The objective of the project ‘Safe-by-design Circular Products’ is to develop, test and implement a method that enables the design of safe products that fit into a circular economy.
The negative effects on human and ecosystem health caused by the production, use and end-of-life of many products and the materials used in them, pose a serious societal problem. When closing loops in a circular economy, the problems associated with potentially hazardous substances are aggravated. A product design approach is needed that combines demands for functionality, performance, economics, usability, circularity, sustainability, and health & safety.
Scientific innovations pursued by the project include the development of circular design strategies that regard the long-term safety of the materials that are used. This requires validated environmental and social assessments, based on a solid risk assessment combined with life cycle approaches, and transparently addressing the ethical aspects of the choices made. The method will be developed based on four case studies (hospital mattresses, LCD monitors, silicone bakeware and biodegradable plastic packaging) and in close cooperation with designers and industry.
Implementation of the results will be achieved using the Safe and Circular by Design method for designers in practice. Policymakers will be informed on the required changes for large scale implementation. This eventually will lead to a strong reduction of negative environmental impacts and an improvement of the health and safety of people and ecosystems.
