ECOBULK - Demonstrators for a circular economy
Project completed Environmental, economic and social performance
Pilot demonstrators are being developed, notably in the furniture sector with a piece of furniture composed of a multifunctional element that allows the creation of different types of furniture. Conceived in an eco-design approach, the work focuses on new business models such as rental or maintenance services for furniture. FCBA is evaluating the environmental, economic and social performance of this demonstrator (Life Cycle Analysis, Life Cycle Costing, Cost Benefit Analysis and Social Life Cycle Analysis). A social life cycle analysis methodology is being developed to define the social issues related to the life cycle of furniture products, the impact indicators used and how to evaluate them. This approach should eventually lead to a simplified method for displaying the social performance of a product over its life cycle. The work is based in particular on the UNEP guidelines and on the “Handbook for Product Social Impact Assessment”.
The use of recycled materials
The use of recycled materials on an industrial scale still raises many technical, logistical and societal questions. What is the performance of these materials? How can supplies be secured? What is the social perception of the consumer?
FCBA is working in collaboration with professionals to test composites developed in the framework of the ECOBULK project and wood panels with biobased and/or low formaldehyde adhesives. The prototypes will be tested by a panel of users during the spring and summer of 2021.
After conducting a Europe-wide survey on consumer perception of the use of recycled materials in consumer products, FCBA has developed and applied an experimental protocol to test consumer perception of the presence of recycled materials in furniture. These results will feed into a methodology for integrating the sensoriality of materials into the design process.
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