When designing a product, it is necessary to think about its entire life cycle – from its concept to the end of its useful life. Therefore, it is extremely necessary to have knowledge of the materials used in your project. When it comes to sustainability, it is necessary to think not only about the production or origin of a material, but also about how this material can be discarded. There are many materials of artificial origin that can take centuries to decompose – many of them cannot even be recycled.
Acrylic
Acrylic can be used to make bags or even for the very popular as of lately, chains. This material is not biodegradable and can take up to 200 years to decompose. In addition, the material depends on fossil fuel extraction for its production, making it relatively destructive. Acrylic is not renewable. Although it recycles nicely, this recycling process emits a lot of gas. Acrylic production emits carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other compounds By using acrylic in your accessory, you will put another product on the planet that will take years upon years to be fully discarded and pollute our planet more as it is being produced as a material.
Vegan leather
In recent years, vegan leather has emerged as an “eco-friendly” alternative that mimics the look and feel of leather. However, much of this material is derived from petroleum, being essentially made of plastic. Many people are attracted to this alternative because it is not of animal origin, however, little is said about the impact that this type of material has on nature after its disposal. There are alternatives that are being created that are of plant origin and have less environmental impact – it is extremely important to research the material that will be used in a design and make a decision on its level of biodegradability.
Vinyl
Vinyl is mostly made from crude oil – which is a non-renewable resource, meaning It can’t be replenished in the same way that plants, water, and other natural resources can. Vinyl is also not biodegradable. It might take several hundred years to biodegrade.
It is essential to keep in mind the impact your product can have on the environment before it is even produced. We at the Clutch Made Factory support sustainable practices – if you are interested in developing your product with us with renewable and biodegradable materials, schedule a Design Consult with our team.