9.3 Materials Selection for Sustainability
3 min read•july 18, 2024
Materials selection in manufacturing involves balancing environmental impacts with sustainability criteria. From raw material extraction to product disposal, each stage affects resources, emissions, and waste. Manufacturers must consider , , , , and when choosing materials.
Selecting materials requires navigating trade-offs between properties, cost, and environmental performance. Mechanical, thermal, and must be weighed against economic factors and sustainability metrics. Life cycle assessments help quantify impacts, guiding decisions that balance functionality, affordability, and eco-friendliness.
Environmental Impacts and Sustainability Criteria in Materials Selection
Environmental impacts of manufacturing materials
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- Raw material extraction and processing
- Depletes non-renewable resources (fossil fuels, minerals)
- Destroys habitats and reduces biodiversity (deforestation, mining)
- Consumes energy and emits greenhouse gases (CO2, methane)
- Uses water and causes pollution (chemical runoff, sedimentation)
- Pollutes air and soil (particulate matter, heavy metals)
- Manufacturing processes
- Consumes energy and emits greenhouse gases (electricity, heat)
- Uses water and causes pollution (cooling water, wastewater)
- Generates (solvents, chemicals)
- Pollutes air and soil (volatile organic compounds, solid waste)
- Transportation and distribution
- Consumes fuel and emits greenhouse gases (trucks, ships)
- Pollutes air (nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide)
- Product use and disposal
- Affects durability and (wear, corrosion)
- Influences energy efficiency (insulation, conductivity)
- Determines and ()
- Generates and hazardous waste (leaching, off-gassing)
Sustainability criteria for material selection
- Renewable and
- Uses materials from renewable sources (bamboo, hemp)
- Incorporates recycled content (, )
- Energy efficiency
- Minimizes in materials (, )
- Reduces energy consumption during manufacturing (process optimization)
- Improves energy efficiency during product use (insulation, lightweight)
- Durability and longevity
- Resists wear, corrosion, and fatigue (, )
- Enables easy maintenance and repair (, standard parts)
- Recyclability and biodegradability
- Allows easy disassembly and separation (, labeling)
- Fits with existing recycling infrastructure (, )
- Biodegrades in natural environments (, )
- Toxicity and
- Avoids toxic chemicals and heavy metals (, )
- Complies with regulations (REACH, RoHS)
Trade-offs in Material Choices
Trade-offs in material properties, cost, and environmental performance
-
- Balances strength, stiffness, and toughness (, )
- Considers density and weight (aluminum, titanium)
- Weighs trade-offs with cost and environmental impacts (steel vs. carbon fiber)
- Thermal and
- Selects for conductivity and insulation (, )
- Ensures resistance to heat and fire (ceramics, )
- Evaluates trade-offs with cost and environmental impacts (aluminum vs. plastic)
- Chemical properties
- Chooses resistance to corrosion and degradation (stainless steel, )
- Verifies compatibility with other materials (, )
- Assesses trade-offs with cost and environmental impacts ( vs. )
- Cost considerations
- Compares raw material costs (commodity prices, availability)
- Estimates manufacturing and processing costs (equipment, labor)
- Calculates transportation and distribution costs (fuel, packaging)
- Analyzes trade-offs with environmental performance (recycled vs. virgin)
- Environmental performance
- Conducts (LCA) (, )
- Measures and (CO2e, GWP)
- Quantifies and pollution (, )
- Examines trade-offs with material properties and cost ( vs. conventional)
Key Terms to Review (59)
Acidification: Acidification refers to the process by which the pH of a substance, typically water, decreases due to the absorption of carbon dioxide and other acidic pollutants, resulting in increased acidity. This phenomenon has significant implications for environmental health, particularly in aquatic ecosystems and soil quality, as it can affect biodiversity, nutrient availability, and overall ecosystem functionality.
Alloys: Alloys are materials composed of two or more elements, with at least one of them being a metal, that are combined to enhance specific properties like strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. The creation of alloys allows for the customization of material characteristics to meet various functional requirements in different applications, contributing to sustainable practices by improving resource efficiency and performance in manufacturing.
Aluminum: Aluminum is a lightweight, silvery-white metal known for its corrosion resistance and high strength-to-weight ratio. It is one of the most abundant elements in the Earth's crust and is widely used in various industries, especially in packaging and construction, due to its sustainability attributes and recyclability.
Biodegradability: Biodegradability refers to the ability of a material to decompose naturally through the action of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. This process results in the breakdown of the material into simpler, non-toxic substances, making it essential for reducing environmental impact. Biodegradable materials are particularly significant in discussions about sustainable practices, as they help minimize waste accumulation and encourage more responsible consumption and production methods.
Bioplastics: Bioplastics are a type of plastic derived from renewable biomass sources, such as plants, corn, or sugarcane, making them an alternative to conventional plastics made from fossil fuels. These materials can either be biodegradable or non-biodegradable, and they are gaining attention for their potential to reduce environmental impact through more sustainable practices in material selection, packaging design, and meeting consumer demands for greener products.
Carbon footprint: A carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, usually expressed in equivalent tons of CO2. This concept is vital as it helps individuals and organizations understand their impact on climate change and drives actions towards reducing emissions.
Cellulose: Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate and a primary structural component of plant cell walls, composed of long chains of glucose molecules linked together. This biopolymer is not only essential for maintaining plant structure and rigidity, but also plays a significant role in sustainability due to its biodegradability and renewable nature. As industries look to reduce their environmental impact, cellulose is increasingly recognized as a sustainable material for various applications, including textiles, packaging, and biofuels.
Cellulose: Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate and the primary structural component of plant cell walls, composed of long chains of glucose units. It serves as an important renewable resource in sustainable materials, as it can be sourced from various plants and is biodegradable, making it a key player in eco-friendly product development and materials selection.
Ceramics: Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic materials that are typically made from clay and other raw materials, which are shaped and then hardened by heat. They have unique properties such as high hardness, thermal stability, and resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for a variety of applications including construction, electronics, and even medical devices. Understanding ceramics in relation to sustainability is crucial, as their production processes can be optimized for energy efficiency and waste reduction, contributing to more sustainable material choices in manufacturing.
Chemical properties: Chemical properties are characteristics of materials that describe their potential chemical reactivity and behavior when they interact with other substances. These properties are crucial for understanding how materials can change during chemical reactions, which directly impacts their sustainability and environmental footprint.
Circular Economy: A circular economy is an economic system aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources by creating a closed-loop system where products, materials, and resources are reused, recycled, and repurposed. This model contrasts with the traditional linear economy that follows a 'take-make-dispose' pattern, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency across various sectors.
Composites: Composites are materials made from two or more different substances that, when combined, create a material with enhanced properties compared to the individual components. This combination allows for improved strength, durability, and weight characteristics, making composites particularly valuable in sustainable materials selection, as they can often replace less efficient or more harmful materials in various applications.
Copper: Copper is a versatile metal with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, widely used in various applications such as electrical wiring, plumbing, and electronics. Its sustainable properties make it an attractive choice in materials selection for sustainability, as it can be recycled without losing its quality, reducing the environmental impact of extraction and production.
Cradle-to-grave: Cradle-to-grave refers to a comprehensive approach that evaluates the entire lifecycle of a product, from its initial extraction of raw materials (the 'cradle') to its disposal or recycling at the end of its life (the 'grave'). This concept emphasizes the importance of understanding environmental impacts at every stage, enabling better materials selection and informing lifecycle assessments to promote sustainability throughout a product's life.
Durability: Durability refers to the ability of a material to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over time. In the context of materials selection for sustainability, durability is crucial because it influences the lifecycle of products and materials, affecting their longevity, maintenance needs, and overall environmental impact. By prioritizing durable materials, we can reduce resource consumption and waste generation, aligning with sustainability goals.
Electrical properties: Electrical properties refer to the characteristics of materials that define their behavior in the presence of electric fields. These properties include conductivity, resistivity, dielectric constant, and permittivity, which influence how materials interact with electric currents and fields. Understanding electrical properties is essential for selecting sustainable materials that not only meet performance criteria but also minimize environmental impact in various applications.
Embodied Energy: Embodied energy refers to the total amount of energy required to extract, process, manufacture, transport, and install a material or product. This concept is essential in evaluating the sustainability of materials, as it encompasses all energy inputs throughout the life cycle of a product, influencing decisions in materials selection for sustainable practices.
Embodied energy: Embodied energy refers to the total amount of energy required to extract, process, manufacture, and transport materials to a site, as well as the energy used in their installation. Understanding embodied energy is crucial because it influences material selection choices that promote sustainability and reduces the overall environmental impact of buildings and products. By considering embodied energy, designers and builders can make informed decisions that align with green building practices and certifications.
Energy efficiency: Energy efficiency refers to the goal of using less energy to provide the same level of service or output. This concept is essential for reducing energy consumption, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting sustainable practices across various sectors.
Eutrophication: Eutrophication is a process that occurs when water bodies receive excess nutrients, primarily phosphorus and nitrogen, leading to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants. This process can result in harmful algal blooms, decreased oxygen levels, and negative impacts on aquatic life. Understanding eutrophication is crucial for addressing issues related to water quality and pollution control, as well as for making sustainable decisions in materials selection that minimize nutrient runoff.
Fiberglass: Fiberglass is a composite material made from fine glass fibers that are woven together to create a lightweight, strong, and flexible structure. This material is commonly used in various applications due to its durability, resistance to corrosion, and excellent insulation properties, making it an important choice in sustainable materials selection for various industries.
Gaskets: Gaskets are mechanical seals used to fill the space between two or more mating surfaces, preventing leakage of fluids or gases. They are crucial in ensuring the integrity of various applications, especially in machines and engines, where maintaining pressure and avoiding contamination is vital. In the context of materials selection for sustainability, gaskets play a role in choosing eco-friendly materials that minimize environmental impact while maintaining performance.
Greenhouse gas emissions: Greenhouse gas emissions refer to the release of gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere, which contribute to the greenhouse effect and climate change. These emissions are primarily a result of human activities like burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, and agriculture, impacting environmental sustainability and necessitating comprehensive strategies for reduction.
Hazardous substances: Hazardous substances are materials that can pose significant risks to human health and the environment due to their chemical properties. These substances can be toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive, making their management essential in sustainable practices, especially during materials selection. Understanding these risks is critical in minimizing exposure and ensuring safety throughout the supply chain.
Hazardous waste: Hazardous waste refers to any discarded material that poses a significant threat to human health or the environment due to its toxic, reactive, ignitable, or corrosive properties. This type of waste requires careful management and disposal to prevent harmful effects on ecosystems and communities. Understanding hazardous waste is essential in materials selection for sustainability, as it influences the design, use, and disposal of materials across various industries.
Hdpe: HDPE, or High-Density Polyethylene, is a versatile plastic known for its strength, durability, and resistance to impact and chemicals. Its properties make it an ideal choice for sustainable materials selection, especially in applications that require long-lasting products with minimal environmental impact.
ISO 14040: ISO 14040 is an international standard that outlines the principles and framework for conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). It emphasizes a holistic approach to understanding the environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. This standard serves as a guideline for practitioners to ensure consistency and transparency in environmental assessments, making it easier to integrate sustainability into product development, material selection, and impact measurement.
Lead: Lead is a heavy metal that has been widely used in various industries due to its malleability, density, and resistance to corrosion. However, in the context of materials selection for sustainability, lead poses significant environmental and health risks, making it essential to consider its impacts when choosing materials for products and processes. The detrimental effects of lead exposure on human health and ecosystems emphasize the need for sustainable alternatives and practices in material selection.
Life Cycle Assessment: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a systematic method used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle—from raw material extraction through production and use to disposal. This comprehensive analysis connects environmental performance to various supply chain processes, helping organizations identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
Longevity: Longevity refers to the length of time that a material or product remains functional, useful, and relevant throughout its lifecycle. This concept is crucial when considering sustainability, as materials that last longer typically reduce waste and the frequency of replacements. In sustainable supply chain management, focusing on longevity helps in selecting materials that not only minimize environmental impact but also enhance product value by extending its usability.
Material Compatibility: Material compatibility refers to the ability of different materials to work together effectively without causing degradation, failure, or adverse reactions. This concept is crucial for ensuring that materials selected for a specific application will perform optimally together, especially in sustainable supply chain management where minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency are priorities.
Mechanical Properties: Mechanical properties refer to the characteristics of materials that describe their behavior under various types of forces and loads. These properties include strength, ductility, hardness, elasticity, and toughness, which play a crucial role in determining how materials can be used in sustainable applications. Understanding mechanical properties is essential for selecting appropriate materials that can withstand specific operational conditions while minimizing environmental impact.
Mercury: Mercury is a heavy metal that is liquid at room temperature and is known for its toxic properties. In the context of materials selection for sustainability, mercury poses significant environmental and health risks, influencing the choices made in various manufacturing processes and product designs. Due to its persistence in the environment and potential to bioaccumulate in living organisms, the use of mercury in products is being critically evaluated to promote safer alternatives and minimize its negative impact on ecosystems and human health.
Modular Design: Modular design is an approach in product development where a system is divided into smaller, self-contained units or modules that can be independently created, modified, or replaced. This method promotes efficiency in production and assembly, while also enabling greater flexibility and adaptability in response to changing market needs and sustainability goals. By leveraging standardized components, modular design not only streamlines manufacturing processes but also enhances opportunities for recycling and refurbishment.
Modular design: Modular design is an approach that creates systems and products using standardized, interchangeable components or modules. This method promotes flexibility, allowing for easy updates and modifications without redesigning the entire system. Modular design is essential for enhancing sustainability through efficient materials selection and facilitating disassembly and recyclability.
PET: PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is a type of plastic commonly used in packaging, especially for bottles and containers. Known for its durability and lightweight properties, PET is recyclable and plays a significant role in sustainable materials selection by reducing environmental impact and promoting circular economy practices.
PLA: PLA, or Polylactic Acid, is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. It is often used in 3D printing, packaging, and disposable items due to its sustainable properties and the ability to decompose into natural substances over time. PLA represents a significant step toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impact.
Post-consumer: Post-consumer refers to materials that have been used and discarded by consumers, indicating that these materials are no longer in their original form or function. This concept is essential for promoting sustainability in material selection, as it encourages the reuse, recycling, and repurposing of products instead of relying solely on virgin resources. By focusing on post-consumer materials, businesses can significantly reduce waste and lessen their environmental impact.
Post-industrial: Post-industrial refers to a stage of economic development characterized by a shift from manufacturing-based industries to a focus on services, technology, and information-based sectors. This transition often emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and the responsible use of resources, making it crucial in the discussion around materials selection for sustainability.
Post-industrial: Post-industrial refers to an economic phase that follows the industrial era, characterized by a shift from manufacturing-based economies to service-oriented economies. In this context, the focus is on knowledge, technology, and information as key drivers of economic growth, which influences materials selection for sustainability by prioritizing environmentally friendly and innovative materials over traditional manufacturing processes.
PTFE: PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a synthetic fluoropolymer that is known for its non-stick properties and chemical resistance. Commonly recognized by the brand name Teflon, PTFE is widely used in various applications, including cookware, gaskets, seals, and electrical insulation. Its unique properties make it an important material in discussions around materials selection for sustainability, as it offers durability and reduces waste through its longevity.
PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a widely used synthetic plastic polymer known for its durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. In the context of materials selection for sustainability, PVC is notable because it can be produced with varying levels of environmental impact, depending on the manufacturing processes and additives used. While PVC offers benefits such as resistance to moisture and chemicals, its life cycle poses challenges related to toxicity and recyclability that are important considerations in sustainable practices.
REACH Regulation: REACH Regulation stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals, and is a European Union regulation aimed at ensuring the safe use of chemicals. This regulation places the responsibility on companies to manage the risks from chemicals and to provide safety information on the substances they manufacture and market. It emphasizes transparency and aims to protect human health and the environment by regulating the use of hazardous substances in materials.
Recyclability: Recyclability refers to the ability of a material to be processed and transformed into new products after its initial use, thus contributing to resource efficiency and waste reduction. This concept is crucial for sustainable materials selection, as it helps minimize environmental impact by reducing the need for virgin resources and lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with production processes. Recyclability promotes a circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible, and waste is reduced significantly.
Recyclability: Recyclability refers to the ability of a material to be processed and used again in the production of new products, rather than being disposed of as waste. This concept is crucial for reducing environmental impact and conserving resources, as it encourages the use of materials that can be reclaimed and reused. Recyclability is closely tied to eco-design principles, materials selection, packaging strategies, and the evolving expectations of consumers who are increasingly concerned about sustainability.
Recycled content: Recycled content refers to the portion of a product or material that is made from recovered or recycled materials rather than virgin resources. This concept plays a significant role in promoting sustainability by reducing waste, conserving natural resources, and minimizing environmental impact. The incorporation of recycled content can enhance the circular economy, where materials are reused and recycled, rather than discarded after a single use.
Renewable content: Renewable content refers to materials or products made from resources that are replenished naturally and can be sustainably sourced over time. This concept is crucial in promoting sustainability, as it helps to reduce reliance on finite resources and encourages the use of biodegradable or recyclable materials in manufacturing processes.
RoHS Directive: The RoHS Directive, or Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, is a European Union regulation aimed at reducing the environmental impact and health risks associated with certain hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment. It restricts the use of specific substances, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and certain flame retardants, to promote sustainable practices in manufacturing and materials selection.
Sealants: Sealants are materials used to fill gaps, joints, or openings to prevent the passage of air, water, or other substances. They play a crucial role in enhancing the durability and performance of various structures and products, often contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability in building and manufacturing processes.
Silicone: Silicone is a synthetic polymer made up of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. It is known for its flexibility, durability, and resistance to heat and chemicals, making it a popular choice in various applications including cooking utensils, medical devices, and sealants. In the context of materials selection for sustainability, silicone offers advantages such as longevity and recyclability, which contribute to reducing environmental impact compared to traditional materials.
Snap-fit: A snap-fit is a type of mechanical joint that allows two or more components to be assembled without the need for additional fasteners or adhesives. This method relies on the elastic deformation of one component to create a secure connection with another, promoting ease of assembly and disassembly. Snap-fits are particularly valuable in product design as they enhance manufacturability and reduce material waste, aligning with sustainability principles.
Stainless steel: Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium, and sometimes nickel, known for its corrosion resistance and durability. This material is critical in many industries due to its strength, aesthetic appeal, and ability to withstand harsh environments, making it a popular choice in sustainable supply chain management for reducing waste and enhancing product longevity.
Steel: Steel is an alloy primarily composed of iron, with a carbon content that typically ranges from 0.02% to 2.1% by weight, which gives it remarkable strength and durability. Its versatility allows it to be used in a wide array of applications, from construction and automotive industries to manufacturing tools and appliances, making it a crucial material in sustainable supply chains aiming for long-lasting solutions.
Thermal properties: Thermal properties refer to the characteristics of materials that define their behavior in response to changes in temperature. These properties, such as thermal conductivity, heat capacity, and thermal expansion, play a crucial role in determining how materials perform under various thermal conditions and affect their sustainability in applications.
Toxicity: Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm living organisms, and it plays a crucial role in materials selection for sustainable practices. Understanding toxicity helps in evaluating the environmental and health impacts of materials used in production processes, ensuring that choices made do not lead to harmful outcomes for humans or ecosystems. It connects closely to concepts like chemical safety, environmental degradation, and regulatory compliance, emphasizing the need for responsible sourcing and usage of materials.
Toxicity: Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can cause harm to living organisms. In the context of materials selection for sustainability, understanding toxicity is crucial because it influences the health and safety of both humans and the environment throughout a product's life cycle, from production to disposal. Assessing toxicity helps in choosing materials that minimize harmful impacts, promoting sustainable practices in design and manufacturing.
TPE: TPE stands for Thermoplastic Elastomer, a type of polymer that combines the characteristics of rubber with the processing advantages of thermoplastics. TPEs are versatile materials used widely in various applications due to their excellent flexibility, resilience, and ease of manufacturing, making them an important choice in sustainable materials selection. They can be recycled and remolded, which contributes to sustainability efforts by reducing waste and conserving resources.
Water Footprint: The water footprint is a measure of the total volume of freshwater used to produce goods and services consumed by an individual, community, or business. It accounts for both direct and indirect water usage, including water used in the supply chain. Understanding this concept is crucial for selecting sustainable materials and conducting comprehensive assessments of product lifecycles, as it highlights the impact of consumption on global water resources.
Water footprint: A water footprint measures the total volume of freshwater used to produce the goods and services consumed by an individual, community, or business. This concept highlights the direct and indirect water usage throughout the supply chain, encouraging a deeper understanding of water consumption patterns and their environmental impacts. By analyzing the water footprint, stakeholders can make informed choices about materials selection, assess the sustainability of processes through lifecycle assessments, and monitor overall environmental impacts in a comprehensive manner.