Discover how polymers can enhance sustainability in your business with our Smart Guide, providing a clear roadmap from development to end-of-life.
Polymers are transforming our daily lives, offering lightweight, durable and versatile materials for a wide range of applications. Despite the challenges, opportunities abound for innovation and transformation. And our goal is crystal clear: to help you prioritise solutions that offer long-term, sustainable benefits for your business and the planet.
But with substantial hurdles to joining the circular economy, it’s crucial to think before you act. And that’s where we can help. Our Smart Guide to Accelerate Sustainability for Your Business offers a handy roadmap to every stage of the journey — from development to production to end-of-life.
Smart guide to accelerate sustainability for your business
With so many possibilities, how do you identify the right opportunities for your business? Whether you’re already incorporating sustainable practices or you’re taking your first steps, read our Smart Guide for a practical approach to making informed decisions.
- How can you embed sustainable practices in your product development process?
- Are you prepared to optimise your products’ end-of-life?
- Which materials provide the properties you need plus the ability to recycle, reuse, renew, or compost?
Exploring sustainable alternatives takes close collaboration and shared knowledge. Reach out anytime to talk with an expert about all your options.
Introduction
In today's world, defined by rapid changes and growing environmental concerns, embracing sustainability has become more than just a trend—it's a responsibility we all share.
This smart guide is designed to be your compass, navigating you through considerations that will influence your desired outcome at every stage of your product journey.
Stage #1: Development
Stage #2: Production and supply chain
Stage #3: End-of-life
Whether you have incorporated sustainable practices already or taking your first step towards it, this guide promises to equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.
Development stage
This stage is an opportunity to integrate eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient processes, and make end-of-life considerations.
Streamline production for sustainability
- Consider materials like recycled or renewable to lower environmental impact.
- Analyze material source and quality to make sure specifications are met or exceeded.
- Design parts with manufacturability in mind to minimize complexity, reduce production costs, and ensure efficient assembly.
- Consider lightweight materials to reduce energy consumption.
- Plan for the disposal or recycling of the product at the end of its lifecycle, aiming for minimal environmental impact.
Take the impact into account
- Understand the differences between biodegradable and compostable materials.
- Evaluate the environmental impact of renewable materials compared to conventional plastics and composites.
- Source raw materials from environmentally responsible suppliers.
- Design products for durability and longer lifespan.
- Assess the full environmental impact (LCA*) of your product, from start to finish, to guide informed decisions and improvements.
Complete your approach to sustainability
- Clear Goals: Set SMART sustainability objectives for clear direction.
- Collaborate with stakeholders for holistic solutions.
- Educate and engage employees.
- Educate consumers about the sustainability aspects of products.
- Develop a long-term sustainability roadmap.
- Explore alternative, sustainable materials and processes.
*LCA stands for "Life Cycle Assessment," which is a method to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product, process, or activity throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal.
Continue reading to learn more about production and supply chain, and end-of-life stages.
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