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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]

Sustainability is a need of the hour as we have very limited resources that are to be restored or utilized carefully. One way toward sustainability is through higher education, with awareness, possible ways of using it, and a change in thought process which will lead to minimal wastage of resources. Design decisions based on sustainability are more than using natural resources that are biodegradable. One of the main strategies of green design is to follow the 'waste hierarchy'. Green materials are designed to be reusable and recyclable, and they degrade naturally at the end of their life, reducing the environmental footprint of the product. In point of fact, design has the power to stoke and encourage innovation. It can also contribute to the shaping of the world on a variety of levels, from materials to products, product service systems, social organizations, and socio-technical systems. Eco-design is a comprehensive and holistic approach to planning activities that emphasizes the welfare of people and the environment as the final design. 'It focuses on resource efficiency and the use of environmentally friendly materials to develop products and processes' (Manzini, 2020, Design, When Everybody Designs). Sustainability for design is sometimes referred to as a lifetime configuration approach since it gathers data on the full life cycles of products and their effects on the environment and living beings. The aim of the paper is to be unambiguous as to why sustainable systems should be included in higher education. An endeavor, additionally, had been to summarize the government policies in order to raise awareness for the next generation. Further, data is collected from respondents who belong to the education system for understanding the importance of sustainability in education. From the gathered information, it was observed that every person unconsciously considers sustainability in their day-to-day lives. However, with mindfulness and plan training there will be an impact on the general public for a better future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the European energy consumption reports, the highest energy/fuel consumption in the residential sector is due to space heating, followed by water heating. Generally, the product used to warm water in residential buildings is a boiler system where a heat exchanger is the core of the system. The paper provides a Life Cycle Assessment analysis of a traditional heat exchanger used in domestic boilers with the aim to identify critical aspects and environmental hotspots for the development of a novel concept of the heat exchanger. The methodology used to collect eco-design guidelines from the Life Cycle Assessment analysis is proposed within the paper. Several eco-design actions were put into practice to reduce the environmental issues in each phase of the life cycle from the materials used, the manufacturing processes as well as the product geometry to increase energy efficiency during the use. Concerning the materials and manufacturing phase, a novel design based on a different material (e.g., stainless steel) was developed to replace a mix of materials (i.e., copper and aluminum alloy). Concerning the use phase, the overall product efficiency was increased allowing important savings in terms of gas/energy consumption, by the adoption of a novel design (e.g., spiral pipe). The new heat exchanger design shows better environmental performance in each Life Cycle Assessment indicator, saving more than 40% in CO2 emissions (Global Warming Potential) in the whole product life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction of the environmental impact, energy efficiency and optimization of material resources are basic aspects in the design and sizing of a battery. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize the environmental impact associated with the life cycle of a 7.47 Wh 18,650 cylindrical single-cell LiFePO4 battery. Life cycle assessment (LCA), the SimaPro 9.1 software package, the Ecoinvent 3.5 database and the ReCiPe 2016 impact assessment method were used for this purpose. Environmental impacts were modelled and quantified using the dual midpoint-endpoint approach and the "cradle-to-gate" model. The results showed the electrodes to be the battery components with the highest environmental impact (41.36% of the total), with the negative electrode being the most unfavourable (29.8 mPt). The ageing, calibration and testing process (53.97 mPt) accounts for 97.21% of the total impact associated with the production process's consumption of energy, and 41.20% of the total impact associated with the battery. This new knowledge will allow a more detailed view of the environmental impact of cylindrical cell LiFePO4 batteries, favouring the identification of critical points to enhance their sustainable production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eco-design is one of the cornerstones of the modern economy, as reflected in the policies aimed at implementing the principles of design for the environment in the European Union legislation. A life cycle perspective is a feature of eco-design. The study aimed to determine whether and to what extent the selected companies operating in manufacturing sectors consider life cycle perspectives when designing and developing the products they offer. The main research area discussed in the following article focused on the question: What kind of activities related to the idea of life cycle thinking in product policy can be identified in the analysed enterprises? Qualitative research was conducted using the individual in-depth interview method with representatives of selected industries located in Poland. Eight manufacturer groups were invited to participate in the study. Based on the recruitment process, 24 companies were chosen for the interview. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted using Microsoft Teams, following the ICC/ESOMAR Code 2016 standards. Based on the results, most companies that participated in the study considered the life cycle perspective when designing or further developing products. However, their activities varied in scope. The activities of the ten interviewed companies could be regarded as advanced. For six companies, the advanced activities targeted the product’s use phase. Two companies undertook such activities at more than one life cycle stage. The study provides evidence that the surveyed companies are beginning to think beyond operational boundaries and changing their pro-environmental orientation, albeit unimpressively. The paper provides evidence that eco-design requirements are an unquestionable driver for activities from a life cycle perspective. All surveyed manufacturers of energy-powered products are taking measures to reduce energy intensity with less activity, for example, ensuring the durability/reliability of products and finding solutions to facilitate disassembly and recycling.

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.

Alkyl polyglycosides (APGs), based on renewable glucose and fatty alcohols, are recognized for their performance and biodegradability. Hydrotropic/solubilizing effect properties have already been identified on short‐chain variants such as hexyl and ethylhexyl, but these ingredients were not fully bio‐based. This study investigated the hydrotropic/solubilizing properties of eco‐designed 100% bio‐based heptyl glucoside, under various conditions, compared to industrial and personal care benchmarks and other short chain APGs. Foaming power was firstly evaluated at different temperatures with two static methods. Hydrotropic performance was assessed with a commonly used surfactant in the presence of high electrolyte, acid and alkali concentrations. Further trials were done using ethoxylated rapeseed oil as an oil lubricant model in electrolyte‐charged aqueous solution. The solubilizing effect of hydrophobic additives such as fragrances, essential oils and vitamin E was quantified. Finally, effects on formulation preservation were screened with two natural personal care preservatives. Heptyl glucoside was found to be an effective and versatile hydrotrope for industrial applications, with additional intrinsic lubrication properties. It was also revealed as an efficient solubilizer for personal care products with the additional benefit of reducing the preservative dosage required in natural formulations. Its unusual non‐foaming nature, while not disrupting the foaming capacity of surfactants, makes it suitable for all types of cleansers. The calculated carbon footprint has a low value, making heptyl glucoside a valuable ingredient combining both performance and low environmental impact. [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]

The growing demand for renewable energy has driven significant advancements in solar cell technology, with nano-materials emerging as a key enabler of enhanced efficiency and sustainability. Nano-material-based solar cells offer unique advantages, including improved light absorption, high conversion efficiency, and potential for flexible applications. However, their integration into mainstream energy solutions is accompanied by environmental and economic challenges, such as toxicity, energy-intensive manufacturing, and limited scalability. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental implications of nano-material solar cells, drawing on life cycle assessments, comparative studies, and eco-design principles. Key findings highlight the potential of eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing techniques to reduce environmental footprints by up to 30%. Through a detailed exploration of mitigation strategies, this study identifies pathways for transitioning nanomaterial solar cells from innovation to large-scale adoption, contributing to global renewable energy goals and climate change mitigation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LEVIS is an innovation project funded by the EU Horizon 2020 program. Its main objective is to develop lightweight multi-material solutions based on bio-based materials and carbon fiber thermoplastic composites for electric vehicle components and demonstrating the technical, operational, and economic feasibility of applying eco-design and circular-economy principles into the design process. The project demonstrates the application of these materials in four case studies: a suspension control arm, a battery box, a battery module housing, and a cross-car beam. All demonstrators achieved a 20%-to-40% reduction in component weight, but environmental assessment results varied significantly, with emissions changes ranging from an increase for suspension control arms to a 65.5% decrease for battery modules. Efficient use of materials, particularly in the battery box using hybrid solutions and bonding technologies, showed notable emissions reduction. In contrast, replacing steel with CFRPs in suspension control arms led to increased emissions, suggesting that CFRPs are more effective for replacing high-polluting materials like aluminum. Recycled carbon fibers proved more beneficial for low-polluting materials like steel. The environmental performance of technologies depends on the expected use of EVs and the electricity grid mix, with better outcomes in coal-reliant grids. Finally, no single recycling method is universally superior; the optimal method depends on the specific technologies and the energy required for recycled 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]

Copyright of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseño y Comunicación is the property of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseno y Comunicacion and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Power Electronics (PE) is pivotal in fostering renewable energy. However, focusing on usage efficiency shifts environmental impacts across its life cycle, leading to excessive resource extraction and waste accumulation. Integrating environmental impact indicators in PE development is crucial for informed design decisions. Nevertheless, the current literature lacks the provision of adequate understanding of the PE product development process for successful ecodesign in PE industry. To effectively tackle the industrial integration aspect of ecodesign that enable functional and system innovation, this study employs empirical research, combining literature analysis with in-depth interviews with PE designers. Requirements for an ecodesign support to integrate ecodesign practices into the Product Development Process (PDP) of PCB-based Power Electronic Components (PECs) is proposed in this paper based on the interview results. These specifications are delineating the necessary working and decision-making steps. Subsequently, a parameterized Functional Block-based Life Cycle Analysis (FB-LCA) model is proposed under the requirement. A five-step methodology is proposed to operationalise the implementation of the FB-LCA model, aiming to supporting the definition of functional structure, configuration of technical solutions and choice of hardware components by considering environmental impacts generated all along life cycle, from manufacturing, transport, use, circularity scenario, end-of-life .The case study of a PCB-based boost converter design is conducted in collaboration with a PE engineer to test the practical implementation of FB-LCA model.

Sustainability and the need for biodegradable composites are the two new buzzwords finding prominence in recent times. In this regard, there has been a significant increase in interest regarding natural fiber composites (NFCs) due to their potential to address environmental issues and contribution toward the development of sustainable materials. The aim of this extensive review is to thoroughly investigate the current research landscape, advancements, and applications of NFCs. The study covers a range of topics, including the various types of natural fibers commonly used, their processing techniques, reinforcement strategies, mechanical properties, morphological characteristics, biodegradability, and sustainability. It also explores their potential uses across different industries. Furthermore, this article examines the challenges and opportunities associated with NFCs, as well as their environmental impacts and economic viability. By conducting a detailed analysis of existing literature, this review aims to shed light on the advancements achieved so far and the future potential of NFCs as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional materials. Ultimately, it offers insights into how these materials can enhance sustainability in material engineering.

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]

This research study examines the direct influence of customer preference and the potential moderating influence of laws and green purchasing on eco-design of products/services in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Also studied is the relationship between these variables and environmental and economic performance in SMEs. The analysis uses theoretical underpinning of stakeholder and neoinstitutional theories, and survey data collected from a sample of SMEs. Regression path analysis is applied, bootstrapped with .95 CI (Bias Corrected and Accelerated) and 2,000 samples on all regressions. Significant relationships were found between customer preference and eco-design, moderated by impact of laws, and between eco-design and environmental and economic performance. Green purchasing was found to have no moderating effect on adoption of eco-design. Managerial implications are indicated and discussed. [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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

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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]

Achieving sustainable performance is a challenging but useful tool for firms in this competitive environment. The literature highlights several avenues to address sustainable performance, but there is a lack of emphasis on common practices and strategies. This study examines the role of green initiatives, specifically eco-design, green purchasing and reverse logistics, in addressing environmental performance. Practice-based view theory is used to evaluate the influence of these common green practices on a firm's environmental performance. A total of 214 participants were approached to participate in this study and data analysis was conducted using AMOS. The findings reveal a significant and positive impact of ecodesign, green purchasing and reverse logistics on environmental performance. This study provides implications for practitioners, policymakers and academics regarding environmentally oriented business operations that could better serve manufacturing firms. Additionally, firms are encouraged to focus on easily imitable, easy-to-transfer and easy-to-understand practices to address sustainable performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]