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Circular Design of Composite Products: A Framework Based on Insights from Literature and Industry

Author

Listed:
  • Jelle Joustra

    (Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628CE Delft, The Netherlands)

  • Bas Flipsen

    (Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628CE Delft, The Netherlands)

  • Ruud Balkenende

    (Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628CE Delft, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Composite materials are an attractive material choice as they enable lightweight, low-maintenance products with a long lifespan. Recycling these materials, however, remains a challenge. Homogeneous material composition and the use of thermoset matrices complicate reprocessing, and result in low-grade recyclate. This means that closing the loop for these materials in a circular economy remains challenging, especially for glass fibre-reinforced thermoset composites. For a circular economy, products need to be designed to preserve product functionality, material properties, and economic value for as long as possible. However, recovery strategies, design aspects and their interconnectedness are currently largely unexplored for products containing fibre-reinforced polymers. The aim of this study was to identify circular strategies and determine design aspects for products containing composites. To achieve this, we conducted a systematic literature review and consulted experts. The circular strategies are largely similar to generic circular economy strategies as far as product integrity is concerned. However, on a material level, we identified additional approaches, the most notable of which is structural reuse, which preserves the material quality and thereby value. The design aspects were clustered and positioned along the product design process to support implementation. Finally, the strategies and design aspects we identified were brought together in a framework to support product design and design research for products containing composite materials in the context of a circular economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Jelle Joustra & Bas Flipsen & Ruud Balkenende, 2021. "Circular Design of Composite Products: A Framework Based on Insights from Literature and Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-23, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:13:p:7223-:d:583779
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sasha Shahbazi & Anna Karin Jönbrink, 2020. "Design Guidelines to Develop Circular Products: Action Research on Nordic Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-14, May.
    2. Marcel C. Hollander & Conny A. Bakker & Erik Jan Hultink, 2017. "Product Design in a Circular Economy: Development of a Typology of Key Concepts and Terms," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 21(3), pages 517-525, June.
    3. Cherrington, R. & Goodship, V. & Meredith, J. & Wood, B.M. & Coles, S.R. & Vuillaume, A. & Feito-Boirac, A. & Spee, F. & Kirwan, K., 2012. "Producer responsibility: Defining the incentive for recycling composite wind turbine blades in Europe," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 13-21.
    4. Korhonen, Jouni & Honkasalo, Antero & Seppälä, Jyri, 2018. "Circular Economy: The Concept and its Limitations," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 37-46.
    5. Piero Medici & Andy van den Dobbelsteen & David Peck, 2020. "Safety and Health Concerns for the Users of a Playground, Built with Reused Rotor Blades from a Dismantled Wind Turbine," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-25, April.
    6. Jensen, J.P. & Skelton, K., 2018. "Wind turbine blade recycling: Experiences, challenges and possibilities in a circular economy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 165-176.
    7. Emilia Ingemarsdotter & Ella Jamsin & Gerd Kortuem & Ruud Balkenende, 2019. "Circular Strategies Enabled by the Internet of Things—A Framework and Analysis of Current Practice," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(20), pages 1-37, October.
    8. Mariale Moreno & Carolina De los Rios & Zoe Rowe & Fiona Charnley, 2016. "A Conceptual Framework for Circular Design," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-15, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Djoko Setyanto & Yohanes Adeatma Antonio & Marten Darmawan & Ubaidillah Ubaidillah, 2022. "A Novel Z Profile of Pultruded Glass-Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Beams for Purlins," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-17, May.
    2. Jelle Joustra & Conny Bakker & Riel Bessai & Ruud Balkenende, 2022. "Circular Composites by Design: Testing a Design Method in Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-17, June.

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