As climate change and resource depletion continue to be pressing global concerns, the demand for sustainable product design is only increasing. Companies and organizations around the world are striving to reduce their environmental impact and create more eco-friendly products.
This blog post will discuss the future of sustainable product design trends to watch in 2023. With the rapid advancement of technology and an increasing focus on sustainability, it is clear that the way we design and prototype products is evolving. Many exciting developments are on the horizon, from using more sustainable materials to incorporating eco-friendly practices into the design process.
Importance of sustainability in product design
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in product design as consumers, businesses, and governments become more aware of product and production processes’ environmental and social impacts. There is a growing demand for products that are made from sustainable materials, are energy efficient, and have a minimal environmental & carbon footprint throughout their supply chain & lifecycle.
Incorporating sustainability into product design can also bring economic benefits, such as cost savings from using more efficient materials and processes, and increased sales and customer loyalty from offering sustainable products. In addition, designing products keeping sustainability in mind can help businesses mitigate risks and meet regulatory requirements related to environmental and social responsibility.
Overall, the importance of sustainability in product design will likely continue to grow in the coming years as concerns about climate change and resource depletion increase, and as more businesses and consumers prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions.
Overview of the current state of sustainable product design
There are many examples of sustainable product design in various industries, and the trend toward sustainability will likely continue to grow in the coming years. Here are a few key areas where sustainable product design is being implemented:
There is a growing focus on using sustainable materials in product design, such as rattan, bamboo, water hyacinth, RPET, and various other recycled or biodegradable materials. For example, a product sourcing company – GBSL, sources sustainable materials by utilizing various methods to ensure that their materials are both environmentally friendly and socially responsible. One such method is the use of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET).
GBSL incorporates rPET into its products by designing them with the material in mind. This can include using rPET in creating fabric for clothing, bags, and other textiles, as well as in producing various other products such as bottles, packaging, and even home goods. Additionally, GBSL has a team dedicated to identifying and selecting suppliers and manufacturers that can produce products with rPET as per their standards.
Energy efficiency is an important aspect of sustainable product design, as energy consumption has a significant environmental impact. Many products, such as appliances and electronics, are designed to be more energy efficient to reduce their carbon footprint.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, products that have earned the Energy Star label use 10-50% less energy than standard models. The International Energy Agency (IEA) states that increasing energy efficiency is the most cost-effective way to reduce energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, The European Union (EU) has set a target for the energy efficiency of products with the Ecodesign Directive, which sets mandatory requirements for energy-using products to reduce their environmental impact and improve their energy efficiency.
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a method used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. LCA can help product designers identify opportunities to reduce the ecological effects and design more sustainable products.
The LCA process includes four stages: (1) goal and scope definition, (2) inventory analysis, (3) impact assessment, and (4) interpretation. It considers the product’s environmental impacts, such as energy consumption, water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste generation, in each stage of the product’s life cycle.
For example, an LCA of a product made of virgin plastic would show a higher ecological impact compared to the same product made of recycled plastic (rPET) in terms of energy consumption, water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste generation. This information can be used to make informed decisions on material selection and production processes, to minimize the product’s environmental impact.
The circular design is an approach to product design that aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible, minimizing waste and pollution. This can include designing products that are durable and easy to repair, or designing products that can be recycled or repurposed at the end of their lifecycle.
Overall, there is a growing awareness of the importance of sustainability in product design, and many companies are taking steps to incorporate sustainable principles into their design processes. Our company – GBSL- is one such company that incorporates sustainability and ethical standards in its operations to ensure that its products are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. This includes a commitment to reducing their carbon footprint, ensuring fair labor practices, and promoting sustainable materials such as rPET.
GBSL also has a team dedicated to identifying and selecting suppliers and manufacturers that can produce products that meet the company’s sustainability and ethical standards. Additionally, the company ensures that the suppliers comply with laws and regulations and have proper certifications in environmental management, labor rights, and health and safety.
GBSL’s Insights: Discovering the Future of Sustainable Product Design
At GBSL, we are committed to sustainability and always look out for innovative trends that can help us create more sustainable products. In the coming years, we believe that the use of sustainable materials will play a major role in shaping the future of sustainable product design.
At GBSL, we have already embraced these trends in our own business, sourcing 40-60% of our products from sustainable sources in countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, China, and India. In addition to using sustainable materials, we are also focused on ethical and environmentally responsible sourcing practices, working closely with our suppliers to ensure that they adhere to high social and environmental responsibility standards.
We believe that by embracing these trends, businesses can create more innovative and sustainable products and reduce their environmental and social impacts and build a stronger, more sustainable future for all.
