Responsible design and conscious material selection for a reduced environmental impact of the indoor lighting industry
Typ
Examensarbete på grundnivå
Program
Design och produktutveckling 180 hp (högskoleingenjör)
Publicerad
Författare
Haraldosson, Cornelia
Mielcarek, Marcin
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
In response to the pressing climate crisis challenges facing society, there is a critical need for industries to
transition towards a circular economy, encompassing entire production chains. Ateljé Lyktan, a company
specializing in innovative lighting solutions, aims to reduce its environmental impact through the selecting
of sustainable materials. This thesis investigates potential sustainable materials for indoor lighting
products through a comprehensive situation and life cycle analysis of an existing product in ateljé
Lyktans’s range, coupled with extensive literature research to identify current market alternatives. The
study identified several material options, focusing primarily on biologically based polymers and polymer
composites.
These alternatives were evaluated using a two-step methodology. The initial screening employed both the
chart method and a questionnaire method, while the following ranking process utilized a decision matrix
to pinpoint the most promising materials according to this study. The findings highlighted two promising
candidates: polylactic acid (PLA) and the composite Biodolomer I. However, neither material fully
satisfied all requirements, particularly in terms of durability necessary for the long lifecycle of indoor
lighting products. Further investigation into fiber reinforcements, which can enhance the mechanical
properties and longevity of bioplastics, revealed flax and hemp as suitable options. Additionally, the fibers
OnceMore and FibraQ were recommended for further testing. The study underscores the necessity for
developing sufficient end-of-life infrastructure, including new technologies for recycling and composting,
to facilitate the large-scale adoption of bioplastics and fiber-reinforced materials.
The conclusion calls for ongoing research into sustainable material alternatives and emphasizes the
imperative for industries to intensify efforts towards sustainability. This includes the development of
robust infrastructure for material recycling and composting, essential for achieving a circular economy
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Materials , Sustainability , Design , Manufacturing , Polymers , Composites , Fiber reinforcements , Indoor lighting , Recycling , Circular economy