This research project explores the environmental issue of microplastic pollution, specifically focusing on its release from shoe soles into natural ecosystems. Despite increasing global awareness of microplastics, the particular impact of footwear, especially those used for outdoor activities in natural areas like trail running, has been largely overlooked. Microplastics released in these settings can directly impact ecosystems, affecting wildlife and soil health. This study investigates the potential of bio-based, biodegradable plastics, which can decompose harmlessly in soil, as an alternative material for trail running shoe soles. The aim is to mitigate harmful microplastic pollution and explore how the design of trail running shoes can be adapted to incorporate bio-based, biodegradable plastics. The project begins by examining the problem of microplastic pollution, its origins, consequences, and the role of footwear. It distinguishes the difference between bio-based and petroleum-based plastics and the role of bio-based biodegradable and compostable plastics in embracing a circular economy. Through exploratory research, design iterations, prototyping, and critical analysis, this study evaluates the feasibility of using bio-based, biodegradable plastics in manufacturing trail running shoe soles. In fact, shoe soles have been identified as the primary source of microplastic pollution due to the constant abrasion with the ground. A research was conducted in order to identify a bio-based soil-biodegradable plastic which could replace the currently used synthetic rubber. In terms of performance and environmental sustainability, PHA stands as the closest in meeting these criteria, yet it is not fully suitable for shoe soles application due to its limited flexibility. Nevertheless, the project conceptualises “BioStep”, a trail running shoe that features a replaceable biodegradable outsole. The usage of such an outsole does not release any harmful microplastic when used during outdoor activities or in the decomposition process at the end of its lifespan. This project sets the basis for the development of bio-based soil-biodegradable shoe soles for trail running shoes. Further research will be needed to identify a ready-to-use material and to address its performance in running scenarios. Finally, this study emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts among designers, manufacturers, and material scientists to mitigate microplastic pollution and to set the path towards more sustainable footwear.

This project aims to reduce the environmental impact of an endoscopic product, the Polyp trap. The polyp trap is a single use device, that is used during endoscopy to catch removed polyps. Endoscopy is a department that has a relatively high reliance on single-use devices. This is one of the reasons why endoscopy has a high carbon footprint. Through observations in hospitals, literature and product research, the context of endoscopy, the polyp trap and other single-use devices are analysed. Additionally, circular frameworks and strategies specific to the medical context were explored, to identify circular opportunities for the polyp trap. A fast-track LCA of the current polyp trap is used to estimate its current environmental impact and analyse how interventions in design, function or material could influence its carbon footprint. The insights from this research are used to generate ideas aimed at decreasing the polyp traps environmental impact. The resulting idea directions are presented to various healthcare professionals, such as nurses and infection prevention specialists during interviews. During these interviews, opportunities and risks for the redesign are discussed. Insights from the interviews are used to further develop the idea direction into the final design. The final design consists of two concepts: The first concept is more conceptual, and reduces its impact by using some components for a longer amount of time; one day rather than per patient. The second concept is more traditional, and decreases its CF through minimising the required amount of material, leading to a smaller design that uses lower-impact materials. The environmental footprint of the final concepts is evaluated with a fast-track LCA.