Bio-based plastics in durable applications: The future of sustainable product design? A design review
P. Bos (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
C.A. Bakker (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
A.R. Balkenende (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
B. Sprecher (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
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Abstract
This design review evaluates the use of bio-based plastics in durable consumer products. The main question is: how does the use of bio-based plastics influence the product’s design, functionality, marketing & communication, and sustainability? Although higher material prices would lead one to expect that higher value applications would be targeted, research shows bio-based plastics are mainly used in short-lived applications like packaging. This study investigates their use in durable consumer products through a design review. The results indicate that bio-based plastic usage is still in its early days in durable products. Bio-based plastics appear to be utilized as straightforward replacement of fossil-based plastic. Designers are not yet using the unique properties of bio-based plastics in the design of their products. Companies mainly exploit the green image of bio-based plastics in their marketing & communication. Their focus is on the renewable feedstock and not on sourcing, or on recovery at end-of-life.
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