ABSTRACT
The definition of sustainability has progressed over the last decades and will likely continue to do so, but sustainability obliges designers to work on two levels: system and product. Designers must understand the part that they play in a system of sustainability, such as circular economy, but at the same time they must also be able to operate at product level and contribute with sustainable designs. Although there is some variation in the definitions of sustainability, the requirements for an environmentally sustainable product evolve around the same criteria such as material circularity; minimising material consumption, energy consumption and toxic emissions; applying renewable and biocompatible resources into new designs; optimising the material in order to improve the lifespan of the product. More experiential qualities, such as aesthetics and perceived obsolescence, are equally important aspects to address in sustainable design. To design for any of these criteria requires a profound understanding of materials and manufacturing processes. Consequently, while designers must understand systems of sustainability, important leverage for contributing with sustainable design lies in knowledge about materials and the ability to design with them.
