ECODESIGN, THE PRINCIPLE OF A CIRCULAR ECONOMY
80% of the environmental impact of a product can be avoided through the design process. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on a comprehensive design study that facilitates the development of a project aligned with the principles of the circular economy. The circular economy emphasizes the repair, reuse, reconditioning, and recycling of products to ensure efficient resource utilization. This approach aims to move away from the traditional linear model of take, make, use, and dispose, which has led to environmental problems such as overexploitation of natural resources, waste accumulation, and increased pollution. These issues have resulted in unsustainable practices and uncontrolled consumption. Implementing various strategies in the design process of new products can help achieve products that adhere to circular economy standards.
- Design for Durability: The aim is to create products that are resistant to wear and tear and can withstand prolonged use.
- Design for Repairability: Make it easy to repair products by using standard or easily replaceable components.
- Design for Reuse: Encourage the use of recycled materials and the creation of products that can be reused in different contexts.
- Design for Modularity: The aim is to create kit-type products that can be modified or customized according to the user’s needs at any time.
Ecodesign should not be a process that involves a cost for the company but an opportunity to more easily access the market and even to reduce energy costs of manufacturing a product. There are already many companies that eco-design their products because certain materials are scarce, and therefore expensive, or because it forces them to be electricity-intensive to manufacture the product. In any case, the fact of designing a product with the ecodesign guidelines is also a challenge for engineering companies since quality, functionality and safety requirements must be maintained. At Designplast we are committed to sustainable design that follows environmentally friendly guidelines.