive cycles. This paper presents an eco-design approach to the synthesis of a highly efficient Cr(VI) adsorbent, utilizing a positively charged surface mesoporous FDU-12 material (designated as MI-Cl-FDU-12) for the first time. The MI-Cl-FDU-12 anion-exchange adsorbent was synthesized via a facile one-pot synthesis approach using sodium silicate extracted from sorghum waste as a green silica source, 1-methyl-3-(triethoxysilylpropyl) imidazolium chloride as a functionalization agent, triblock copolymer F127 as a templating or pore-directing agent, trimethyl benzene as a swelling agent, KCl as an additive, and water as a solvent. The synthesis method offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to the production of a so-called "green" adsorbent with a bimodal micro-/mesoporous structure and a high surface area comparable with the previous reports regarding FDU-12 synthesis. MI-Cl-FDU-12 was applied as an anion exchanger for the adsorption of toxic Cr(VI) oxyanions from aqueous media and various kinetic and isotherm models were fitted to experimental data to propose the adsorption behavior of Cr(VI) on the adsorbent. Langmuir model revealed the best fit to the experimental data at four different temperatures, indicating a homogeneous surface site affinity. The theoretical maximum adsorption capacities of the adsorbent were found to be 363.5, 385.5, 409.0, and 416.9 mg g−1 at 298, 303, 308, and 313 K, respectively; at optimal conditions (pH=2, adsorbent dose=3.0 mg, and contact time of 30 min), surpassing that of most previously reported Cr(VI) adsorbents in the literature. A regeneration study revealed that this adsorbent possesses outstanding performance even after six consecutive recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the point of production to consumption, electrical energy should be utilized effectively and qualitatively. Efficiency at the electricity consumption stage is not sufficient, and the desired criteria must be met at the production stage. The efficient and high‐quality generation of electrical energy is directly related to the performance of the generator used. In order to achieve the desired criteria for a generator design, many issues should be considered together. In order for this study to do, a 14‐pole and 5 kW permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) was designed using the innovative optimizer named the weighted mean of vectors (INFO), the jumping spider optimization algorithm (JSOA), the teaching–learning‐based optimization (TLBO), the pelican optimization algorithm (POA) and the teaching‐learning‐studying‐based optimization (TLSBO) algorithms. The generator performance was optimized within the determined inequality constraints by the offset and embrace value and six parameters of the stator slot structure. The generator designed with the parameters determined by the TLSBO was more successful than the generators designed according to all the other proposed algorithms. The total harmonic distortion (THD) value decreased by 51.983% compared to the initial design at approximately the same efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population growth and greater global interconnection require a profound transformation in how we produce, consume, and manage natural resources. In this sense, the circular transition of the agricultural and livestock sectors is vital to guarantee adequate production without compromising the availability of resources for future generations. In this work, we analyze the level of circular development of the primary sector in Spain using a sample of the 84 largest companies. We utilize the biplot analysis, multivariate graphic models that represent the joint distribution of four scores (constructed with sixteen ecological initiatives), and three financial and geographic variables. These techniques allow for visualization of the status and the relationships between all of them. We evidence an important degree of progress in initiatives associated with the use of non-polluting energy, eco-design, eco-innovation, management, and care of ecosystems. We also observe that the current transition towards a circular primary sector is strongly associated with firms' capital investments and long-term innovations. On the other hand, the actions aimed at protecting water resources are in an intermediate state of progress, being necessary to invest in additional friendly water initiatives. In this vein, it is advisable to promote public policies focused on promoting the ecological transition of this sector and the research that advances efficient water management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an emerging technology, smart textiles can bring solutions to many problems, but also create new ones, especially related to their disposal and their impact on the environment. That is why it is important to address this problem at this stage of technological development when smart textiles have not yet pervaded the mass markets. In this article, first, an attempt is made to understand the chronological development of smart textiles: the reasons for a weak breakthrough in the commercial markets throughout the decades, starting from the 1990s until today, but also the emergence of new driving forces that should inevitably lead to a bright future for smart textiles. In addition, we explore the contemporary possibilities for sustainable materials, manufacturing techniques, and end-of-life solutions for developing sustainable smart textiles based on a broad literature review, online sources, and a questionnaire survey among textile experts. Finally, an overview of the latest developments related to the standardization of smart textiles is given. This research was spurred by participation in CONTEXT COST Action (CA17107 - European Network to connect research and innovation efforts on advanced Smart Textiles). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current sustainability challenges and the systemic transformation required highlight the need for innovations at multiple levels. The global regulatory framework is driving new environmental design methods and practices. At the European level, based on the European Green Deal, the 8th Environment Action Program (EAP) entered into force on 2 May 2022 as the EU's legally agreed common agenda for environmental policy up to 2030. The EAP forms the EU's basis for achieving the United Nations' 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. In 2020, the European Commission adopted a new Circular Economy Action Plan, which provides measures throughout the product life cycle and aims to prepare the European economy for a green future and strengthen competitiveness, while protecting the environment and giving new rights to consumers. In 2023, the European Council adopted its position on the proposal for a regulation establishing a framework for the stability of eco-design requirements for sustainable products. The automotive industry is trying to cope with these regulations and at the same time to remain competitive in terms of costs. Also, it is a landmark in forming sectoral models of eco-innovation and eco-design due to its role in modern societies, positively as the main choice of transport but negatively in terms of environmental damage and the intensive use of non-renewable resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns about climate change and energy security are driving a global shift towards renewable energy sources and green technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage and wind turbines. This commentary analyses the policy challenges raised by the growing demand for critical metals needed for this green transition to net zero. It is crucial that the UK's strategy looks beyond merely increasing primary supply or new mining, towards strategies to ensure better stewardship of secondary mineral resources already contained in a range of products. Furthermore, creating an enabling regulatory environment for procuring key technology metals will be key to addressing future supply threats for the UK, especially post-Brexit, and that failure to do so will put the UK at significant risk of falling behind in the global race to secure supplies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composites are gaining widespread market interest due to their outstanding mechanical properties and light weight. However, this growth is hindered by the lack of sustainable recycling solutions. This research aims to integrate reversible chemistries to advanced carbon fiber‐reinforced composite materials for recycling in a so‐called eco‐design, circular approach. Diene and dienophile reactions are generated at the surface of the carbon fiber allowing a bond–debond interaction with the epoxy matrix. The application of the Diels–Alder adduct on the fiber modifies its polarity and structure. This research assesses a biobased and synthetic epoxy equivalent and demonstrates that this newly developed interphase chemistry has a direct impact on the crosslinking efficiency of the resin, as well as on their interlaminar properties. Furthermore, it has been observed that depending on the type of resin, these changes can have differing impacts on final properties of the composite, reducing the crosslinking density up to 50% in some modifications while in others the Tg remains constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper addresses the escalating global issue of electronic waste (e-waste), a consequence of the burgeoning demand for electronic products coupled with their transient lifespan. The rapid accumulation of e-waste is a significant concern, especially in the context of climate change, necessitating a detailed analysis of current management strategies and the development of sustainable management practices. The intricate relationship between e-waste and climate change is emphasized, illustrating how improper disposal and recycling practices substantially contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. A meticulous analysis is conducted to critique the prevailing e-waste management strategies, identifying their shortcomings and the urgent need for enhancement and globalization of these protocols. The paper argues for a fortified, universal approach to e-waste management to address the deficiencies in current methodologies. A set of strategic, sustainable solutions for e-waste management is proposed, encompassing comprehensive regulatory frameworks, advanced recycling technologies, the incorporation of eco-design principles, and the enhancement of consumer awareness. These solutions pivot around the circular economy concept, viewing waste as a valuable resource rather than a disposal predicament, thereby promoting sustainability. Short conclusion: The paper concludes that a consolidated, global approach to e-waste management is imperative for addressing the proliferation of discarded electronics and is pivotal in the wider context of mitigating climate change and fostering sustainable development. It underscores the transformative potential of sustainable e-waste management, transforming a formidable challenge into an opportunity for environmental conservation, economic growth, and societal progress, emphasizing the importance of viewing e-waste management as a vehicle for sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents five case studies on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling to provide a coherent overview on the likely impact of eco‐design measures on recycling of plastics used in energy‐related products within the EU. Whilst some eco‐design measures, such as improving disassembly of plastic parts, may generally benefit recycling operations, other measures were found to be ineffective or requiring further investigation. For example, product polymer marking, and provision of product‐specific information was rarely utilized by participant organizations, if at all. Additionally, this study highlights a disconnect between the aims of substance bans as an eco‐design measure and the impact upon plastics recycling in practice. Future research could help with quantitative and/or statistical analysis of WEEE processing to investigate across a wider selection of recyclers and recycling processes. Despite 20 years of research on eco‐design, it appears that EU eco‐design policies and voluntary initiatives are still being devised without adequate understanding of their impact on different types of recycling practices. Empirical research on recycling processes can provide important insight to ensure eco‐design measures are effective and avoid unintended consequences for the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presents a series of analyses related to the eco-design of polymer matrix composite parts, addressing various aspects of it. The main objective was to clarify the definition of ecological design, the benefits of its implementation and its importance in all stages of obtaining a product (design, manufacturing, recycling). Global environmental issues are presented, emphasizing the importance of adopting sustainable approaches in product design and manufacturing. Special attention is paid to the analysis of waste recycling technologies for polymer matrix composite materials. The analysis carried out identifies specific ecological design principles applicable to these materials and presents recent trends in the field. Relevant case studies are highlighted, demonstrating the benefits of ecological design in order to obtain sustainable products. Additionally, the conducted research allowed for finding answers to the questions "what", "why", "when" and "how" it is necessary to apply the principles of eco-design in the case of composite materials with a polymer matrix. In general, the research promotes eco-design as an indispensable strategy for sustainable and responsible production, inspiring companies to adopt these principles for the benefit of the environment and their business performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Eco-modulation is intended to restore incentives for eco-design that are muted or missing in extended producer responsibility (EPR). • Eco-modulation operates through changes in fees paid by producers to producer responsibility organizations (PROs) to meet obligations under EPR. • Eco-modulation faces challenges related to linkage to environmental outcomes, fee size, data, online sales, cross-jurisdictional harmonization, and ex post evaluation. • Prospects for eco-modulation can be improved through the use of life cycle assessment (LCA), increased fees, mandated provision of data, and more sophisticated policy evaluation. • As various challenges must be overcome in its implementation, eco-modulation might be currently best viewed as a policy experiment on improving EPR and the drivers of eco-design more broadly. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy strategy that makes producers responsible for the waste management of their products and packages. A key goal of EPR is to incentivize producers to (re)design their products and packages to improve their environmental performance, especially at end of life. However, because of the way in which the financial structure of EPR has evolved, those incentives have largely been muted or undetectable. Eco-modulation has emerged as an additional component in EPR to restore the missing incentives for eco-design. Eco-modulation operates through changes in the fees that producers pay to meet their EPR obligations. Eco-modulation includes both increased differentiation of types of products and associated fees, and additional bonuses and penalties—environmentally targeted discounts and penalties on the fees that each producer pays. Based on primary, secondary, and grey literature, this article characterizes challenges faced by eco-modulation if it is to restore the incentives for eco-design. These include weak linkages to environmental outcomes, fees too low to induce changes in materials or design, lack of adequate data and ex post policy evaluation, and implementation that differs across jurisdictions. Opportunities to address these challenges include use of life cycle assessment (LCA) to inform eco-modulation, increased eco-modulation fees, strategies to increase harmonization of eco-modulation implementation, mandated provision of data, and policy evaluation tools that establish the efficacy of different eco-modulation schemes. Considering the scope of the challenges and the complexity of establishing eco-modulation programs, we suggest treating eco-modulation at this stage as an experiment in promoting eco-design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cosmetics industry is searching for efficient and sustainable substances capable of stabilizing emulsions or colloidal dispersions that are thermodynamically unstable because of their high surface energy. Therefore, surfactants are commonly used to stabilize the water/oil interface. However, the presence of a surfactant is not always sufficient to obtain stable emulsions on the one hand, and conventional surfactants are often subject to such controversies as their petroleum origin and environmental concerns on the other hand. As a consequence, among other challenges, it is obvious that research related to new—natural, biodegradable, biocompatible, available, competitive—surfactants are nowadays more intensive. This study aims to valorize a natural gum from Triumfetta cordifolia (T. cordifolia) as a sustainable emulsifier and stabilizer for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, and to evaluate how the nature of the fatty phase could affect this potential. To this end, O/W emulsions were prepared at room temperature using three different oils varying in composition, using a rotor–stator mixer. Resulting mixtures were characterized using optical microscopy, laser granulometry, rheology, pH and stability monitoring over time. The results demonstrated good potential for the gum as an emulsifying agent. T. cordifolia gum appears efficient even at very low concentrations (0.2% w/w) for the preparation and stabilization of the different O/W emulsions. The best results were observed for cocoglyceride oil due to its stronger effect of lowering interfacial tension (IFT) thus acting as a co-emulsifier. Therefore, overall results showed that T. cordifolia gum is undoubtedly a highly promising new bio-sourced and environmentally friendly emulsifier/stabilizer for many applications including cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether circular economy principles are applied in existing residential solar thermal systems, and to propose a pathway that will combine existing tools and methods for assessing life cycle data under proper design modifications and labelling options, to reach circular economy targets. The proposed holistic scheme covers various aspects (i.e., energy saving potential, environmental impacts, expected lifetime, recycling-reusing capabilities, use of advanced materials, and purchase cost) and comprises the implementation of eco-design principles based on life cycle assessment results and categorization of the final outcome via a circular economy modified label. Thus redesigned solar thermal systems will exhibit optimized characteristics being more lightweight and durable with minimized use of resources/waste and providing ease of disassembly of selected parts aiming for reuse options. • Examine if circular economy principles apply to residential solar thermal systems. • AsSessing LCA data under proper ED and EL options, to reach CE targets. • Use of LCA and EL in an ED implementation context in solar thermal systems. • Redesign solar thermal devices for optimized technical - environmental performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hayek, M.; Salgues, M.; Souche, J.-C.; De Weerdt, K., and Pioch, S., 2023. How to improve the bioreceptivity of concrete infrastructure used in marine ecosystems? Literature review for mechanisms, key factors, and colonization effects. Journal of Coastal Research, 39(3), 553–568. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. With 39,400 km2 of coastal and marine areas artificialized and an increasing demand due to the growing global population—9 billion by 2050—it has become necessary to find ways to mitigate futures constructions impacts on biodiversity. This study explores how civil engineering can take further technical measures to enhance marine biodiversity, in a real and valuable "win-win" strategy. The global aim is to integrate eco-engineering practices within coastal projects and include ecological targets (e.g., the diversity and speed of biological colonization) early, at the project design stage, with the same level efforts for technical, social, and economic studies. Concrete is the most useful material for coastal infrastructure construction. Therefore, enhance its positive impact on colonization that is by far one of the key points for developers and coastal managers. To this end, the latest research regarding the bioreceptivity of concrete is reviewed, focusing on the characteristics of the marine environment that affect the colonization of concrete and the organisms involved. From this base of publications, the intrinsic and environmental parameters that can influence the intrinsic and the extrinsic bioreceptivity of concrete have been updated, specifically operating the link with the mechanisms leading to the colonization of concrete and biofilm formation, which hasn't been done before. Based on the persistence of their significant effect (after 78 days of immersion in seawater), the intrinsic parameters that support greater biocolonization are classified from more to less effective in the following order: surface roughness (190%) > chemical composition (slag cement instead Portland cement) (136%) > chemical composition (presence of formwork oil) (106%). Lastly, both the ecological effect and the positive and negative effects of biofilm formation on the durability of concrete were analysed to provide clear and operational results for future concrete coastal construction implementation for decision makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the approaches followed by the circular economy (CE) to achieve sustainability through design is product life extension. Extending the life of products to make them useful for as long as possible is a means to reduce waste production and materials consumption, as well as the related impacts. For designers, conceptualizing products in a way that allows them to be used for longer is a challenge, and assessing how well they extend their lifespan can be helpful when it comes to choosing the best proposal. In this paper, 70 tools and methods related to eco‐design and circular economy are studied to determine how many of them consider parameters related to life extension and which can be applied in the early stages of design. The results of the analysis show that most of the existing tools and methods are applicable to developed products, and only a few of them take into account parameters related to extending the useful life. Of the 70 tools and methods, only 14 include some parameter related to life extension and are applicable to concepts. CE toolkit, Eco‐design PILOT, CE Designer, Circularity Assessment tool, Circularity Potential Indicator and Circular Design Tools take into consideration eight or more parameters to assess life extension in concepts. This will help designers select the most appropriate and will indicate the need for more complete tools to consider useful life extension in the early stages of design and thus enhance the selection of more sustainable products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strategic relevance of extracting raw materials from waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in the EU is increasing due to value chain risks caused by geopolitical instability, accessibility of specific minerals, and decreasing reserves due to growing extraction rates. This article examines the quantities of so‐called critical raw materials (CRMs) originating within WEEE streams from a depletion perspective. Presently, current recycling targets are based solely on mass collection and recycling rates. We examine the potential limitations of this approach using an exergy‐based indicator named thermodynamic rarity. This indicator represents the exergy costs needed for producing materials from the bare rock to market. The case of Italy is used to explore the application of the indicator at the macro (national) and micro (company) level for the product categories "small electronics" and "screens and monitors." Our estimations show significant differences between the mass and rarity of materials within Italian WEEE streams. While iron accounts for more than 70% of the weight of the product categories analyzed, it accounts for less than 15% of the rarity. Similarly, several CRMs with a small mass have a higher rarity value, for example, tungsten with less than 0.1% of the mass and over 6% of the rarity. The policy context is reflected upon, where it is argued that thermodynamic rarity can provide novel insights to support end‐of‐life WEEE decision‐making processes, for example, target development and recycling standards setting to help prioritize material monitoring and recovery options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the consideration of various environmental problems caused by human activities, energy transition solutions are starting to emerge. Power electronics will be central to these transitions. The level of knowledge linking power electronics and sustainability remains very limited today, and the study of the environmental impacts tied to the mass-scale deployment of power electronic systems across all sectors of activity is now essential. This study presents the life cycle assessment of a power electronic inverter capable of delivering a power of 150 kW, operating with an average 450 V DC bus for 15 years with 10,000 operating hours. The main hotspots are investigated to offer recommendations to designers. The most important impact highlighted is the depletion of mineral resources. Manufacturing and use are the two subsections with the highest environmental impact. Manufacturing is dominated by the casing and power module (specifically, the electric contacts, baseplate, and die). These results make it possible to orient an eco-design action with technologies capable of creating an evolution in hotspots. However, they also serve to consider scenarios involving a circular economy by setting up maintenance, recycling, and reuse loops in the inverter, combined with modularity and self-diagnostic functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This life cycle assessment (LCA) study focused on comparing the environmental performances of two types of synthesis strategies for polyethyleneimine (PEI) coated silica particles (organic/inorganic composites). The classic layer-by-layer and the new approach (one-pot coacervate deposition) were the two synthesis routes that were tested for cadmium ions removal from aqueous solutions by adsorption in equilibrium conditions. Data from the laboratory scale experiments for materials synthesis, testing, and regeneration, were then fed into a life cycle assessment study so that the types and values of environmental impacts associated with these processes could be calculated. Additionally, three eco-design strategies based on material substitution were investigated. The results point out that the one-pot coacervate synthesis route has considerably lower environmental impacts than the layer-by-layer technique. From an LCA methodology point of view, it is important to consider material technical performances when defining the functional unit. From a wider perspective, this research is important as it demonstrates the usefulness of LCA and scenario analysis as environmental support tools for material developers because they highlight environmental hotspots and point out the environmental improvement possibilities from the very early stages of material development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to conduct a comparative life cycle environmental analysis of alternative versions of a product that was manufactured with the use of additive technologies. The aim of the paper was to compare the environmental assessment of an additive-manufactured product using two approaches: a traditional one, based on the use of SimaPro software, and the authors’ own concept of a newly developed artificial intelligence (AI) based approach. The structure of the product was identical and the research experiments consisted in changing the materials used in additive manufacturing (from polylactic acid (PLA) to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)). The effects of these changes on the environmental factors were observed and a direct comparison of the effects in the different factors was made. SimaPro software with implemented databases was used for the analysis. Missing information on the environmental impact of additive manufacturing of PLA and ABS parts was taken from the literature for the purpose of the study. The novelty of the work lies in the results of a developing concurrent approach based on AI. The results showed that the artificial intelligence approach can be an effective way to analyze life cycle assessment (LCA) even in such complex cases as a 3D printed medical exoskeleton. This approach, which is becoming increasingly useful as the complexity of manufactured products increases, will be developed in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The choices made in the early design stage (EDS) will largely define the environmental impacts of a product. The purpose of this paper is to develop an ecodesign method used for assessing semi-quantitatively the sustainability of an additively manufactured product since the EDS. This article presents a semiquantitative method to support EDS-conscious environmental decisions. A novel Sustainable-Failure Mode, Effect, and Criticality Analysis (S-FMECA) tool is developed to support designers in the conceptual design phase, to guide the choices, and to provide a valuable evaluation of the future additively manufactured product. Through the integration of the environmental aspects in FMECA analysis, systematic prevention of errors, and enhancement of sustainability since the EDS would be the main advantage of this tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand on the wood market makes it necessary to use all secondary resources, including the wood branches and spindles. The properties of deciduous branches and softwood spindles were evaluated in order to create wood panels, highlighting the transverse texture with high value added. The research analyzed the properties of the wood from deciduous (beech, maple) branches and from conifer (spruce, fir) spindles. The methodology of obtaining panels with transversal structure was also presented. The production of minor wood (branches or spindles) was 254 m3 /ha/year in the case of beech (branches) and 109 m3 /ha/year in the case of spruce (spindles). The proportion of compression wood for spruce had an average value of 40.6%. A similar value of tension wood for beech was obtained. The modulus of elasticity for pine spindle wood was 71.7% lower than the modulus of elasticity for bending strength in the trunk. The quality index was 36.7% lower in the case of spindles than in the case of pine trunk, and the value of the quality ratio in branch maple wood was 2.61% lower than in trunk wood. Thus, even if it is not the only efficient solution, wood in the minor portions can be used to make high value-added panels such as those that highlight the transverse structure [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

“Ecology is the science of the struggle for existence,” says Greg Cooper in his paper titled “The Science of the Struggle for Existence.” Indeed, the 21st century will be the century of the “science of the struggle for existence.” The paper presents some exhortations to engineers, who must find solutions “before nature dies.” Eco–friendly product design is one of the solutions to this global problem. Several basic concepts of eco–design, several eco–design strategies, traditional design strategies versus eco– design, are presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Circular economy" and "eco-design" are concepts that people not only understand but also demand. The scarcity of resources and their fluctuating cost forces us to transform linear production systems into circular ones, which implies the entire life cycle of the product. This study arises from this fact, to analyze the impact of eco-design on the circular economy. We developed a bibliometric analysis in the research community of Spain, analyzing the frequencies, typology, and evolution of knowledge. We define a conceptual framework of the two concepts, to reaffirm our results after applying the analysis in a very deep way. We carefully reviewed 86 articles that adhered to the defined variables. Both quantitative and cooccurrence analyses have been performed. This makes it possible to differentiate three clear fields of knowledge - the cradle-to-grave approach, energy efficiency and emission reduction, and the circular economy and eco-design group. The results are quite clear in the Spanish sphere, and it can be stated that there has been instability until 2016, that is, until the action of the European Commission. There are collaboration networks with other countries. The co-occurrence analysis indicates that, until 2016, these terms have given way to those of "circular economy" and "climate change," without neglecting "eco-design," as a tool for action, that, although it was published before, it is shown that they are complementary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extended producer responsibility system and government intervention are among the essential requirements for constructing sustainable economies. In a closed-loop supply chain consisting of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and a third-party remanufacturer (TPR), this paper develops four Stackelberg game models for four modes of government intervention under patent licensing: no intervention, tax and subsidy, tax and subsidy plus eco-design tax deduction, and eco-design tax deduction only. The impacts of the different government interventions on the optimal production decision, social welfare, and environment are analyzed and compared. The results indicate that, compared with no government intervention, government tax and subsidy decrease the supply of new products, increase supply of remanufactured products, and raise recycling rates of end-of-life products; on top of tax and subsidy, the government's eco-design tax deduction can further increase OEM and TPR profits; the environmental impact under different government intervention depends on the ratio of the environmental impacts of remanufactured to new products and the level of eco-design effort. This study provides decision makers (i.e., OEM and TPR) and policy makers (i.e., governments) with new managerial insights on the benefits of eco-design and effective mechanisms to promote it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a circular economy context with the dual problems of depletion of natural resources and the environmental impact of a growing volume of wastes, it is of great importance to focus on the recycling process of multilayered plastic films. This review is dedicated first to the general concepts and summary of plastic waste management in general, making emphasis on the multilayer films recycling process. Then, in the second part, the focus is dealing with multilayer films manufacturing process, including the most common materials used for agricultural applications, their processing, and the challenges of their recycling, recyclability, and reuse. Hitherto, some prospects are discussed from eco-design to mechanical or chemical recycling approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design is preponderant in the world economy; it allows competition and enhances the development of innovations in the market. The expansion of product offerings provides options to satisfy the user's needs, which is an undeniable advance driven by design. However, this has led to a significant increase in the production of solid waste related to design, which generates environmental deterioration. Additionally, the supply of design products has been concentrated in the most economically favored sector, leaving out a large part of the world's population which are not met because they are not a market of interest for the productive industry in general. The content of this paper is the result of a collective debate from the authors, based on the analysis of documentary sources and their own experience as academics. Our objective is to encourage discussion for the creation of a common front oriented towards a design practice focused simultaneously on social development and environmental care; a design practice based on ethics and commitment to the environment and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we describe a method for determining polymer compatibility, which will aid in establishing the requirements of polyolefinic materials for the eco-design of multilayer films for mechanical recycling while avoiding the use of reactive tie layers. Our ultimate goal is to define the molecular characteristics of the polyolefinic structural layer that improve compatibility with the tie layer during mechanical recycling. We have investigated the melting temperature depression of single crystals of various polyethylenes embedded in commercial polymeric matrices with various functionalities (ester, acrylate, acetate and methacrylic acid sodium ionomer), which can be potentially used as tie layers. We demonstrate how the concentration and molecular architecture of the matrices affect the melting temperature of the embedded single crystals differently depending on the latter's molecular architecture. The main finding indicates that the tie layers are more compatible with linear polyethylene than with branched polyethylenes. Indeed, our results show that the heterogeneous Ziegler–Natta linear low-density polyethylene is incompatible with all of the tie layers tested. The depression of melting temperatures observed are in excellent agreement with the results obtained by investigating the rheological behaviour and morphological features of solution-mixed blends in which segmental interactions between polymeric chains have been, in theory, maximized. Because Ziegler–Natta linear density polyethylene is one of the most commonly used polymers as a structural layer in multi-layer applications, the findings of this study are useful as they clearly show the unsuitability of this type of polyethylene for recycling from an eco-design standpoint. The specific molecular requirements for polyethylene layers (branching content less than 0.5/100 carbon atoms) can be specified for use in packaging, guiding the eco-design and valorisation of recycled multi-layered films containing this material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive disposal of plastic components into the environment requires an economically and ecologically feasible solution for the proper treatment or new uses for plastic waste. This study compares the environmental and mechanical performance of a sandwich panel based on disposed bottle caps core with different eco‐friendly skins and adhesive. A cradle‐to‐gate life cycle assessment compares the environmental impacts of the manufacture of six‐bottle cap panel designs with various skin (aluminum, recycled PET, and flax laminates) and adhesive types (epoxy vs. biopolymer) by calculating their ReCiPe midpoint impact indicators. An eco‐mechanical indicator is additionally proposed to measure the efficiency of designs with greater strength/stiffness and less environmental footprint. The bio‐based skin on the sandwich panel significantly reduces environmental damage between 32% and 87% compared to metallic skins. Recycled skin promotes the lowest impacts, while considerably reducing mechanical performance. The bio‐based adhesive has emissions up to 15% lower than epoxy. The eco‐mechanical balance showed up to 630% higher efficiency for bottle cap panel designs based on bio‐based polymer, flax‐based skins, and/or less adhesive depending on the mechanical response. Promising environmental performance with superior mechanical strength highlights the potential of bottle caps as an eco‐friendly honeycomb for secondary construction and transport structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collectors that can achieve maximum efficiency from solar irradiation can be critical concepts for meeting energy demand in residential applications. Even though there is much research on increasing heat transfer, multifunctional designs that provide homogeneous results are limited. This study explores the production of electricity and hot air from a novel design of a PVT. A new perforated copper plate design has been proposed to achieve maximum efficiency by providing homogeneous cooling in the PVT. Firstly, numerical analysis of this design was performed using Ansys Fluent software, then tested experimentally. The highest and average electrical and thermal efficiency of PVT are obtained as 17.62 %, 15.63 %, and 76.75 %, 43.68 %. In experiments conducted under winter conditions, the maximum temperature value in the PVT was measured as 41.54 °C. Moreover, the payback period of the PVT system was calculated as 6.1 years. The proposed PVT collector can be used as a new model for integrating solar energy in buildings with almost zero energy. Considering the eco-design, this PVT design can contribute net positive carbon, ecological footprint, and green manufacturing. • A new temperature control with a variable air volume collector has been designed to adjust the flow rate of the fans depending on the back surface temperature of the PV. • A numerical model has been developed and validated to examine how to be homogeneously in the PVT's airflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marine industry has been a major user of polymer composites for over 50 years. There has been a strong historical preference for glass fibre reinforced thermoset polymers, mainly polyesters and epoxies, but manufacturers are starting to realize that the current materials and practices are not sustainable. As a result, there is increasing interest in alternative materials, which offer the prospects of lower carbon footprints, reduced environmental impacts or both. The design decisions made today are critical, as many marine structures are designed for 20 to 30 years lifetime. In order to focus on viable solutions, it is essential to base these decisions on a balanced overview of the many new materials and processes. This review provides an up-to-date evaluation of emerging material options, fibres, matrix polymers and sandwich core and associated manufacturing developments. First, materials for the pleasure boat industry are discussed. Then high performance carbon fibre composite applications are described. These are discussed with respect to end of life scenarios such as re-use and recycling, life cycle assessment is examined. Recent examples of changes in material selection philosophy and associated benefits for sustainability illustrate what is possible and what remains to be done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental managers attempt to increasingly incorporate precautionary principles into decision making. The literature lacks Machine Learning -based approaches for forewarning lifecycle environmental impacts. This paper proposes a method to support electric vehicle design. The main innovation of the work lays in merging Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Machine Learning foundations to provide support and awareness to designers. The present approach overcomes the present literature because it provides a method for the design phase, is based on a well-established methodology (LCA) and provides quantitative results from little inputs. The approach exploits machine Learning Methods to develop models with the design features of a generic electric vehicle (such as vehicle mass and distance traveled) in six phases (Problem definition; Data collection; Data Preparation; Modeling; Model evaluation; Model interpretation). Differently from existing environmental analyses, all stages of the product life cycle have been considered in building the database; moreover, the model provides quantitative results. Regression models and supervised algorithms were used. The obtained model can be used by product engineers, as well as those not experts on LCA. Moreover, the model guarantees the database and hypothesis's uniqueness, ensuring the results coherence and comparability. The level of accuracy obtained in the case study (error or 17%) is comparable with studies handling full environmental analysis (that should be more accurate), and outstanding, as the present case is for the design phase. Future works will focus on additional significative indicators, similar electric vehicle design and integration with prospective LCA approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored a novel design-for-recycling method for encapsulated printed electronics in an injection-molded package that improves disassembly at End-of-Life (EoL). To this end, a non-adhering disassembly layer (NADL) was applied onto the printed circuitry and light-emitting diodes prior to injection molding. Surprisingly, the devices with a disassembly layer remained fully functional after injection molding, despite exposure to high shear forces and elevated temperatures. Facilitating the disassembly of an encapsulated electronic device using a weak link in the adhesion strength of the overmolded encapsulant invokes a contradiction: the possibility to remove the injected plastic from any underlying coating goes against the requirement of high adhesion over the entire surface area for structural strength and integrity during the harsh conditions expected by industry. To achieve balance between disassemblability and reliability, the adhesion strength of the overmolded encapsulant was tuned using vias in the coating design. To the author's best knowledge, this is the first time design-for-recycling principles were successfully applied to such in-mold structural electronics devices. Accelerated lifetime tests at 85 °C/85% relative humidity for 1000 consecutive hours were conducted to study the reliability of devices realized with this design-for-recycling method. Mechanical disassembly of molded devices proceeded uniformly along the intended interface of NADL with molded polycarbonate resin and exposed the printed Ag and surface-mounted components, thereby demonstrating the possibility to perform subsequent and dedicated recycling on plastics and metals separately. • Dismantlable printed electronics; design-for-recycling method using non-adhering dismantling layers. • Adhesion of injection-molded polycarbonate made tunable by coating design. • Trade-off between recyclability and reliability; promising outcome for water-based non-adhering dismantling layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Home offices, virtual meeting rooms and online training that were admittedly becoming commonplace, are now essentially inescapable. The greater reliance on electronics, and the data and energy storage, however, comes at a cost. Planned obsolescence and the lack of environmentally benign end‐of‐life scenarios, such as reuse and recycle, but also degrade or vanish for organic electronics, are at the root cause of the dramatic increase in global e‐waste. Their impact is unequally distributed with low‐ and medium‐income countries taking the brunt of the harmful environmental and health effects, on their populations. This Perspective article suggests meaningful paths to mitigate the electronics waste crisis, beyond the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), that include sustainable and eco‐designed electronics while recognizing the limitations of certain tools at the disposal. Massive paradigm shifts along with profound systemic and cultural changes need to occur for the digital revolution's benefits to outweigh its drawbacks, most important of which are its present unsustainable growth. These shifts need to occur on intersectoral, intersectional, and intergenerational dimensions to alleviate the heavily asymmetrical environmental impact (Global‐North vs Global‐South) e‐waste have. Coordinating efforts at the international level will be crucial to build capacity and make an impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eco-feedback is a design strategy that reminds users of their resource consumption as they use a product. The ultimate goal is to promote pro-environmental behaviors in users by making them aware of the environmental impact of their consumption. The way these designs present resource usage information can significantly impact user perceptions. This paper investigates two aspects of resource usage presentation, quantitative feedback and emotional evocativeness, by evaluating 32 designs spanning electricity, materials, transportation, and water via surveys of 619 university students in the US and Saudi Arabia. Both these aspects are positively correlated with perceived product appeal and perceived effectiveness in encouraging sustainable behavior. It was found that presenting quantitative resource usage information was more helpful to respondents who could better estimate resource consumption, while the emotional evocativeness of a design aided respondents with lower and higher resource consumption knowledge to a similar degree. In addition, we found that images of living creatures and strong visual cues evoked strong emotions in users. Female participants, in general, responded more strongly than males to this emotional evocativeness. These experimental findings cast light on how to better design eco-feedback products to be more widely accepted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power electronics converters are traditionally designed regarding efficiency, power density, cost, and reliability figures of merit. Today, with the extreme spread of power electronic applications in our modern societies, together with the earth limits in terms of materials resources, it is important to consider the ecological impact of the converter not only during its usage, but over its whole life cycle. This article introduces an eco-dimensioning methodology for analyzing and accounting for the energy consumption over the entire converter life. The analysis is applied on a small DC-DC converter considering the main components dual active bridge (DAB) converter. The planar transform is one of the key elements modeled in this article, including material and manufacturing conditions. The traditional and eco-dimensioning approaches are carried out and compared in order to emphasize the possible consequences on total energy cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the development of a portable lighting system powered by photovoltaic solar energy to be used by the Chucheros-Buenaventura community. Basic needs of the community and availability of natural energy resources, as well as the use of environment-friendly components, portability and multifunctionality of the lighting system were taken into account in order to evaluate its environmental impact and energy autonomy. The analysis of different materials to be used for the construction of the system's case showed favorable characteristics of the mixture (50/50) of the recycled materials, Polypropylene and High-Density Polyethylene (PPr/HDPEr), compared to others in terms of thermal transference and impact resistance. Furthermore, with the selection of the electronic devices of the lighting system, an energy autonomy of approximately 4 hours was obtained by supplying a current of 500 mA. Finally, the use of available technologies in our context and the use of renewable energies allowed the development of a portable solar light that opens up the possibility of carrying out different basic activities of people and contributes, not only in their improvement of the quality of life in Non-Interconnected Zones (NIZ) homes, but also as an environmentfriendly technological alternative for general use lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Energy label improvements for refrigerated counters are evaluated using simulations. • Improvements are evaluated based on compressor power and product temperature. • 70% reduction of the compressor power can be attained. • Reduction of the compressor power infers higher product temperature fluctuations. • Tradeoff between power consumption and temperature fluctuation should be identified. Small scale hermetic compressors with built-in frequency converters for compressor speed adjustment are an emerging technology on the commercial market. These compressor technologies offer the ability to impose innovative compressor control strategies, such as variable speed drive or adaptive energy optimization, for small scale commercial refrigeration systems. These strategies may both reduce power consumption and increase the temperature stability of the stored goods. Both of which are a necessity for the refrigerators to abide EU regulations 2015/1095 and 2015/1094 of 5 May 2015 and thus pass the test described in EN 16825. The influence of the applied compressor control strategy was investigated in combination with improvements to the cabinet envelope and improvements to the condenser and evaporator design. The investigation was performed using a validated dynamic model of a refrigerated counter using R290 and R600a, under the EN 16825 test conditions. Both variable speed drive and adaptive energy optimization yield significant reductions in power consumption compared to the conventional On-Off control. A more constant product temperature was achieved by variable speed drive, while the product temperature fluctuated slightly more when applying adaptive energy optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic is the most pervasive type of marine litter and is found in all of the world's oceans and seas, even in remote areas far from human activities. In Australia, evidence has demonstrated that plastic pollution in the oceans is a serious threat to marine life and the marine environment more generally. In response to the adverse effects of marine plastic pollution, the Australian Commonwealth and state government's focus on plastics has shifted from a linear 'take-make-dispose-of' economy to a more circular economy approach. This study identifies different policy strategies that align with the 4R framework (Reduce, Recycle or Reuse and Recover) of a circular economy for plastics and provides estimates of the public's Willingness to Pay (WTP) for the reduction of plastics in marine waters. The results, from our Australian case study, indicate a preference for Redesigning and Recovering approaches over Recycling or Reuse policies. Results indicate a WTP of $7.52 to $23.50 for attributes based upon redesign and a $0.84 to $0.87 range for attributes based upon recovery at the household level. The findings of this study are useful for policy makers focused on the reduction of marine plastic pollution and strengthening a circular economy for plastics. • Sampled Australians have a wide range of preferences for ways to reduce marine plastics. • Redesigning products and Recovering plastics preferred over more Recycling options. • Half of sampled Australians have negative mean WTP for machine sorting facilities. • Sampled Australians support extending Deposit Refund Schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing environmental awareness of citizens, sustainable fashion has become a hot topic in industry, academia, and society. The importance of product eco-design (ED) in ensuring the sustainability of organizations and supply chains cannot be overstated. This paper aims to establish an eco-design performance evaluation system and identify the most effective management mechanism. To achieve this goal, a linked two-stage network Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model is developed. This model has a well-defined internal structure and potential causal relationships between variables; and the two stages are Internal and Supplier Management (ISM) and Openness and Collaboration (OC). We analyze stage and overall efficiencies using proactive, reactive, and simultaneous approaches. Additionally, we explore the convergence characteristics of the industry's ED efficiency from 2015 to 2018. The results show that the overall ED efficiency of fashion enterprises is significant when considering the interrelatedness of subsystems. However, there is disharmony between the two stages. As the proactive approach, ISM is the optimal strategy to maximize ED efficiency. On the other hand, OC is critical to eco-design performance. This paper contributes to the existing literature by developing an innovative DEA analytical framework for evaluating eco-design performance. It also identifies the most eco-efficient way to achieve better environmental performances, which allows decision-makers to better allocate their design efforts and improve both short- and long-term corporate sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Eco-friendly e-paper derived entirely from recycled newspaper. • e-paper made conductive with polyaniline (PANi) functionalization. • Devices showcase impressive energy production capabilities on touch interactive. • e-paper explored as a flexible, wide-range pressure sensor with high sensitivity. • Tech integration allows IoT-ready sensors with wireless modules. This study focuses on developing multifunctional electronic paper (e-paper) using a low-cost recycling method to minimize the usage of critical raw materials. The e-paper is designed for various smart applications, such as mechano-responsive energy harvesters and pressure sensors. The emphasis is on adopting an eco-friendly approach by utilizing cellulose extracted from used newspapers, which would otherwise have been discarded. The formulated e-paper contains 100 % recycled cellulose fibers, unlike the more commonly used recycled paper, which contains around 70 % of recycled cellulose and 30 % of new pulp. The recycled paper (RP) was functionalized using polyaniline (PANi), resulting in a conductive e-paper, capable of generating electric current through a charge transfer mechanism at the PANi-Cellulose/electrode interface layer. The resulting devices demonstrate satisfactory energy production, with output voltage ranging from 16.8 to 20.25 V, output current ranging from 0.9 µA to 1.75 µA, and power density ranging from 0.18 to 0.35 Wm−2. The mechanical impulses generated by the device can successfully light up several LEDs in series. Additionally, the e-paper was investigated as a flexible, paper-based pressure sensor. The fabricated device exhibited excellent sensitivity, fast response time, and a wide detection range from 25 Pa to 12.25 kPa. The sensitivity of the pressure sensors achieved 4.21 kPa−1 within a low range of 0–1 kPa and approximately 0.008 kPa-1for a broader pressure range (2 – 12.25 kPa). Additionally, the durability of the pressure sensing devices has undergone rigorous testing, surpassing 2000 cyclic tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new sustainable ceramic formulations that incorporate industrial waste is a practice that meets the efficiency and sustainability criteria that today's society demands for an industry with high energy and non-renewable mineral sources consumption. In this research, fired electrical porcelain scrap (chamotte waste) was recycled and reused in the porcelain stoneware manufacture, partially replacing the quartz and feldspar from the triaxial system at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 wt%. The experimental samples were obtained after uniaxial pressing of ceramic mixture powders at 30 MPa and firing at 1260 °C following a fast-firing process (90 min cold to cold). The technological properties were studied by bulk density, apparent porosity, linear shrinkage, water absorption, cold crushing strength, and Vickers microhardness. The microstructural aspects and the amount of crystalline and amorphous phases in the ceramic bodies were analyzed by scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The best technical characteristics were achieved with the incorporation of 15 wt% of chamotte in the new ceramic formulations, yielding a density value of 2.41 g/cm3, and percentages of linear shrinkage and water absorption of 11.2 and 0.08 %, respectively, as well as mechanical resistance of 314.94 MPa and microhardness of 7.07 GPa. The mechanical resistance achieved by the experimental sample containing 15 wt% of chamotte waste means six times the value obtained by the control sample (0 wt% of chamotte addition) and was attributed to a higher mullite phase content and well-dispersed crystals (primary and secondary mullite) in the ceramic body. The results suggest and advance in the design and development of a best-performance porcelain stoneware materials elaborated by a sustainable and ecological route. [Display omitted] • The higher mechanical strength was for 15 wt% chamotte containing samples. • The mechanical strength improvement was attributed to higher mullite concentrations. • Chamotte containing samples are highly attractive to produce sustainable tiles. • Chamotte containing tiles are an economic and environmental alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper was to investigate the ability of an eco-friendly luminescent xerogel prepared by chitosan crosslinking with a phenothiazine luminogen to detect and remove heavy metals. Its ability to give a divergent morphological and optical response towards fifteen environmental relevant metals was investigated by naked eye and UV lamp, fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A distinct response was noted for mercury, consisting in the transformation of the xerogel into a rubber-like material accompanied by the red shifting of the color of emitted light from yellow-green to greenish-yellow domain. The particularities of the metals anchoring into the xerogel were analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The morphological changes and the metal uptake were analyzed by SEM-EDAX, swelling and gravimetric methods. It was concluded that mercury has a superior affinity towards this heteroatoms rich system, leading to a secondary crosslinking. This directed a great absorption capacity of 1673 mg/g and a specific morphological response for mercury ion concentrations up to 0.001 ppm. • A luminescent organic xerogel was investigated for heavy metal detection and removal. • The xerogel showed a distinct morphological behavior towards mercury ions. • This was sensible and selective over a large series of environment relevant metals. • This was attributed to a secondary morphology due to a supplementary crosslinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cleaning phase is seldom included in the eco-design of food processes, since few cleaning kinetics models exist. The goal of this study was to investigate benefits of including a cleaning kinetics model, which considers three major operating parameters of cleaning (concentration, temperature and flow rate), in the eco-design of a food process. To this end, we developed an eco-design approach for a dairy evaporator process that includes both production and cleaning phases. A cleaning kinetics model was selected to predict cleaning duration as a function of the operating parameters of cleaning. Cleaning duration also depends on the fouling surface density, which depends on the duration of the production phase. Fouling surface density was predicted using three hypothetical fouling kinetics laws. After optimization, environmental and economic improvements were observed in process performance. The evaporation process is optimized at a high cleaning temperature (95 °C), a flow-rate similar to that used during the production phase and a low caustic soda concentration (<2%). This study highlights that to optimize food processes in a more precise way, cleaning kinetics should be included and used to identify parameters that influence performance of the overall process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model for the recyclability of building components Consistent recycling of available resources is one of the major challenges for construction in the future. This article contributes to the discussion and further development of recyclability in the construction industry. A model is presented that goes beyond the mere consideration of building materials and describes the overall recyclability of existing or new building structures. In this way, aspects of joining and separability of the individual building materials as well as erection and dismantling processes come to the fore. During the development of the model, care was taken to ensure that its structure is compatible with existing classifications and categories and is linked to existing frameworks and methods. In the medium term, the model provides a basis for a holistic development and discussion of closed‐loop recycling in the construction industry and is intended to make a long‐term contribution to the development of a verification procedure for mapping the sustainable use of natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although the methods and approaches of sustainable design have been developing for more than 20 years, their application in design education and the design process is still under-examined. This study aims to investigate how to integrate sustainability into project-based undergraduate courses in industrial design education, where sustainability has recently been introduced into the curriculum. Design/methodology/approach: Two workshops were carried out as pilot studies within two different elective courses. The scope of the study included sustainable design approaches at both the product and product-service system innovation levels. Findings: The findings show that choosing between the two levels and the sustainable design approach is the most important challenge that students face during the design process. Moreover, the project brief influences the choice of the approach. Originality/value: Following the findings, a sustainable design process model for the project-based undergraduate design courses was proposed. Finally, a new course curriculum on sustainable design was developed based on the findings from the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the environmental crises of recent decades, a turning point in the awareness of the fragility of ecosystems has been marked, i.e., environmental awareness. This has contributed to the development of various environmental laws and regulations such as the "Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment," the "Restriction of Hazardous Substances," and the "Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals" regulations and the "Energy Using Products" Directives. Our work contributes to the development of eco-friendly product manufacturing processes. In order to estimate and optimize the environmental impacts of a product, most of the methodologies, concepts, and tools that integrate computer-aided design (CAD) and life cycle assessment systems generally exploit the feature technology at the level of each feature independently of the others, i.e., "microplanning." The feature interaction technology (FIT) is treated only in few studies, but it is pivotal in the eco-manufacturing process. In this paper, we propose a new manufacturing-scenarios-based methodology by using FIT and a Multi-criteria Decision Support Method (MCDSM), which helps manufacturers maintain their marketplaces by producing goods in an eco-friendly way. In fact, this methodology helps designers choose from the CAD design phase the most ecological manufacturing process from possible existent scenarios in real time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]