Strengthening cooperation between the design and recycling industries to standardize design for recycling.

Purpose and goal:

The project aim was to enhance collaboration between design and recycling industries, and to address challenges in plastic product recyclability. Interviews were held with 15 companies and based on the collected data design criteria for plastic products have been proposed in a report which will be published in a report. To address the need for a wider knowledge about the topic of design for recycling, various events have been held, included conferences, study visits, and workshops to promote cross-industry knowledge exchange.

Expected results and effects:

There has been high interest in the various events held, indicating many companies are keen to learn how to improve recyclability of plastic-containing products. Although there is still a long way to go until all can adapt and recycling processes are optimized, the project has contributed to increasing awareness, encouraging thoughtful product creation, using less complex plastic materials, and considering incorporating more recycled plastic in products.

Approach and implementation:

Throughout the project, we conducted interviews with 15 companies to understand the main challenges in designing products for recycling and the limitations in plastic recycling. A workshop was conducted to develop design criteria based on this. To disseminate knowledge and promote exchange, we organized a conference, a study visit, and an international workshop.