Applying bio composites materials in circular design process using product service system : case study : Maritime Interior

Abstract

The present thesis has analyzed the application of principles of circular design, biomaterials and Sustainable Product-Service System (S.PSS) in order to resolve environmental issues connected with linear "take-make-dispose" production in maritime interior furniture. Within the context of limitations associated with ships' cabins, the main goal of research is to create furniture parts that could benefit from such characteristics as modularity, disassembling and recycling, and thus improve their value retention and decrease waste. Following a design research approach, the investigation has applied system mapping within LeNS and FAHP in order to harmonize flexible "fuzzy" parameters such as "naturalness" with strict technical safety standards. As a result of research activities, the concept of "Lifetime Interior Maintenance" (LIM) as a result-oriranted S.PSS model was identified, and, furthermore, recycled polypropylene enhanced with 30% cellulose fibers (PP30C) were chosen as the optimal environmentally friendly alternative for conventional plastics. It became clear that such strategies as circular design can decrease environmental impact without violating structural durability and esthetics needed for maritime applications. Therefore, in it should be stated that a framework for implementing sustainable designs for maritime interiors has been developed.