New materials trends for circular transition. Design of an application for a conscious approach to the sustainable use of materials

The implementation of circular economy principles is a crucial step to improve resources productivity. Thus, to promote a circular use of materials, new business models and new materials developed with sustainability as a main driver are emerging. Designers may play a decisive role in the selection of materials and, consequently, influencing the products-related impacts. The research investigates the main materials classes and their circularity, focusing on the responsibly-conceived ones, collecting and analysing approximately 250 case studies. Subsequently, through an analysis of the main material libraries, the criticalities related to the description of the main materials eco-parameters are identified. The research output consists of a prototype of a digital platform to foster a conscious approach to relevant eco-parameters for material selection and the sustainable use of materials. The platform offers a selection of case studies of innovative materials filed according to a novel framework designed to ensure an improved description of sustainability-related parameters and a set of checklists aimed at highlighting existing correlations among various parameters.