Abstract
The research focuses on bio-based materials and material design methods based on the use of resources from renewable plant sources or organic waste. The study analyzes bio-based materials as available resources for experimenting with new production processes to reduce the use of extractive materials. Starting from the concept that “The circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting.” (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, n.d.), the research aims to analyze how bio-based materials can replace or integrate extractive materials, thus contributing to the conservation of the environment. The purpose of design is not an end in itself, but an act of change as argued by Victor Papanek (1972). Especially as Chris Reed and Nina-Marie Lister (2020) argue, it is necessary to change how we design and manage interventions in our ecosystems and the real challenge of change is to realize that we cannot manage entire ecosystems; rather, we can manage ourselves and our activities. Through an in-depth investigation of bio-based materials, the research aims to identify practical-theoretical knowledge to foster an ecological transition. The objective is to promote the adoption of bio-based materials for the ecological transition, considering the impact on the supply chain and the relationship between extracted and non-extracted materials.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2024 Special Focus—The Future We Want: Socio-Environmental Challenges in Times of Climate Emergency
KEYWORDS
MATERIAL DRIVEN DESIGN, CIRCULAR ECONOMY, MATERIAL CULTURE
