Wooden Chairredesign

Current Chair Specifications

Chair Functions

● Functional for school environment● Back strength of 68 kg, 150 lbs● Seat strength of 102 kg, 225 lbs● Comfortable● Minimum lifetime of 10 years● Quiet to move

EcoDesign Pilot Results

● Raw Materials: ○ Select the right materials○ Raw material and disposal intensive○ Materials not recyclable, but renewable

● Manufacture:○ Reduce energy consumption in production process○ Move toward energy efficient production○ Optimize design for less energy use

EcoDesign Assistant Results

Recommendations:● Reduce energy consumption and avoid waste in

production process● Optimize types and amount of process materials● Recycling of materials● Improve disassembly

Redesign Targets

● Maintain quality and comfort for consumer● Reduce number of materials● Simplify the manufacturing process● Simplify the recycling process

New Design

Materials Involved

● Frame: Aluminium● Seat: Reclaimed Polypropylene

Benefits of Materials

Aluminum:● 40% post-consumer and industrial waste● Uses 17x less energy during production● 100% Recyclable● Product life around 150 yearsPolypropylene:● Tough and flexible; good fatigue resistance● Can be reused easily, sometimes through curbside programs

Disassembling

Alternative Energy

● Costly to change factory to harvest alternative energy

● Consider lobbying

EcoDesign Pilot Results:NeW Design

● Raw Materials: ○ Material is no longer renewable○ Completely recyclable○ Parts are easily separated

● Manufacture:○ More energy efficient manufacturing equipment○ Regional material use

Environmental Communication

● Recycling Rate ● How to properly recycle product● Ecolabels● Proper marketing

ISO Labeling

● ISO 14021: Self-labeled as “environmentally friendly” or sustainable. Requires product to be recyclable

● ISO 14024: Required transparency in material selection and product function; eco product labels

product labels

Recyclable Made with Polypropylene

Aluminium Material

Recycling Program

● Return chair for discount on new products● Allows for easy recycling● Reduces supply cost

Results of redesign

Cons

● New design is heavier

● Must purchase new equipment

● Not renewable

● Non-traditional look

Results of redesign

● Material is less expensive and easily recyclable

● Cheaper to produce

● Less energy required to manufacture

● Simplified production process

Pros

Referenceshttp://dxypsav0ep89.cloudfront.net/client/emeco/dynamic/articles/1006-navy-poster_3836.pdf

http://www.iso.org/iso/environmental-labelling.pdf

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