Centralized material and sustainability information on novel bio-based semi-finished products and constructive elements for product and fashion design

Designing products to be circular and resource-efficient is becoming increasingly important under the aspect of sustainability and is receiving more attention. Consumers are making more conscious choices about their goods, influenced by the measures of the Federal Government's sustainability strategy and the European plastic strategy, which focus on circular economy, recyclability, and microplastics. Designers, product developers, and product designers are therefore highly interested in making products more sustainable and especially in using materials from renewable resources.

For these considerations to be included in the industry, they must be integrated into the design process, which is the starting point of every product development. This consideration is crucial for the further lifecycle of products, their use, and reuse.

Under the aspect of so-called ecodesign, material selection and construction influence both the lifespan (e.g., reparability, content of toxic substances, energy efficiency during the active usage phase) and the end of life (e.g., recyclability, reusability of components). However, a central platform is currently lacking, where all relevant information (such as material purity, mechanical and tactile properties, ingredients, as well as economic, ecological, and social production aspects) is compiled and made available for designers and product developers.