P. Bos
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This thesis explores how propagation tray systems used in Dutch horticulture can support a transition towards circularity. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) trays are widely used during the nursery phase due to their favourable material properties, yet they are predominantly produced from virgin fossil resources and are currently downcycled after use into insulation material. Through literature research and interviews with stakeholders across the value chain including growers, manufacturers, substrate suppliers, and recyclers this study identifies the technical and behavioural barriers that prevent more circular tray systems.
The findings reveal that hygiene concerns, fragmented stakeholder responsibilities, and the absence of return infrastructures hinder the adoption of reuse practices, particularly in vegetable production. Based on these insights, multiple future-oriented concepts and scenarios were developed and evaluated. The selected design direction proposes a reusable HDPE propagation tray integrated within a circular product-service system involving manufacturer ownership, return logistics, validated cleaning protocols, and traceability features.
The project demonstrates that enabling circularity within horticultural propagation systems requires not only product redesign but also system-level coordination. Recommendations for future work include environmental assessment, validation of cleaning methods, and exploration of viable business models to support implementation at sector scale. ...
The findings reveal that hygiene concerns, fragmented stakeholder responsibilities, and the absence of return infrastructures hinder the adoption of reuse practices, particularly in vegetable production. Based on these insights, multiple future-oriented concepts and scenarios were developed and evaluated. The selected design direction proposes a reusable HDPE propagation tray integrated within a circular product-service system involving manufacturer ownership, return logistics, validated cleaning protocols, and traceability features.
The project demonstrates that enabling circularity within horticultural propagation systems requires not only product redesign but also system-level coordination. Recommendations for future work include environmental assessment, validation of cleaning methods, and exploration of viable business models to support implementation at sector scale. ...
This thesis explores how propagation tray systems used in Dutch horticulture can support a transition towards circularity. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) trays are widely used during the nursery phase due to their favourable material properties, yet they are predominantly produced from virgin fossil resources and are currently downcycled after use into insulation material. Through literature research and interviews with stakeholders across the value chain including growers, manufacturers, substrate suppliers, and recyclers this study identifies the technical and behavioural barriers that prevent more circular tray systems.
The findings reveal that hygiene concerns, fragmented stakeholder responsibilities, and the absence of return infrastructures hinder the adoption of reuse practices, particularly in vegetable production. Based on these insights, multiple future-oriented concepts and scenarios were developed and evaluated. The selected design direction proposes a reusable HDPE propagation tray integrated within a circular product-service system involving manufacturer ownership, return logistics, validated cleaning protocols, and traceability features.
The project demonstrates that enabling circularity within horticultural propagation systems requires not only product redesign but also system-level coordination. Recommendations for future work include environmental assessment, validation of cleaning methods, and exploration of viable business models to support implementation at sector scale.
The findings reveal that hygiene concerns, fragmented stakeholder responsibilities, and the absence of return infrastructures hinder the adoption of reuse practices, particularly in vegetable production. Based on these insights, multiple future-oriented concepts and scenarios were developed and evaluated. The selected design direction proposes a reusable HDPE propagation tray integrated within a circular product-service system involving manufacturer ownership, return logistics, validated cleaning protocols, and traceability features.
The project demonstrates that enabling circularity within horticultural propagation systems requires not only product redesign but also system-level coordination. Recommendations for future work include environmental assessment, validation of cleaning methods, and exploration of viable business models to support implementation at sector scale.
Circularity within the Print & Sign industry
Shedding light on the story behind the recycling of PVC banners
The print and sign industry currently operates on a linear ‘take-make-use-dispose’ model, where a portion of flexible signage, specifically PVC/PET banners, is discarded after a short period of use. Often following a single event lasting an average of 45 days. These banners are characterised as "monstrous hybrids", because the permanent fusion of a PVC coating with a PET woven mesh makes them technically and economically unviable for traditional recycling, resulting in a 97% incineration rate. This research investigates pathways to transition the industry toward a circular economy by optimising the market integration of Sign Again, a rigid composite material made from shredded banner waste.
Employing a mixed methods design approach that uses circular economy as a starting point and combines the Double Diamond and IDEO’s Human-Centered Design frameworks. The study utilised literature reviews, 12 semi-structured expert interviews, co-creation sessions and material testing. The research identifies that the primary bottlenecks to circularity are not technical, but rather economic and systemic, specifically the "economic floor" of cheap virgin plastics and the "systemic ceiling" of fragmented stakeholder communication and policy gaps.
The final design outcomes include a strategic roadmap to guide the industry toward a more CO2-neutral value chain by 2045, a B2B guidebook that translates complex technical data into actionable procurement information, and a physical texture board designed to bridge the tactile gap and build trust in recycled composites. Ultimately, this thesis proves that by empowering stakeholders with transparent data and physical validation tools, the industry can lower the threshold for sustainable material adoption and transform a persistent waste stream into a valuable resource. ...
Employing a mixed methods design approach that uses circular economy as a starting point and combines the Double Diamond and IDEO’s Human-Centered Design frameworks. The study utilised literature reviews, 12 semi-structured expert interviews, co-creation sessions and material testing. The research identifies that the primary bottlenecks to circularity are not technical, but rather economic and systemic, specifically the "economic floor" of cheap virgin plastics and the "systemic ceiling" of fragmented stakeholder communication and policy gaps.
The final design outcomes include a strategic roadmap to guide the industry toward a more CO2-neutral value chain by 2045, a B2B guidebook that translates complex technical data into actionable procurement information, and a physical texture board designed to bridge the tactile gap and build trust in recycled composites. Ultimately, this thesis proves that by empowering stakeholders with transparent data and physical validation tools, the industry can lower the threshold for sustainable material adoption and transform a persistent waste stream into a valuable resource. ...
The print and sign industry currently operates on a linear ‘take-make-use-dispose’ model, where a portion of flexible signage, specifically PVC/PET banners, is discarded after a short period of use. Often following a single event lasting an average of 45 days. These banners are characterised as "monstrous hybrids", because the permanent fusion of a PVC coating with a PET woven mesh makes them technically and economically unviable for traditional recycling, resulting in a 97% incineration rate. This research investigates pathways to transition the industry toward a circular economy by optimising the market integration of Sign Again, a rigid composite material made from shredded banner waste.
Employing a mixed methods design approach that uses circular economy as a starting point and combines the Double Diamond and IDEO’s Human-Centered Design frameworks. The study utilised literature reviews, 12 semi-structured expert interviews, co-creation sessions and material testing. The research identifies that the primary bottlenecks to circularity are not technical, but rather economic and systemic, specifically the "economic floor" of cheap virgin plastics and the "systemic ceiling" of fragmented stakeholder communication and policy gaps.
The final design outcomes include a strategic roadmap to guide the industry toward a more CO2-neutral value chain by 2045, a B2B guidebook that translates complex technical data into actionable procurement information, and a physical texture board designed to bridge the tactile gap and build trust in recycled composites. Ultimately, this thesis proves that by empowering stakeholders with transparent data and physical validation tools, the industry can lower the threshold for sustainable material adoption and transform a persistent waste stream into a valuable resource.
Employing a mixed methods design approach that uses circular economy as a starting point and combines the Double Diamond and IDEO’s Human-Centered Design frameworks. The study utilised literature reviews, 12 semi-structured expert interviews, co-creation sessions and material testing. The research identifies that the primary bottlenecks to circularity are not technical, but rather economic and systemic, specifically the "economic floor" of cheap virgin plastics and the "systemic ceiling" of fragmented stakeholder communication and policy gaps.
The final design outcomes include a strategic roadmap to guide the industry toward a more CO2-neutral value chain by 2045, a B2B guidebook that translates complex technical data into actionable procurement information, and a physical texture board designed to bridge the tactile gap and build trust in recycled composites. Ultimately, this thesis proves that by empowering stakeholders with transparent data and physical validation tools, the industry can lower the threshold for sustainable material adoption and transform a persistent waste stream into a valuable resource.
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. ...
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 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.
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.