Speaking about the advantages, first of all it is necessary to mention resource conservation. This closed-loop practice in a built-up environment helps to conserve natural resources by promoting the reuse of building materials, reducing the need for the extraction of new resources. The second is waste reduction: by applying cyclical principles, the construction industry can significantly reduce waste generation by redirecting materials from landfills and minimizing the environmental burden associated with disposal. The next advantage is the creation of jobs and economic opportunities. The transition to a closed-loop economy in a built-up environment can create new jobs in areas such as waste recycling, production recovery and the development of sustainable materials.

Here are some examples of circular bioeconomic in the built environment. 

·         When buildings are demolished, cyclic methods involve their thorough disassembly in order to dispose of reusable materials, such as doors, windows, floors and structural elements, for use in new construction or reconstruction. 

·         Instead of using completely new materials, circular construction uses recycled materials in building components such as recycled steel, concrete, glass or recycled wood.

·         The modular design allows for easy disassembly and reassembly, facilitating the reuse of building elements in various projects or locations. 

·         Instead of demolishing old buildings, circular design encourages adaptive reuse, the conversion of existing structures for new purposes, the extension of their service life and the preservation of cultural heritage (which is important for certain industries, such as tourism development).

·         Encourage the practice of cyclical procurement by choosing suppliers who prefer environmentally friendly and low-carbon materials and products. 

·         Involving building residents and stakeholders in the transition from clean to zero and educating them about sustainable development methods.

Polina Makienko/23569311

New ceramic & concrete-like material that is made out of calcareous food waste – eggshells – and an algae-based bio binder. 

YLEM meticulously experiments and creates tangibles that are naturally white, lightweight, rigid, powdery, water-absorbent, and strong. 

Once their purpose is complete, these products can, quite literally, be crushed and thrown away in the compost, adding protein and other nutrients to the soil. 

Moreover, it has low propagation of fire, which means that the material can also self-extinguish.

Eggshells and Algae based bio-binder (replaced with clay to try at home)

 

Materials use- Microwave, Spoon, Measuring cup/ scale, Grinder, oven, Mold, Sieve, and flat surface. 

Process: Molded, mixed, and dried

Quantity: Water: Approx. 11ml 

Eggshell: 10gms

Calcium Alginate: 2.5gms

01.   Collect the eggshells and boil in water for 10-15min.

02.   Place the eggshells on a clean surface and place them in the microwave to dry up at the highest temperature for 1min. 

03.   Using mortar and pestle I ground the eggshells in a course powdered form. 

a.     Note: The original experiment recommended using the grinder for blending but used a mortar and pestle instead. 

04.   Sieve the 2.5 grams of alginate in a mixing bowl. Add 11ml of water to the bowl and mix thoroughly so that no lumps remain. 

Note: This needs to be carried out within 3 min of adding the alginate. 

05.   Add 10gm of crushed eggshells into the previous slurry and mix well till we get a semi-liquid mixture. 

06.   Pour the mixture into the desired shape and size of the mold. 

07.   Let the mixture dry and set for a few hours in the air. 

08.   Further use the oven at 50˚C for 5min.

Outcome: 

Since eggshells are easily available at home it is an interesting use of material.  The Mixture created was very brittle and the final product was rough in texture but molded into a usable brick on a flat baking tray. 

Challenges: 
I did not have mold available and used a small flat baking tray for the experiment.
The high temperature used cracked and burnt the Eggshells I reckon the use of a lower temperature might be helpful. 

TASK- B
While going through the unit material and researching the topic one of the topics with stuck with me is Biomimicry and how it is now being researched and utilized in the form of applied science not only for designing materials, and polymers but also to inspire building and its various design elements.  

What is biomimicry?
Biomimicry is looking at what nature has done and learning from it.  The built environment is at a critical point in adopting biomimicry in order to survive.  

We must look at nature and model ourselves after its most optimal systems. Look at a forest: its leaves drink in the sun, using photosynthesis to create its own energy, growing, shading the ecosystem below,

Example:  Dropping its leaves to the ground to be broken down into the soil, so it can continue to grow.  
Trees are pulling carbon dioxide from the air for their own fuel and releasing beneficial oxygen back into the air. 

Biomimicry in architecture and manufacturing is the practice of designing buildings and products that simulate or co-opt processes that occur in nature. 

Some Examples of ongoing research include:
01.  Ultra-strong synthetic spider silks, 
02. Adhesives modeled after gecko feet.

03.  Wind-turbine blades that mimic whale fins.

 a. Tidal turbine blade design and the need for renewable energy sources to generate electricity through clean energy sources and less CO2 emissions.
04. Shock-absorbing Biomimicry of the Woodpecker
05. Termites-inspired Ventilation System
06.  Improved building resiliency; mimicking the human skeleton

By Disha Karmakar (23182615)

B. One thing that caught my interest during the last week was the focus on limits when talking about circular economy. The goal with circular economy is to limit the extraction of raw materials and the production of waste by reusing and recovering material, products and components. Together with this, we have the Bio-based economy, where limits also need to be taken into considerations, as the risk of overexploitation and the competition with food crops and land always are current. On https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/, I continued reading about these problems, and found some articles about “The Big Food Redesign: Project '' where they try to get food producers to start using circular design in their product cycles. This could be a way to work with a circular economy and bio- based economy while also trying to reduce some of the problems that can occur, such as overexploitation. In the reports, they mention that in the current food system, only four crops contribute to 60% of the global caloric supply, while alternative ingredients with a lower environmental impact are underutilized. In order to establish a nature-positive food system, it is critical to incorporate a wider variety of plants and livestock, as well as gain a deeper understanding of local contexts for optimal functionality. Retailers have the potential to create a demand for various ingredients and can with the help of circular design make this possible. This is relevant in various industries, but for it to work, a change in mindset is necessary. This change may have to start with political initiatives, but is also important on both producer- and user level. 

Vera Linn Karlsson 24082595

The recipe called for Mussel shells. I decided on $6 mussels from Aldi- pre-packaged in garlic and wine no less. I subsequently cooked, cooled, rinsed, dried, and  placed in the oven on low to create a drier product ready for grinding. 1hr 

This was slightly labour intensive, and a bit dangerous resembling shards of glass that took flight on occasion, and the material took some refining and sifting for a consistent like powder. 1hr

I sourced Sodium alginate at an art shop close to home to create the Bio resin. I placed 1 gm in 35gms of water, stirred and left to thicken. 30 min 

Recipe called for collagen, of which I had to think outside the square and precured a small packet of collagen tablets for hair skin and nails in the health food aisle.
I add 1 gm to my Bio resin, stir and let rest. 1 ½ hrs. 

Lastly, I add my 70 g of crushed mussels to the bio resin, stir and fill my mould and put in the oven with air circulating to dry out my composite. This should take 24 hrs, yet is taking close to 48 hrs. 

The recipe called for 1gm of Chitosan. Its noted that Chitosan is a sugar that comes from the outer skeleton of shellfish, and on this assumption felt safe to proceed without it, as it may be present in some capacity with the mussel shells. I am happy with the outcome and chose this recipe particularly, as the product within its lifecycle can be ground down again and used as the dry ‘shell’ ingredient within this process, making the composite stronger/ harder in each application, which is admirable. 
Part B
LCA -The Life Cycle Assessment (slide 85 in Circularity PPoint) was my first introduction to the examination of product every step of its life, and the impact product manufacture has on global emissions and the environment. I found the research into the manufacture of cement, steel, plastics, and aluminium contributing 60% to all global emissions dire. I continued to explore this theme in this week’s article reading; ‘Product lifespans of electric and electronic products are in decline’. It looked at priority preferred strategies of product life extension and longevity through product retention, recycling, remanufacturing, material and energy source, function, efficiency, and the importance of design for end of life. The article paid attention to the mitigation of environmental impact through circular economy investment, addressing, declining product life span and by integrating this adaptability within the design process. Further case studies provided data primarily on energy focussed products and considered whether 'retention versus replacement' on an energy driven product is more environmentally positive. It iterated that advancing technology, legislation, and competition compounded progress towards a circular economy model, and that manufacturers are more likely to benefit from shorter product lifespan having it subsequently built into the product’s design.  The outcome of this article acknowledged that ‘product life scenario’ is the priority agenda for future research on products built for a circular economy. 
Student: B Sorensen 22769939

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652614000419 

 

To align with the goals of circular economy, the approach I took with this task was to make use of everyday materials.

 

10g Flowers (Flowers of your choice, I chose Roses)

68g Glutinous rice flour

2 tablespoon Cornstarch

237ml Water

 

Measuring cup, Oven, Stirring spoon, Tablespoon, Microwave, Baking Tray, Baking Paper, Scale, Pot

 

This was my first attempt at baking something on my own. After tasting the glutinous rice cake, I noticed that it had a soft and waxy texture. While the taste itself was rather plain, I was pleased to find that the cake effectively retained the freshness and essence of the flower used in the recipe.

Part B: Circular economy in cities

 

In the first seminar, I found myself drawn to the discussion of the linear and circular economy systems. 

 

A lot of countries have started to invest in the role of cities in the transition towards a circular economy and the benefits. Europe, for instance, saw the European Investment Bank co-finance circular economy projects across various sectors with €2.7 billion from 2016 to 2020, aiming to invest at least €10 billion in the circular economy by 2023 to expedite the transition (source: https://www.arup.com/perspectives/th            e-role-of-cities-in-the-transition-towards-a-circular-economy).

 

After reading numerous articles on examples of the circular economy in cities, available on the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s website, I concluded that a circular city is one that embraces the principles of the circular economy throughout its urban area, establishing a sustainable network of systems that maximises resource potential and minimises waste.

 

Implementing the circular economy in cities can yield significant economic, social, and environmental benefits. This vision can lead to:

 

I believe cities transitioning from a linear to a circular economy have made substantial investments in key categories: food and biomass, construction, infrastructure, consumer goods, and waste management. I will continue to explore more on this topic in my journal…

Eugene Tiong, 22768315

When assessing the Embodied Energy associated with building construction it is important to first understand what these figures are representative of and the limitations of their quantification. It is also important to note that Embodied Energy is defined as “the energy consumed by all of the processes associated with the production of a building”[1] which should not be confused with Operational Energy (energy use by a building over its lifetime). 

Embodied energy can be broken down into two categories, the first is Process Energy Requirement (PER) which is the quantified energy from quarrying materials through to manufacturing them. PER quantities do not consider, transportation to a shop or building site, labouring tools or even the tradesmen who instal the products. The combination or the above values is known as the Gross Energy Amount (GER) and is a more accurate representation of the actual embodied energy found in a building. 

Although a GER is a more accurate representation of the actual embodied energy in a building there are many limiting factors to its calculation. An article on “Arch Daily” regarding the calculation of such figures suggests embodied energy can be calculated through either a Life Cycle Analysis or a new Autodesk product, “The Embedded Carbon in Construction Calculator.”[2] If the standard of calculating these quantities is not standardised, then one must question the accuracy and consistency of their quantifier. 

To add, a higher Embodied Energy value can be beneficial when considering the operation energy experienced by a building throughout its lifetime. Many higher embodied materials possess exceptional thermal properties which ultimately decrease operational energy. 

In short, from my research, the most sustainable buildings are ones that aim to be adaptive, long lasting, and considerate of both Operational and Embodied Energy emissions.

Student: Corbyn Bisschops - 21704312

[1] Geoff. Milne, Chris Reardon. Materials – Embodied Energy (Perth, WA: The University of Western Australia, 2013), 1.
[2] “Embodied Energy in Building Materials: What is it and How to Calculate it,” Arch Daily, Accessed July 29^th, 2023, https://www.archdaily.com/931249/embodied-energy-in-building-materials-what-it-is-and-how-to-calculate-it.

I tried experimenting with the available materials I have from pantry, most of them are from leftovers. They were red onion skins, matcha green tea powder and black tea. The procedure was quite straightforward with boiling and seeping the material in hot water for roughly 10 minutes. However, in my opinion, the amount of water suggested was more than necessary so I reduced it and the color was more subtle than the suggested recipe. I test the resulted dye on cloth and paper to see its performance. Based on the results, I think the dye work well as watercolor due to its vivid color, yet the osmosis is quite slow compared to real watercolor. Regarding the fabric, it took a while for the color to infiltrate the fabric and dye it. Although the result was not as expected, the cloth was dyed with slight color. From my experiment, I think an additional can be added to the dye to increase the color subtleness and osmosis so that It can replace chemical watercolor and possibly food, fabric dye in the near future.

PART B:

From the talk about circular economy, the biological cycles specifically, I totally agree with the idea of using bio-degradable material, product that has the ability to go back to the biosphere once its ability to be used expires but instead of going to landfill, which may result in great amount of Green house gases from burning waste, the product disintegrates and allows itself to be regenerated and used in another forms. This idea of maximising bio-products is further invoked as I encountered an article sponsored by Ellen Macarthur Foundation, where they would tackle the issue of food role in circular economy. The article presented many ways in which food and their by-products can play a big role in decreasing GHG from industrial and agricultural waste by presenting four design opportunities: Diverse, Lower impact, Upcycled and Regeneratively produced. These design strategies aim not to only secure environmental problem but also help farmers to improve their profit by providing certain incentives and training for a better eco-friendly approach to technology and agriculture. Moreover, the strategies are also made with a goal of establishing a better management over a certain case-studied area so that every stage of agriculture is well-examined and supported with appropriate measures when necessary. This is also the reason why I conducted task A experiment on food waste like used tea leaves and onion skins to check their actual usage after several times of processing. 
Nguyen Bui. 22745491

Browsing through Materiom.com and the various bio-based material recipes, I decided to attempt an oak sawdust and coffee biomaterial recipe. The process involved combining dry ingredients with a wet mixture that served as the bonding agent. Working with ingredients available to me, I substituted the oak sawdust for compostable cardboard trays, which I have plenty of as they come with the bananas I buy. These trays were blended to create a similar texture to sawdust. I added the cardboard dust, used coffee grounds and rooibos teas leave together. Once combined with the cornflour and hot water mixture, the contents were placed in a basic mould to set. The created material has a rubbery surface texture, with bumps and rough areas created by the coffee, tea and cardboard. By refining the ratio of wet and dry ingredients, a more ‘solid’ material could be created to be more like the recipe’s example images. However, the material in its current form reminds me of a rubber or foam with small, dispersed air pockets and could potentially be used for its insulative properties - a bio-based esky or even a seat cushion / mattress.

Part B - Linear and Circular Economic Models

Prior to the tutorial about the difference between circular and linear economic models, my conception of a sustainable development model simply added a ‘recycle’ step at the end of the linear model, where parts of some manufactured products might be reused. However, this approach would ignore the many opportunities to reuse and keep materials in use to longer.

The Ellen Macarthur Foundation challenges the linear economic model with a circular one, that provides a new way in which our technological cycles operate. A circular model requires manufacturers to re-think the lifecycle of products and their materials. This system looks to emulate the biological cycle, where materials from species moves to another and back to the biosphere. This creates a closed system where nothing is wasted and taken to ‘landfill’. In a technical system that follows a circular model, manufacturers would design products and packaging to be reused, be biodegradable or recycled to make more products in the future. 

This raises a question on ownership of products, where the consumer is only loaning the item and can return it once it to the manufacturer once it needs to be replaced or upgraded. This allows the parts to be disassembled and reused for other items. The butterfly diagram illustrates this continuous flow of materials and energy in both the technical and biological spheres. In the technical side products, parts and materials are kept in use through repairing, reusing, remanufacturing, and recycling while in the biological side, nutrients and energy are biodegraded and returned to the biosphere. 

Khosrow Farahmand

Part-A Experiment 

Experimental contents: 

As a plant-based building material, the first concern is its fire resistance. I bought some dried seagrass and lit it on fire, and found that although the dried seagrass would ignite, it would go out quickly and not burn the whole thing. With the addition of the right amount of glue(white glue, sticky rice, egg white), the seaweed becomes very pliable and difficult to tear. At the same time, dried seaweed is very difficult to rot due to the large amount of salt that is still present. 

Difficulties: 

It is not possible to quantitatively analyze the strength of seagrasses, and for the time being, it is only possible to do so through human intuition. Specific environments are needed to observe seagrass tolerance to decay. 

The manufacture of houses out of seaweed is a phenomenon that has occurred throughout the history of coastal areas all over the world. In modern times, the quest for environmentally friendly materials has led many researchers to integrate this material with contemporary architecture. 

Prefabricated Seaweed Thatched Panels: 

Danish designer Kathryn Larsen attempted to restore houses on the island of Læsø by using eelgrass and natural adhesives. Eight months later, the panels made of eelgrass are undamaged, while moss grows on them - meaning that seaweed panels can contribute to the field of three-dimensional greenery. (https://www.designboom.com/design/kathryn-larsen-seaweed-prefab-thatch-panels-03-04-2020/) 
Menghan Li 23319774

Making 

Before choosing a recipe or material, I am intrigued by perforated construction and the impact it can have on internal spaces with regards to atmospheric quality and dappled lighting features. Based on this, my research was exploring through the outlined websites, looking for a material that is not only considered bio based, but translucent which could create interesting light in internal spaces. This definitely posed some challenges in devising a material that had materials easily accessible in the household. 

I chose the recipe for the Butternut-squash bioplastic material, do to its relevance of topic discussed with regards to material properties, along with accessibility of materials. 

The recipe: 

Water – 15ml 

Butternut squash pulp – 250g 

Glycerol – 30g 

 

The process was quite simple, blend and combine the materials, flatten out over a plastic sheet, and then let it dry. The results are as follows and shown in imagery. 

 The result wasn’t what I was hoping for, with the desired concepts of this perforated material that could create interesting interior spaces and atmospheres as an alternative to a steel mesh not quite coming through. I think the results were as shown due to the drying needing to be done in a warmer climate or season, or under some form of heating device. 

 

PART B – Seminar Topic 

The topic of study chosen for the week was the maintenance aspect of the circular system butterfly diagram, and its relevance when reducing the impact of embodied energy. The reading, “Your Home: Australia’s guide to Environmentally Sustainable Homes” provided an insight into the equivalent impact embodied and operational energy can have, dependant on various factors; the occupant, the lifespan and ultimately a design for long life. It’s interesting to consider how positively impactful a durable and adaptive building can be in reducing embodied energy, which can be ultimately seen as reliant on the designer’s hand. The idea of seeing embodied energy past simply the materials and construction techniques chosen and their impact but looking further into the lifespan of the building really resonates as a deeper exploration into the impact of the built environment industry. 

Linking back to this idea of maintenance from the butterfly diagram, it can be separated into two considerations; the designer’s consideration for the buildings ability to be maintained, and the dedication the user has in order to increase the lifespan of the construction. Which as designers, it impacts the way of thinking with regards to considering the ability to preserve and prolong the lifespan of buildings. 

Riley Drennan - 22729731

For my experiment, I attempted to create a biodegradable composite plate using dried orange peels and grass from my backyard as I had these readily available at home and wanted to get creative with them. The process involved drying the orange peels in an air fryer and then grinding them with a bit of water in a mixer to form a dough-like mixture. I added cinnamon powder for its anti-fungal properties, coconut oil, grass and glutinous rice flour to enhance the durability and binding strength of the composite. I then molded the dough into a plate using my hands and allowed it to sun dry.

INGREDIENTS

3 Dried Orange Peels

Grass Clippings (small thin pieces)

A Pinch of Cinnamon Powder

Water

1 tablespoon of Coconut Oil

1 tablespoon of Glutinous Rice Flour

TOOLS/GADGETS

Airfryer/oven

Blender

Challenges and Successes:

One of the main challenges I encountered was achieving the right consistency for the dough. Initially, the mixture was brittle, making it difficult to shape and mold into a plate. However, the addition of grass and the binding agents like coconut oil and glutinous rice flour helped in improving the workability of the dough, leading to a more cohesive and moldable material.

The sun-drying process took longer than expected, which was a minor setback, but eventually, the composite plate dried out and became more solid. The cinnamon powder not only added antifungal properties but also imparted a pleasant aroma to the final product.

The success of the experiment was in creating a composite plate using natural and biodegradable materials. The combination of dried orange peels, grass, coconut oil, and glutinous rice flour resulted in a sustainable alternative to traditional disposable plates.

Based on my understanding of the initial seminar, my experiment attempted to delve into the concepts of biodegradable materials, natural binders, and the use of waste materials for sustainable alternatives. By using dried orange peels and grass, I explored the potential of agricultural waste and backyard resources in creating eco-friendly products.

In the experiment of making an orange peel and grass composite plate, I explored both linear and circular lifecycle concepts. Initially, the linear lifecycle was evident as I gathered the materials, processed them, and created the composite plate. The linear approach involves a linear progression from sourcing raw materials, manufacturing, and using the product until disposal. However, the experiment also embodied the principles of a circular lifecycle, especially in terms of waste management and reusability.

In the circular lifecycle aspect, the experiment showcased the utilization of agricultural waste (orange peels) and backyard resources (grass) that would have otherwise been discarded as waste. By repurposing these materials and transforming them into a biodegradable composite plate, I aligned with circular economy principles. The plate can eventually be returned to the environment at the end of its lifecycle, safely decomposing without causing harm, completing the circular loop.

Additionally, the incorporation of natural binders like coconut oil and glutinous rice flour highlighted the focus on sustainable practices, making the composite more environmentally friendly throughout its lifecycle. Choosing biodegradable materials and considering their impact from creation to disposal are vital elements of circular design.

Through this experiment, I learned about the significance of sustainable material choices, natural additives, and the potential of circular economy principles in reducing waste and environmental impact. By combining these concepts, I was able to create a simple and eco-friendly composite plate that aligns with the values of circular design and contributes to a more sustainable future. This experiment has inspired me to explore more circular economy solutions and consider the lifecycle of materials in my future DIY projects to reduce waste and promote environmental consciousness.

Ishitha Lyka / 22700283

 

 

Diverse Circular Approaches: The typology reveals a wide array of strategies for businesses to embrace circular economy principles.  From extending product life to recycling and sharing economy practices, there are versatile options to choose from.

Holistic Sustainability: The closed-loop supply chain concept emphasizes considering the entire product lifecycle, leading to reduced waste and environmental harm.  Identifying resource recovery opportunities throughout the supply chain fosters a sustainable approach.

Sustainability Benefits: Circular business models offer significant advantages, including minimized resource consumption, waste reduction, and lower environmental impact.  Adopting these models contributes to a greener and more eco-friendly economy.

Flexibility and Collaboration: The typology empowers businesses to tailor their approach based on industry, product type, and sustainability goals.  Collaboration between companies and consumers optimizes resource use, lowers costs, and enhances customer experiences.

Continuous Evolution: The circular economy and closed-loop supply chain concepts are constantly evolving.  As companies and researchers explore innovative methods, new business models and strategies emerge, further advancing circular principles.

As a sustainability advocate, I find the concept of the circular economy and closed-loop supply chains incredibly promising and transformative. The traditional linear "take, make, dispose" approach has led to significant environmental issues, and I believe it's high time for a more sustainable alternative.

Jason Zhang 23019446

For my experiment I attempted to make a composite material using seashells and kelp found by the beach. 

The steps taken for this experiment were derived from a recipe on Materiom, for creating a composite using razor clams and bull kelp, however I used seashells and golden kelp partly out of curiosity as to whether it would work and partly because I didn’t have bull kelp or razor clams readily available. 

The instructions required the kelp and shells to be heated for 2-2.5hr at 100 degrees Celsius. The kelp was ground into a fine powder, mixing 16g with 100ml of water on a low heat until a thick paste formed. The seashells were crushed into a powder and half the kelp paste was mixed with 100g of the shell powder and set in a mould for 24hrs. 

I was sceptical this would work as I didn’t believe the kelp would be a strong enough binding agent to bind to the seashells however the resulting composite, while very brittle, did in fact hold its shape. I’m not sure what this could be used for as it was very fragile, but I believe with a stronger binding agent this material could be functional.

 The circular economy suggests products should be designed to last a lifetime, with their fundamental materials being reused, recycled, or refurbished to eradicate waste. this is particularly true of technical items that are made of materials that are harmful to the environment, such as plastics and metals. To ensure these products don’t end up in landfill maintenance and ease of repair are imperative. Through my readings on Products that go round: exploring product life extension through design (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652614000419) I discovered 3 design strategies that can be implemented to increase the lifespan of products. These are: 

1)     Preventative measures that reduce the quantity of waste through material efficiency, that is, materials that won’t break down or can be easily maintained. 

2)     Through reusing the components of products that are at the end of their lifespan in building and repairing other products through refurbishment and remanufacturing. 

3)     Recycling materials by reprocessing materials and waste to be used to remanufacture the same product or another product entirely.

An example of this would be recycling plastic into pellets to be used to create new plastic products.

Julian Mason 22971118

For my experiment I attempted to create a green ink using only two natural ingredients, spirulina and tung oil. The process to create this ink is very simple, you combine the ingredients together in a small bowl or jar, mix thoroughly to ensure they are properly combined and then apply the ink to paper (or any other absorbent material) with a brush. Initially I tried a 50/50 mix of spirulina and tung oil, but I found the ink very thick and hard to work with. I continued to add tung oil until it reached the desired consistency. Through my experimentation I noticed very little difference in the colour of the ink no matter the ratio of these ingredients.

Part B – The Circular Economy and C2C Certification.
https://c2ccertified.org/ 

The circular economy is imperative to the sustaining the earth’s resources, allowing for a sustainable future for the next generations. Cradle to Cradle is an example of a business that is encouraging other businesses to create products that have a circular lifecycle, from design to production and even its post-user life. Cradle to Cradle assists in the shift to the circular economy by providing framework and guidelines for businesses to follow to ensure that their products meet these requirements. The framework that Cradle to Cradle provides is measured across five separate categories, which include: 

·         Material Health: Ensures materials are safe for humans and environment. 

·         Product Circularity: Ensuring products are designed for their next use. 

·         Clean Air and Climate Protection: Ensures the manufacturing process has a positive impact on the environment. 

·         Water and Soil Stewardship: Ensures water and soil are treated with care and not contaminated. 

·         Social Fairness: Ensures safe and equitable labour practices are put in place. 

Together, these categories provide the basis for C2C certification, which demonstrates that a company and/or product is a pioneer of contributing to the circular economy. This allows for global recognition that these products are sustainably made, circular and have a positive impact on the environment. The development of this standard allows companies to work towards a common goal for the betterment of mankind. 

Cameron Crocker - 22891824

Designers in the built environment often utilise a circular economy model as it aims to “limit the extraction of raw materials and the production of waste by recovering and reusing materials, products, and components, in a systematic way.” The versatility of a circular economy not only assists with design principles but serves as a tool to business models and logistic strategies to tackle and address important social needs. This is done by utilising the same key principles of the model: 

1.       Design out waste and pollution. 

2.       Keep products and materials in use. 

a.       Strive for minimal energy waste and highest quality retention, through design of disassembly or easy repair. 

3.       Regenerate natural systems 

a.       The ‘waste’ of one product is the ‘nutrients’ for another². 

In 2019 only 9% of global plastic waste was recycled whilst a further 22% was mismanaged. This comes at an alarming rate as the world is producing twice as much plastic waste comparative to two decades ago³. 

The key to improving the circularity of plastic waste is aligning design approaches to fit the circular economy model. One such company that effectively does this is ‘Apeel’, which uses innovative ways to eliminate single-use shrink wrap plastic packaging on fresh fruit and vegetable by providing a protective layer that keeps moisture in and oxygen out⁴. By increasing the shelf life of fresh produce, the layer of edible, plant-based coating efficiently designs out food wastage by providing a preventative to premature rotting, whilst also eliminating plastic packaging waste. Apeel helps to solve the global single-use plastic problem, providing an example of how a circular economy is a valuable instrument for designers to create sustainable design.

Savannah Kelly // 22894743

After browsing all recipes on the Materiom.org, I found the Eggshell and Flour Bio-material recipe is easy to achieve and it is fun to play with the eggshell dough.

Ingredients: 
Eggshell 100g; Almond oil 1ml; Water 100ml; Wheat flour(white) 100g

Steps: 

1. Smash the eggshell into coarse powder.

2. Mix eggshell with almond oil

3. Add 100ml water into the compound

4. Mix them all together with 100g wheat flour
5. Let them dry for 4-5 days

Challenges: 
At first, I did not remove the eggshell membrane, so it is hard to smash them into powder. After I have done all the steps, I found it is hard to let the bio-material dry because I made them too thick, and it is during the winter. 

Successes: 
As a result, this bio-material can be shaped into various forms which will be interesting to be used as decertations.

I found a thoughtful video from the following website: https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview

The first seminar provided me with a clear vison of Circular Economy which is a flip perception of linear economy. Circular Economy is divided into two parts: the technical cycle and the biological cycle. In the context of the technical cycle, if we design a system that can remanufacture things before they break, enabling their use for as long as possible, resulting in considerable savings in money, time, and a significant reduction in waste and pollution. In addition, sharing may be related with the other loops such as maintenance and reuse in the technical cycle. Sharing products enhances the effectiveness of the technical cycle in a sophisticated manner. 

In terms of the biological cycle, the principles are quite similar as technical cycle. The goal here is to use biological materials for as long as possible and retain their highest possible value, a concept known as 'cascading'. Regeneration is a phenomenal opportunity to collect all biological materials of human waste, food waste and food production waste and feed them back into our economic system. People are used to thinking just make things themselves last a bit longer. However, Circular Economy promotes a different mindset. It shifts the perspective from minimizing negative impacts to building superior solutions that generate positive impacts through various activities within the economy.  

Wanyi Ning
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I chose to make a bio-material blend of egg shells and flour. The ingredients needed for this recipe are the most common and at the same time quicker to prepare. We use these materials very often, and egg shells and flour can be relatively inexpensive compared to some high-performance synthetic biomaterials, which can reduce the cost of biomaterial preparation.

First of all, you need to prepare some eggshells, clean them, and then put them into a mortar, grind them into a fine powder, add a certain proportion of water, glycerin and flour and mix, you can get the initial results of biomaterials, and then we can make it into different shapes according to different needs and wait for the air drying, which seems to have a good performance in terms of warmth and light protection. It can be used to make different product packages, household utensils and so on. Eggshells and flour are both natural resources that can be obtained in a sustainable way, thus not having an excessive impact on the environment. Compared with many traditional synthetic materials that are complicated to prepare, they are better able to decompose faster in the natural environment and reduce waste, and the synthetic material made from mixing eggshells and flour has a much better performance in terms of protection of the environment and sustainable development.

 

Part B:

Bioeconomy, is an economic activity in which biotechnology and natural resources are used as the main sources to produce goods, services or energy in an environmentally friendly way. The aspect of the bioeconomy that interests me the most is the issue of product longevity. With the rapid increase in population, the over-consumption of materials has led to a serious shortage of resources, how to extend the life of products through the circular economy, recycling to make the product after the end of the life of the product is not seen to play a greater role, i.e., to use less material to design the product, the shape of the linear economy to the utilization of the core of the circular economy (from take- make- use-disposal to prevention-reuse-recycling). The optimal product lifespan is the point in time where the environmental impacts that arise from using a product equal the embedded impacts of a replacement product. impacts of a replacement product.

There are usually three ways to extend a product lifespan, one is repair: mainly the components of the product can be replaced: the design of easy disassembly can make the core components of the product replaceable, upgradable, repairable, rebuildable, and bring the product back to good working condition again; the second is refurbishment: through rebuilding and repairing to bring the used product back to satisfactory working condition; and the third is remanufacturing: to restore the used product to its original performance, so that it is as good as the new manufactured product. Third, remanufacturing: restoring a used product to its original performance so that it is the same as or better than a newly manufactured product.

This article not only proposes these solutions, but also raises some questions worth thinking about, whether policy is the main reason affecting the life of products from a sustainable point of view, and currently only provides limited guidance through prevention-reuse-recycling, and so far there is still no unified optimal solution to the problem, and it is still worthwhile to explore the business model of product recovery and recycling. model is still worth exploring.

Yuerong Wu 
23715761

I was interested in the idea of bio-plastics made of starch and their properties and versatility. Though we have reached a good depth of knowledge on the science behind these materials, large-scale manufacturers still only use this material partially to make products. Coca-Cola, one of the largest producers of single-use plastic, make and use only 30% bio-based plastic in their manufacture of bottles.

Ingredients:

Tapioca Starch 100g, Glycerin 1Tsp, Vinegar 2Tsp and water.

Process:

Its quite straightforward-we have to add in all the ingredients to a pan and mix well. Turn on the heat till the mixture turns to a jelly and place it in a mould.

The setting process can be done in different ways. I have experimented with 3 different ways to set. 

First, refrigerating the mixture sets it, but does not alter the water content. Which makes it more like a jello than a plastic.

Second, Sun drying, a more tedious task as it takes about 24 hrs to set and gives the consistency of plastic

Third, baking in the oven. It dehydrates the mixture but begins to break down the polymers formed during the mixing of glycerin and starch. The end product is harder and more brittle. Introducing bicarbonate soda may reduce the brittle nature of the end product but I have to test it.

The best solution is probably the 2^nd one but for this to work in a manufacturing process, Sun drying may not be the best solution. Instead, dehydrating at room temperature can be used to achieve similar properties in fraction of the time. 

Material:

Arrowroot starch can give the best results as it forms longer polymer strands making the end product more flexible. Corn, potato, rice and tapioca starch are alternatives. 

Part B - The Balance: Biological Cycle and Technical Cycle 
 
One of the interesting points in the seminar was the importance of maintaining a balance between biological and technical cycles. The biological cycle deals with the
flows of renewable resources that can be safely returned to the environment,
while the technical cycle deals with the reuse and refurbishing of non-renewable abiotic resources which cannot be returned to the biosphere.
 
 Integration of the two cycles is the key to a more sustainable future. This involves designing products and processes that can be easily disassembled, repaired and recycled, as shown in the mobile phone example in the seminar. 
 
 Challenges:
 Creating and changing the current process of manufacturing is a tedious task. Some of the challenges that are stopping the manufacturers and stakeholders of today are:
 
 1. Collaboration of industries and stakeholders. The integration requires a shift in mindset from a linear economy to a circular economy which can be difficult to achieve. It also requires revision of business models, regulations and incentives that support circular practices.
 
 2. Complexity of the products and materials involved in the cycle. Products made of multiple
materials require different processes for disassembly and recycling.
 
 3. A lack of infrastructure for managing the cycles. The infrastructure for collecting,
sorting, processing and distributing products and materials need to be
developed.
 
Despite the challenges, the integration offers huge rewards and benefits in the future. It will reduce waste, save resources and create jobs.

Research:
Ramesh Padmati (Chemist from Trinity College) has done extensive research on bio-plastics.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Kaushik Rao/23233088

P.S. The image attached is Bio Plastic made of tapioca starch and natural red dye, not jam on a piece of bread.

 

Part A: Eggshell and Flour Biomaterial 

Creating an eggshell and flour biomaterial is a simple and eco-friendly process that repurposes waste eggshells and common household ingredients to produce a versatile and sustainable material. 

The first step involves collecting eggshells from consumed eggs. Once collected, the eggshells are thoroughly cleaned to remove any residue. Next, the eggshells are crushed to break them down into smaller pieces. These crushed eggshells are then spread out on a flat surface to dry them completely, removing any remaining moisture. 

After drying, the eggshells are further ground using a pestle and mortar until they become a fine powder. The finer the eggshell powder, the smoother and more consistent the final biomaterial will be. 

The next stage involves combining the finely crushed eggshell powder with flour, which acts as a binding agent. The proportion of eggshell powder to flour can be adjusted depending on the desired properties of the biomaterial. 

To form a paste-like consistency, peanut oil and water are added to the mixture. The peanut oil helps improve the material's flexibility and durability, while water assists in creating a workable paste. 

Once the paste is ready, it is carefully poured or shaped into an egg carton or any other suitable mold that provides the desired shape and dimensions for the final biomaterial. The egg carton helps maintain the shape of the material while it dries. 

The mixture is left to dry naturally, allowing the water to evaporate and the biomaterial to solidify. The drying process may take some time, depending on the thickness of the biomaterial and environmental conditions. 

After drying, the eggshell and flour biomaterial is ready for use. Its applications are diverse, ranging from crafting and design projects to functional items, such as eco-friendly packaging materials or biodegradable products. 

This creative and sustainable process not only transforms waste eggshells into valuable resources but also reduces the environmental impact by repurposing common household ingredients. The resulting eggshell and flour biomaterial showcase the possibilities of circular economy principles, promoting a more responsible approach to resource management and waste reduction. 

 

Part B: Material Passport 

A material passport is a digital document that serves as a comprehensive inventory of all the materials used in a product or construction throughout its entire life cycle. The purpose of the material passport is to facilitate and support circular economy strategies in supply chain management. Circular economy refers to an economic system aimed at minimizing waste and maximizing the value of resources through responsible production, consumption, and disposal practices. 

 

The material passport contains a set of data describing specific characteristics of the materials incorporated in the product. This information is crucial for various stakeholders, including manufacturers, designers, recyclers, and consumers, as it enables the identification of the materials' value for recovery, recycling, and re-use at the end of the product's life cycle. By having a detailed record of the materials used and their properties, companies and organizations can make informed decisions about how to optimize the circularity of their products, making it easier to recycle or re-use the materials, reducing waste, and supporting sustainability goals. 

 

Having a material passport for a product allows for better traceability and accountability in the supply chain, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resource-efficient approach to production and consumption. It encourages a shift away from the traditional linear "take-make-dispose" model towards a circular model that promotes the continuous use of resources and materials, thus minimizing environmental impacts and fostering a more sustainable economy. 

 

Jordan Niven  

23570424 

I have chosen to use recipe of eggshell and flour as it is easy to make at home and the process is straight forward. I enjoyed making it and waiting for different types/ shapes the shell can form into. It can vary the style to how finely the shell has been smashed. If it is in course powder the production it will be finer with no sharp edges if it is smashed (like on image) it cans show a rougher surface of the product. 

Ingredients:

Egg

Flour

Water

Oil (almond, sunflower)

Method:

1.       Crack the eggshells and wash them. 

2.       Smash the eggshells to make them into a powder. 

3.       Mixing eggshell well with oil (20ml)

4.       Add about 50ml water.

5.       Mix them well and add 100g plain flour.

6.       Let it dry for 2-5 days.

Part 2-Linear economy and circular economy

Through the research and readings from the unit content I have found interest in the difference between linear economy and circular economy. And it is fascinating to know the difference. All through the principal’s approach are for the better for the economy and reduce the waste production. As there is no waste to be formed and most are directed to be ‘re-use’. through different energy such as electrical energy, chemical energy, mechanical energy, and thermal energy (not all energy is utilised). Difference is that linear economy is unsustainable pattern, but circular economy regenerates natural systems. 

I have attached a clip I have found interesting and easy to understand this approach. 

Lucy Nam 23468445

I have always had an interest in the traditional paper making methods of Japan called ‘Washi’ and ‘Shoji’ screens. This paper has a warm texture and is incredibly durable for its thinness.

This week's topic immediately made me think whether there is technology for circular papermaking in this industry.  This is how my idea for the experiment began.

Washi is originally handmade from bark trees which have a fast growth cycle and can be harvested annually so they do not contribute to rapid deforestation. However now most of the paper produced in Japan is made primarily from wood pulp imported from western countries.

Is there a way I can recycle an existing paper waste and convert it using minimal environmentally impactful processes to create a paper similar to ‘Washi’. Great website which details the process of Washi Paper: https://awagami.com/pages/washi-paper-basics

As an entry into paper making I explored the basic process of recycled paper making.

Ingredients:

Newspaper

Water

Bleach

Method:

Challenges - Not overly strong as the strength of washi comes from its fibres layering over each other. Limitation of 'Screen size' Custom tools needed to be made. I want to try use more fibrous materials maybe recycling different paper? I read there are ingredients that bring out a binding effect in raw material. Takes a long time to dry the paper. Bleach seemed to not have any effect on a separate test.

Success - Very simple procedure and lots of accessible existing resource when it comes to paper. Hot water seemed to break down the paper faster than cold.

Part B - Circular Economy

How can a transition to a Circular Economy be achieved?

Further research seems to show that individual efforts through ‘better’ consumption and waste habits is not enough to make change on its own. Policy change and government level action is critical in a beginning a more holistic approach. This video is an interesting example of how individuals in South Korea are held accountable for their waste. Residents are required to discard their food waste in dedicated biodegradable bags sold at the supermarket or via pay machines that recognize each user by scanning your ID. Be accountable.

As a result South Korea recycles 95% of its food waste. This food waste is processed into animal feed and biogas. Some are embracing composting at home to reduce recycling fees.

This case shows how the government, companies and consumers have to all be positioned within a circularity for large scale change to occur and be managed. As more government policies that incentivise waste reduction and resource efficiency then will consumer awareness of sustainability grow into other sectors.

Youtube video link : 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgUYTgwPKn8&t=185s

21955135 - Justin Katsumata Yu

 

Orange Peel Pots

My project is attempting to make bioplastic from orange peels. In my research I found that juice manufacturing only uses about half the orange’s weight potentially leaving the rest to end up in landfill.  Some current initiatives in the central cost of New South Wales juice manufacturers are providing the remaining unused produce for cattle and sheep farming feed. 

 

My objective was to see the viability of some bio-degradable pots that could be used to potentially grow the next generation of saplings.
 
Ingredients:
25g ground orange peel
50g potato starch
2g bicarb soda
5ml lemon juice
1/2 cup water (or more to get mixture gluey)

Method:

- Peel and dry orange peel and blend into small particles

- Combine all ingredients to a smooth paste

- Heat mixture to a glue like consistency

- Mould and heat until firm

I tried a series of experiments with different ingredient quantities, temperatures and heating time resulting in different consistencies and product. Long low heating caused the colour to darken, high temperatures changed consistency to a rubbery texture. A longer running test of having a seedling grow in the pots would be beneficial. 

 
Part B

Bio Based Materials Solutions to Global Overconsumption

Today’s lecture provided insight of the different types of consumption economies. One of the interesting points was the overconsumption of natural resources is heading toward a future where there will be few resources left for future generations.  Currently global population growth is spiralling and average human lifespans increasing, the social impact of when the globe can no longer sustain the overuse of its resources will inevitably destroy habitats and ecosystems endangering the survival of species including mankind.

 

The current state of extracting finite materials for manufacturing and eventually landfill waste (explained as the Linear System) is unsustainable. There is a ever increasing need to find sustainable solutions to consumption levels overall and finding a pathway to replenish and return materials safely to the biosphere that offer continuous cycles of use. Management requires monitoring of consumption patterns of natural resources and creating new ways to preserve them as well as planning alternative resource options.  An urgent priority is the reduction on non-renewable resources such as that which must be dug from the earth (metals, gemstones, sand, and other raw materials). Options for design for circularity and transitioning from non-renewable resources to resources that can replenish themselves, that work to preserve the environment, the economy, and human civilization in the future. 

 

Some examples I reviewed in new technologies to improve the efficiency of renewable resources is expanding to include biomass energy (such as ethanol), hydropower, geothermal power, wind energy, and solar energy. Biomass in organic material from plants or animals includes wood, sewage, and ethanol (which comes from corn or other plants). The natural resources sand and water have the highest consumption globally. I was particularly interested the depletion of sand. Information states construction and grand scale urbanisation and construction concrete are the primary users of sand, globally around 50 billion tons is extracted each year.  With vast quantities removed from ocean habitats and river systems these ecosystems are deteriorating fast. 

 

Options to reduce overuse of sand.

- Recycling concrete rubble

- Recycling glass

- Substitute quarry dust for sand in concrete structures

References:

 
Moreno, Mariale, Carolina De los Rios, Zoe Rowe, and Fiona Charnley. 2016. “A Conceptual Framework for Circular Design.” Sustainability 8 (9): 937. https://doi.org/10.3390/su8090937. 

 

Ellen Macarthur Foundation. 2013. “Towards the Circular Economy Vol. 1: An Economic and Business Rationale for an Accelerated Transition.” Ellenmacarthurfoundation.org. 2013. https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/towards-the-circular-economy-vol-1-an-economic-and-business-rationale-for-an. 

Beiser, V. (2018). Sand mining: the global environmental crisis you’ve never heard of. [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/feb/27/sand-mining-global-environmental-crisis-never-heard. 

 

World Economic Forum (2022). Sand: the environmental catastrophe you’ve probably never heard of. [online] World Economic Forum. Available at: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/06/global-sand-mining-demand-impacting-environment/.

                                     

Ben Moreschi

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