Orangebox Ltd

Materials MatterSustainable materials don't exist...

Different materials need different waste treatment approaches, some are only reusable and not recyclable, others are not suitable for energy recovery but can be recycled through reprocessing.

A hallmark of 21st century society is our growing dependence on the material world around us. Let’s be clear - sustainable materials do not exist but the move towards a more sustainable society requires designers to be innovative with materials that do, from their selection to their application. We all need clear and accurate information about the recyclability of materials used in our products. It deepens understanding of environmental impacts across product life cycles and allows designers to foster better decision-making at the design stage.

As part of an in-depth research study supervised by Ecodesign Centre, Orangebox and PDR (Cardiff Metropolitan University) we have been looking at the communication of material recyclability by the furniture industry. This briefing is the result of PhD research conducted by Sharon Prendeville into material innovation processes, which has assessed the environmental communications of 71 companies across the UK and international furniture sectors.

We found that 'material recyclability and recycled content' is the most common environmental indicator used in communications across the industry.We also found that this communication is characterised by over-simplified content. This is further complicated by conflicting international standards and guidance.

Clear communication of environmental information deepens stakeholder understanding of the key issues across the life cycle of a product. A core principle of sustainability in business is to educate the marketplace. Disseminating this knowledge to clients within the marketplace stimulates the market itself. As 'a sustainable product must be a successful product’ this market stimulation is essential in working towards the radical change required for a sustainable society.