Material selection and impact

The choice of materials you use to design your product matters. A material always has a particular application and context of use. Materials can therefore be circular in different ways. Strong materials make your product last longer. Mono-materials are easier to recycle. Biobased materials are compostable and CO2 positive. There are quite a few design choices to make when it comes to materials and the impact of those materials. Here you will find knowledge and tools to understand the environmental impact throughout the life cycle and of specific materials.

Within the design knowledge on material selection, CIRCONNECT has a special focus on Substances of Very High Concern (ZZS) and the design options available to reduce or prevent their impact. This is called Safe by Design. The (re)design of products or processes in such a way that they have no harmful effects on people or the environment during their entire life cycle, their reuse value is retained and the materials can be used without limitation.

Get started yourself

We offer several tools to help you make the right choice of materials. That way you can get started right away!

Safe by Design ZZS Tool

The Safe by Design ZZS tool gives you a good idea of how to recognize harmful chemicals in your supply chain and how to take them into account in design and material selection.

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Circular Filter PvE Tool

Our tool Circular Filter PoR was developed to firmly embed circularity in the PoR of your product(s). Through a circular filter you look at the set of requirements your product must meet and the principles of the circular economy become tangible and integrated into the design process.

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Environmental Impact Tool

The Environmental Impact Tool, based on life cycle analyses, gives you quick and easy insight into the environmental impact of products. This tool helps companies make informed decisions and strengthen their sustainable innovations.

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