How do you assess the sustainability of new materials in the market?

Lifecycle analysis is one way to evaluate a product's environmental impacts. The purpose of the assessment and the boundaries of the study, including what stages of the material's life cycle will be considered (e.g., production, use, end-of-life), must be defined. This can be done through: a. Inventory Analysis: Collect data on energy and resource inputs, emissions, and waste outputs associated with each stage of the material's life cycle. b. Impact Assessment: Evaluate the potential environmental impacts, such as global warming potential, water use, toxicity, and resource depletion. c. Interpretation: Analyze the results to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions about the material's sustainability.

The results of life cycle assessments (LCA) are useful to make data driven decisions on products and materials with less environmental footprints and improved #circularity. It can be used by both manufacturers and B2B clients (a.k.a. companies that purchase goods): 1) Manufacturers can use LCA to compare the environmental footprint and circularity of different products, for instance when choosing a recycled material instead of a virgin material. 2) Companies that purchase products and materials can ask for Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) from suppliers. Including EPDs as a #sustainableprocurement criteria will drive suppliers to start performing LCAs of their products in order to provide EPDs and increase their circularity.

El ciclo de vida de los materiales es un factor muy importante a tener en cuenta; ya no solo para entender su vida útil en una aplicación específica, sino también para realizar una trazabilidad del residuo y comprender cuándo y cómo se debe eliminar o aprovechar el material en cuestión. Esta visión aunque puede parecer obvia, no era aplicada. No hace mucho las industrias producían sus materiales sin una visión de qué debería pasar después del uso de los mismos.

Lifecycle Analysis (LCA) is a systematic approach that considers the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, use, and end-of-life disposal or recycling. By evaluating all stages, LCA provides a holistic view, helping identify areas for improvement and guiding towards more sustainable choices and practices. It's an essential tool for businesses, policymakers, and consumers alike striving for environmental responsibility and sustainability.

To evaluate the sustainability of new materials, conduct a Lifecycle Analysis (LCA). This involves assessing environmental impacts across all stages: raw material extraction, production, transportation, use, and end-of-life disposal or recycling. Measure energy use, emissions, water consumption, and waste generation. Consider the material's durability and recyclability. Analyze socio-economic impacts, including ethical sourcing and effects on local communities. Comparing these findings with existing materials helps identify truly sustainable alternatives, guiding responsible adoption and use in the market.

Increasing the circularity of materials, specially critical raw materials, is imperative. Including sustainable procurement criteria that prioritize secondary or recycled materials help prevent resource scarcity and stimulate the circular economy market. For virgin raw materials, certifications that assure the sustainability are an alternative.

The origin of raw materials is indeed crucial in assessing sustainability. LCA takes into account factors like whether materials are renewable or non-renewable, the energy intensity of their extraction processes, and the environmental consequences of extraction, such as habitat destruction or pollution. By considering these factors, LCA helps in identifying opportunities to minimize environmental impact and maximize resource efficiency throughout the product's life cycle.

Considero que no solo se debe tener en cuentas las certificaciones de materiales reciclados. Es importante que desde el diseño de productos y materiales, se comprenda claramente su vida útil y su ciclo de vida. Aún cuando los materiales sean “sustentables” debe haber una ruta de recolección, disposición final y re uso claros.

Life Cycle Assessments (and the associated Environmental Product Declarations) can provide information on energy consumption and its source in the manufacturing phase. However, the whole life cycle should be considered when analysing a product - that means looking into the use phase (for products that require energy sources) and the energy efficiency of the product in comparison to others.

Energy efficiency during production is a critical aspect of sustainability. LCA examines the energy requirements for converting raw materials into the final product, as well as whether renewable energy sources are utilized in the process. By assessing energy use and its sources, LCA helps in pinpointing opportunities for improving efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and transitioning towards cleaner energy sources, thus contributing to a more sustainable production process.

A product Carbon footprint (PCF) might be a beneficial to indicate the emissions intensity and therefore also the energy intensity of your product portfolio. PCF is also important for your reporting and most probably also for your stakeholders.

Begin by reviewing the specifications and technical data provided by the manufacturer or supplier for the new material. Look for information on the material's composition, properties, expected lifespan, and durability under various environmental conditions. Another is to consult with sustainability experts, researchers, and industry organizations to gather insights and best practices for assessing material sustainability. Refer to relevant standards and guidelines, such as ISO standards for life cycle assessment and environmental labeling, to ensure comprehensive evaluation.

Para mi es imposible dejar de pensar en el término de “obsolescencia programada” cuando hablamos de end of life. Son términos que tienen mucho que ver en el contexto de la sostenibilidad. Es una realidad que dentro de las prácticas sustentables se debe buscar la manera de alejarse del mercado tradicional (extractivo) que busca el volumen de venta de productos, y acercarse más hacia una economía justa y con consciencia frente a la extracción y creación indiscriminada de productos.