The Role of Design in Conserving Product Value in the Circular Economy

Deborah Andrews, Bethany Fleur

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Design is integral to human activity and has been practised since humans first made tools to fulfil specific functions. It was formalised during the first industrial revolution; since then it has evolved to become a multidisciplinary profession. Before, the industrial revolution products and buildings were ‘circular’ by default. However, the development of synthetic and composite materials, and product and component miniaturisation, has encouraged linear economic practices in design and manufacture. This has raised concern in the European Union about rising waste, demand on resources, and risk to supply. In this chapter we explore the role of design in the value chain through four industrial sectors and discuss their evolution to understand the potential for circularity and the extent to which design can influence and contribute to circular practice and sustainable development goals now and in the future.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIssues in Environmental Science and Technology
EditorsSadhan Kumar Ghosh, Gev Eduljee
PublisherRoyal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Pages110-140
Number of pages31
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Oct 2023

Publication series

NameIssues in Environmental Science and Technology
Volume51
ISSN (Print)1350-7583
ISSN (Electronic)1465-1874

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