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Composite materials use recently increased, although treatments at their End of Life are inexistent or highly inefficient (from the environmental perspective). Thus, openness to cooperation is needed, supported by methodologies for design for de-manufacturing. The approach proposed in the present work aims at transforming industrial processes' scraps and off-specification pieces in primary materials, through re-design, without the risk of cannibalisation. It is mainly intended for industrial processes of composite materials; its objective is to find alternative applications to their invaluable final disposal and supports the merging of existing supply chains (Industrial Symbiosis). Nevertheless, it can be easily extended to non-composite and/or non-scraps. Re-design enables the establishment of waste-to-treasure composite scraps' life cycles and is evaluated through Life Cycle Assessment. The application of the approach involved four Italian companies and results reveal that industrial symbiosis can reduce emissions (from −45% to more than −90%). Guidelines were outlined: involve End of Life operators to know how waste treatments, share information, favour networking and proximity, apply design for disassembly principles, consider simple shapes and modularity during (re)design. Future works will focus on off-the-shelf components and the economic evaluation of the proposed de-manufacturing actions and supply strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

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The industrial sector is the primary source of carbon emissions in China. In pursuit of meeting its carbon reduction targets, China aims to promote resource consumption sustainability, reduce energy consumption, and achieve carbon neutrality within its processing industries. An effective strategy to promote energy savings and carbon reduction throughout the life cycle of materials is by applying life cycle engineering technology. This strategy aims to attain an optimal solution for material performance, resource consumption, and environmental impact. In this study, five types of technologies were considered: raw material replacement, process reengineering, fuel replacement, energy recycling and reutilization, and material recycling and reutilization. The meaning, methodology, and development status of life cycle engineering technology abroad and domestically are discussed in detail. A multidimensional analysis of ecological design was conducted from the perspectives of resource and energy consumption, carbon emissions, product performance, and recycling of secondary resources in a manufacturing process. This coupled with an integrated method to analyze carbon emissions in the entire life cycle of a material process industry was applied to the nonferrous industry, as an example. The results provide effective ideas and solutions for achieving low or zero carbon emission production in the Chinese industry as recycled aluminum and primary aluminum based on advanced technologies had reduced resource consumption and emissions as compared to primary aluminum production.

A aplicação de ferramentas no processo produtivo buscando a sustentabilidade nas empresas gera não apenas benefícios ambientais, mas também sociais, econômicos e de governança. O objetivo principal deste estudo foi identificar e analisar a relação entre os temas da sustentabilidade e do ecodesign nos processos produtivos, relacionando-os com ferramentas de gestão ambiental. A metodologia utilizada na pesquisa foi a Revisão Sistemática da Literatura (RSL) e através da meta-análise PRISMA foi possível considerar novos aspectos para responder às questões de pesquisa: “Qual a relação existente entre os temas sustentabilidade e ecodesign em processos produtivos?” e “Quais ferramentas de gestão ambiental estão relacionadas a estes temas?”. Com base nos artigos estudados, foi possível verificar que ferramentas e técnicas aplicadas ao processo produtivo, como a utilização de conceitos e técnicas de ecodesign na concepção de produtos e processos, e a identificação de impactos ambientais por meio de inventários de processos e de Análise de Ciclo de Vida (ACV) melhorando processos, reduzindo consumo de energia, geração de resíduos, custo de produção e uso de matéria prima.

[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]

Power electronics plays a key role in the management and conversion of electrical energy in a variety of applications, including the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydrogen energy, as well as in electric vehicles, industrial technologies, homes and smart grids. These technologies are essential for the successful implementation of the green transition, as they help reduce carbon emissions and promote the production and consumption of cleaner and more sustainable energy. The present work presents a new generation of power electronic devices and systems, which includes the following main aspects: advances in semiconductor technologies, such as the use of silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN); nanomaterials for the realization of magnetic components; using a modular principle to construct power electronic devices; applying artificial intelligence techniques to device lifecycle design; and the environmental aspects of design. The new materials allow the devices to operate at higher voltages, temperatures and frequencies, making them ideal for high-power applications and high-frequency operation. In addition, the development of integrated and modular power electronic systems that combine energy management, diagnostics and communication capabilities contributes to the more intelligent and efficient management of energy resources. This includes integration with the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) for automated task solving and work optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As cities strive to become sustainable, it is imperative to consider even the smallest components of the urban environment and prioritize sustainability. Ensuring the sustainability of urban furniture, especially the numerous benches found in cities, is crucial. This study proposes an alternative solution to the sustainability issue in cities regarding urban furniture. This is because a review of the literature indicates that while efforts have been made to evaluate the sustainability of urban amenities and furniture, studies conducting life cycle analysis specifically for urban furniture are lacking. This study will contribute to the identified gap in the literature by analyzing 14 different seating elements in recreational areas located in the city of Rize, Turkey, using the Ccalc program to calculate their carbon footprints. In the subsequent phase of this study, an eco-design process will be conducted based on the findings, aiming to create an eco-seating unit design. Based on the data obtained, materials with high environmental impact were identified, material replacement recommendations were made, and consequently, a model proposal was presented. The potential reduction in carbon footprints with the use of transformed materials was discussed. The findings revealed that carbon footprint values were particularly high in the seating units where concrete and polypropylene materials were used. Additionally, it was determined that solvent paint, especially varnish, affects the carbon footprint, and it was recommended that would be used in its natural form, which is eco-friendly. In conclusion, the recommendations developed for the sustainability of urban furniture in coastal areas will contribute to the future of cities and humanity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of large museum centers, numerous national and international methodological experiments show the need to consider, in wayfinding design, both the intangible issues of experience arising from perception and involvement (user-centered design), and social and environmental issues (environment-centered design). The aim of this research is to propose a tool for organizing integrated information on so-called smart materials that takes both perspectives into account. This study was performed by conducting a two-phase systematic literature and library review of materials. Specifically, 63 scientific articles—selected by keywords, publication date and content—and 7 national and international material libraries were investigated. The investigation highlighted how the sensory characteristics of wayfinding materials in museums are treated separately from the environmental characteristics and how the quality of the technical information of the materials filed in the material libraries could be improved. The result of the research concerns the structuring of a 'standard sheet' for the cataloguing of materials that integrates technical (sensory and environmental) information while also offering a contextualization of the material within wayfinding application cases in known museums. The proposed tool facilitates designers in the selection of materials to be adopted in the wayfinding project, offering information both on their ability to offer alternative communication channels in response to different users' sense–perceptual functioning and on their quantitative environmental impact properties. This study conducted through the integration of different multidisciplinary fields (technological approach to design, inclusive design, environmental psychology, material science, visual communication, environmental protection related to people's well-being) offers a significant contribution in the context of museum wayfinding design, providing stakeholders with practical tools to select materials that promote inclusion and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Product design plays a key role in supporting the principles of circular economy and sustainability by improving the repair and disassembly capabilities of products. The EN4555X standard series provides a framework and a set of indicators to evaluate these aspects for energy-related products. This paper focuses on applying the RSS (Repair Scoring System) introduced by the EN45554 standard to kitchen ventilation systems (T-shape cooker hood models). The study investigates the reliability of the repairability index by examining the impact of assumptions made during its assessment, particularly focusing on the data and parameters used for calculations. The methodology involves four key steps: identification of index parameters, experimental analysis, sensitivity analysis (SA) through data variation, and result interpretation. The experimental analysis involves computing the RSS index for the chosen range hoods, encompassing a SA developed by varying index's parameters. Results illustrate that introducing consistent parameter variations across models leads to changes in the Disassemblability Index. However, these alterations remain consistent across all cases, preserving the overall product ranking. Nonetheless, the study also indicates that altering parameter weights may lead to changes in product rankings within the repairability score. This highlights the importance of employing uniform weights within the same product category. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of employing consistent methodologies and weights to uphold the reliability of repairability indexes when assessing product repairability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the drive towards sustainable design, the push for products with greater longevity, reparability, and recyclability has never been more crucial. Central to this is the integration of eco-design principles within manufacturing processes. However, there is a gap: manufacturers lack both standardized processes and digital tools to support them, even though the promising digital product passport largely focuses on product lifespan. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are paramount, serving as benchmarks for both the manufacturing process and environmental sustainability of a product. These KPIs encompass factors like energy, water, compressed air, and material resource consumption. To emphasize the importance of these metrics, Europe is vulnerable to supply disruptions due to its high dependence on raw materials from non-EU countries. This paper discusses the state of the art of digital twins and presents a digital shadow—a comprehensive digital tool design to support manufacturers during the product design phase. Drawing from a case study in the automotive sector, this tool not only aligns with recycling and sustainability objectives but also mitigates risks associated with raw material dependencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prospective life cycle assessment (pLCA) methodology allows to estimate the future environmental impacts of emerging technologies and immature products not yet on the market. To make up for the lack of information on the product, the pLCA makes extensive use of secondary data, taken from various sources including patents which contain prospective information of industrial interest. To date, there have been attempts to show the potential of patent analysis in supporting pLCA, but never extensively and as proposed in this work with a truly systematic approach. In fact, this study aims to demonstrate how an accurate analysis of the information contained within patents can provide solutions to a number of open problems underlying the pLCA. More specifically, it was shown how patents can serve for: the support to experts in technological forecasting, the definition of scenario ranges, the support to the background and foreground systems modelling, the comparison of the future diffusion of a mature and an emerging technology, the support to the projections based on pathways to reach policy reductions to ensure time consistency. For each question, it was explained how to decline the patent analysis, i.e. which parts of the patents to analyse and how. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present study aims to examine the relationship between green economic incentives (GEIs) and environmental commitment (EC) as drivers of the circular economy (CE) practices in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional study of 594 assistant managers and SME managers was used while data were analyzed through Smart PLS. Findings: The results showed that GEIs positively affect the SMEs' EC and the CE practice model. Furthermore, EC is the mediator between GEIs and the three CE practices: internal environmental management, eco-design and corporate asset management and recovery (CAM&R). Practical implications: The present study provided a basis for understanding the relevance of SMEs' CE practices and designing a strategic plan for its implementation. Also, it provides insight into that collaboration between triple helix (the government, SMEs and the community) is needed in increasing environmental awareness toward sustainability. Originality/value: This study enhanced the natural resource-based view (NRBV), describing the mechanisms that view GEIs and EC as pollution prevention in CE practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consideration of environmental factors is common in current product design. For the purpose of the assessment of recycling properties of a product, quantitative measures have been defined in the literature. The main obstacle in using these measures in practical design is lack of data in typical product models. In this article, a Recycling Product Model (RPM) is presented. The RPM enables calculations of quantitative assessment measures defined in the literature directly from a CAD 3D product model. The term RPM and elements of the RPM are described. The functionality of the software dedicated for the RPM is presented. The use of the RPM is demonstrated based on a case study of an actual CAD 3D product model. The article concludes by outlining the potential use of the RPM for other purposes; the limitations of the RPM are elucidated in the conclusions of the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by growing environmental concerns and regulations, cosmetic companies are seeking reliable methods to promptly assess the possibility of replacing high-impact ingredients with sustainable alternatives. In this work, we exploited rheological and texture analyses to evaluate the possibility of using natural and biodegradable raw materials for reformulating three commercial oil-in-water skin care emulsions from an eco-design perspective. Synthetic texturizers, like nylon-12 and PMMA, were replaced with starch, maltodextrin, and silica, while acrylic rheological modifiers were substituted with polysaccharide associations of sclerotium gum, xanthan gum, diutan gum, and carrageenan. Plant-based emollients and a biodegradable elastomer were used as alternatives to silicone oils. The flow and viscoelastic properties of the samples were characterized using rheological tests under continuous and oscillatory flow conditions. The immersion/de-immersion texture analysis allowed us to measure the mechanical properties of firmness, adhesiveness, and stringiness. A double-blind sensory test assessed the products' application and sensory characteristics. The results revealed that rheology and texture analysis are complementary and correlated techniques, useful for predicting cosmetics' sensory characteristics. While perfect replication of the original formulas might not be achievable, this protocol can aid formulators in selecting new eco-friendly ingredients ensuring the products' desired application and sensory properties without compromising consumer experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 sub-themes 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.

The ultimate goal of this research is to design switched reluctance electrical motors for circular economy. Within this paper, which represents a first step towards the main objective, the authors provide an environmental impact evaluation of a switched reluctance motor, designed for an automotive application through a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment. The absence of permanent magnets makes this technology appealing from a cost perspective, and yet it is still not used in the transportation field as it is conventionally considered lower efficiency and performances with respect to other widely adopted technologies. In this paper a switched reluctance motor is compared with a permanent magnet synchronous motor on a like-for-like basis, although the magnet free configuration is not specifically designed for installation on the vehicle selected for this analysis. Furthermore, the paper provides a life cycle assessment of an eco-design strategy application to the magnet-free use case, through substitution of copper with aluminum within the stator winding. This research shows that a solution chosen to ensure cost sustainability, could also meet environmental sustainability at an acceptable performance level, if properly integrated in the end-user application.

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]

Sustainability in power electronics is a recent research topic. It takes place among current actions to grasp design choices that enable eco-design and circular economy in the domain. This paper shows the results and analysis of a literature review at the intersection of power electronics and sustainability without considering the reliability study of the power electronics systems. The first part explains the scope of the study. The second part shows a bibliometric analysis of the collected publications that underlines a pioneering position at the European level. The third part details the state-of-the-art and its analysis over four investigation topics which are: tools and methods, indicators, circularity and materials. This paper and the work behind are the results of collaboration at the French national level, as part of the workgroup CEPPS (Convertisseurs Electronique de Puissance Plus Soutenables—More Sustainable Power Electronics Converters) supported by the CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique—French National Centre for Scientific Research) research group SEEDS (Systèmes d'énergie électrique dans leurs dimensions sociétales—Societal dimensions of electrical energy systems). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, the authors focused on determining the increase in consumers' preferences for sustainable products, including that of OEMs, who are responsible for the drop in new product sales. We also assessed the effects of remanufacturing by outsourcing to third-party remanufacturers. However, the outsourcing of remanufacturing not only enables the producer to offer a remanufactured product at the same time as manufacturing new units; it also provides OEMs with the flexibility required to peruse eco-design in manufacturing and/or remanufacturing. For instance, Gree and Midea have heavily invested in eco-design to reduce energy costs in manufacturing, while Xerox has adopted a modular design approach to divert materials away from landfills and towards remanufacturing. Following observations of real-world applications, the authors developed two theoretical models in which remanufacturing can be outsourced to an independent remanufacturer, endowing the OEM with the flexibility required to enact eco-design in manufacturing or remanufacturing. This analysis reveals that OEMs tend to put more effort into eco-design in manufacturing than in remanufacturing. Furthermore, such efforts in the name of eco-design may be beneficial for both the OEM and the third-party remanufacturer. As such, this paper encourages governments to provide more incentives that will encourage OEMs to invest in eco-design in manufacturing and establish a possible "win–win" scenario in terms of both environmental and economic performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving product sustainability is becoming an increasingly significant challenge for modern enterprises. A growing number of manufacturers are interested in enhancing product sustainability throughout the product life cycle. This study is concerned with using case-based reasoning to identify ways of improving product sustainability and select variables for model specification. Parametric models are applied to search for opportunities to improve product sustainability. This can be achieved through changes introduced at the product design stage. Simulations are performed using constraint-satisfaction modeling to identify conditions for achieving the sustainability targets of new products. Constraint-satisfaction modeling provides a suitable framework for finding all possible sustainability-enhancing changes (if any) during the new product development process. These changes may support R&D specialists in identifying opportunities to improve the sustainability of new products. We demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed approach with an example in which our method enabled a reduction in the product failure rate and an increase of battery lifespan for a robot vacuum cleaner line. We analyzed several factors affecting two targets of product sustainability: minimizing the product failure rate and maximizing battery lifespan. Our findings indicate that R&D staff size is the biggest factor in reducing the product failure rate, and that battery capacity is the most significant factor in battery lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the research of gas emissions in two types of brick kilns located in the Maule Region, Chile. One of them is an artisanal brick kiln known as a "chonchón" (AKC), while the other is a semi-artisanal brick kiln with an improved design. The latter is referred to as the Ecokiln. This study focuses on the assessment of the emission profiles of key pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), CO, CO2, SO2, and NOx. The emission measurements of gasses, temperature, and flow were conducted during the operation of the kilns. These measurements were carried out following the protocol established by Chilean standards. The Ecokiln's design facilitates optimal fluid dynamics. In direct comparison to the AKC, it exhibits reduced fuel consumption, shorter operation periods, an increased brick processing capacity, decreased burnt brick losses, and notably lower emissions, with a concentration of SO2 that is 83% less than that of the AKC, NOx emissions, 58% lower than the AKC, and a remarkable 74.3% reduction in PM10 emissions. Moreover, the Ecokiln reduces pollutant emissions, improving the well-being of brickmakers and their communities. These results offer insights into the environmental impact of local brick production and support sustainable manufacturing practices. [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]

Sustainability is fundamental in the field of additive manufacturing (AM) for improving eco-consciousness and driving evolution toward environmentally responsible production methods. Compared to traditional manufacturing processes, AM technologies can be more resource-efficient and offer innovative solutions for creating eco-friendly processes and products. Nevertheless, there is significant potential for improvement in additive manufacturing sustainability. The key factors driving this improvement include design optimization and increased awareness. Designers and engineers can create designs that optimize material efficiency and reduce support structures. Raising awareness and educating stakeholders about the environmental benefits of AM can promote responsible choices throughout the industrial process. The development of a tool to assess the environmental impact of AM processes could be a significant contribution to advancing sustainability in the AM field. The EcoPrintAnalyzer, introduced as a complementary plugin for UltiMaker Cura, offers data on the equivalent carbon dioxide footprint and energy consumption in material extrusion additive manufacturing. This tool facilitates informed decision-making regarding materials, designs, and settings, enabling users to optimize their AM processes for reduced waste and enhanced energy efficiency. Beyond aiding decision-making, the EcoPrintAnalyzer fosters environmental consciousness and encourages the adoption of sustainable practices within the AM ecosystem. The efficacy of the tool is demonstrated through the 3DBenchy model case study, showcasing its intuitive interface and seamless integration within the AM process workflow for immediate and comparative environmental impact assessments across different process configurations. [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]

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).

This research explores the role of extended producer responsibility (EPR) as an enabler of circular value chain in the Chinese context. The driven forces and key stakeholders were identified to extend producer responsibility in developing the national-circular-economy strategies. An evaluation system was established to link the eco-design strategy of the producer with the downstream-recycling performance of products. The eco-design information was retrieved from the self-disclosure information in the sustainable development report of producers. The downstream-waste-flow information comes from multiple platforms of reuse and recycling companies. The aim of reforming the EPR system is to establish an open forum for competition and cooperation among different stakeholders to achieve a continuously-improving target of circularity and life cycle environmental performance of the products. With the evaluation results, the producers are encouraged to fully explore all opportunities in the circular value chain instead of focusing only on the final disposal or disassembly of waste. The conclusion suggests that EPR policies should break the restrictions on eco-design and innovation in business models by creating and capturing values of circularity along with the world's collective climate change mitigation efforts.

Sustainability evaluations are increasingly relevant in the design of products. Within sustainability-related frameworks, circular economy (CE) has gained attention in the last few years, and this has vastly affected design, leading, for example, to design for circularity. This article deals with the wide range of product-level CE assessment tools, out of which some are applied to a case study from the building sector, namely a tiny house made with hemp bricks. Attention was specifically paid to those methods through which a single circularity indicator could be extrapolated. Overall, the objective of this work is to study the convergence of existing CE assessment methods in providing consistent circularity performances. The results show similarities in the overall circularity scores despite differences in the variables used to achieve that final score. Thus, despite the lack of standard methods, the results suggest that many of these tools are sufficiently interchangeable, also in consideration of consistent indications to improve the circularity of the tiny house. This means that consistent inputs are provided to anyone willing to redesign the tiny house with the objective of making it more circular irrespective of the assessment tool used.

Power electronics plays a key role in the management and conversion of electrical energy in a variety of applications, including the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydrogen energy, as well as in electric vehicles, industrial technologies, homes and smart grids. These technologies are essential for the successful implementation of the green transition, as they help reduce carbon emissions and promote the production and consumption of cleaner and more sustainable energy. The present work presents a new generation of power electronic devices and systems, which includes the following main aspects: advances in semiconductor technologies, such as the use of silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN); nanomaterials for the realization of magnetic components; using a modular principle to construct power electronic devices; applying artificial intelligence techniques to device lifecycle design; and the environmental aspects of design. The new materials allow the devices to operate at higher voltages, temperatures and frequencies, making them ideal for high-power applications and high-frequency operation. In addition, the development of integrated and modular power electronic systems that combine energy management, diagnostics and communication capabilities contributes to the more intelligent and efficient management of energy resources. This includes integration with the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) for automated task solving and work optimization.

Driven by growing environmental concerns and regulations, cosmetic companies are seeking reliable methods to promptly assess the possibility of replacing high-impact ingredients with sustainable alternatives. In this work, we exploited rheological and texture analyses to evaluate the possibility of using natural and biodegradable raw materials for reformulating three commercial oil-in-water skin care emulsions from an eco-design perspective. Synthetic texturizers, like nylon-12 and PMMA, were replaced with starch, maltodextrin, and silica, while acrylic rheological modifiers were substituted with polysaccharide associations of sclerotium gum, xanthan gum, diutan gum, and carrageenan. Plant-based emollients and a biodegradable elastomer were used as alternatives to silicone oils. The flow and viscoelastic properties of the samples were characterized using rheological tests under continuous and oscillatory flow conditions. The immersion/de-immersion texture analysis allowed us to measure the mechanical properties of firmness, adhesiveness, and stringiness. A double-blind sensory test assessed the products’ application and sensory characteristics. The results revealed that rheology and texture analysis are complementary and correlated techniques, useful for predicting cosmetics’ sensory characteristics. While perfect replication of the original formulas might not be achievable, this protocol can aid formulators in selecting new eco-friendly ingredients ensuring the products’ desired application and sensory properties without compromising consumer experience.

Eco-design is a crucial approach in achieving sustainable manufacturing, which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of products and processes throughout their lifecycle. This paper explores the principles and tools that are used in eco-design, providing an overview of the key concepts and methods for sustainable manufacturing. The principles of eco-design are centered on minimizing the environmental impact of products and processes through the use of renewable resources, reducing waste and emissions, and improving energy and material efficiency. The paper discusses these principles in detail and highlights the benefits that can be achieved by implementing eco-design in manufacturing. The tools and methods of eco-design include life cycle assessment (LCA), design for environment (DfE), and environmental management systems (EMS) whereas DfE involves designing products and processes to minimize their environmental impact. EMS provides a framework for managing environmental performance across an organization. The paper also discusses the challenges of implementing eco-design in manufacturing, including the need for collaboration across different functions within an organization, the availability of data and resources, and the complexity of the supply chain. Organizations can implement eco design by utilizing Life Cycle Assessment, eco-labeling, and Design for the Environment. This approach can help organizations initiate or improve sustainable production practices.

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.

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]