Design for Circularity: ASI Principles and Guidelines
Bar ohne Namen
Entschlossen verweigert sich Savage, der Bar einen Namen zu geben. Stattdessen sind drei klassische Design-Symbole das Logo der Trinkstätte in Dalston: ein gelbes Quadrat, ein rotes Viereck, ein blauer Kreis. Am meisten wurmt den sympathischen Franzosen dabei, dass es kein Gelbes-Dreieck-Emoji gibt. Das erschwert auf komische Weise die Kommunikation. Der Instagram Account lautet: a_bar_with_shapes-for_a_name und anderenorts tauchen die Begriffe ‘Savage Bar’ oder eben ‚Bauhaus Bar‘ auf.
Für den BCB bringt Savage nun sein Barkonzept mit und mixt für uns mit Unterstützung von Russian Standard Vodka an der perfekten Bar dazu.
The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) is introducing new guidelines on "Design for Circularity" to assist designers, manufacturers, and civil society in making informed decisions that align with the principles of the circular economy. In the aluminium production industry, "Design for Circularity" is not just about using recycled materials but involves a holistic approach that integrates sustainability into every stage of a product or project’s lifecycle, from conception to end-of-life.
Complexity, Challenges, and Strategies
Designing for a circular economy is a multifaceted challenge. Simply switching to recycled materials and labeling a product as sustainable is not sufficient. The journey towards circularity requires the involvement of all stakeholders in a product's lifecycle, from material scientists to recycling plant operators. This collaboration helps in creating products that are not only functional but also durable and recyclable.
The transition from a "take, make, waste" linear economy model to one of "narrow, slow, and close" resource flows in line with the circular economy requires a shift in thinking. Brands and designers must work closely with consumers to promote take-back schemes, repair programs, and products designed for easy upgrades. This holistic approach ensures that products can seamlessly transition into new lifecycles, reducing waste and conserving resources.
The Linear Economy model in comparison the Circular Economy model
© ASI
A significant challenge in this transition is entropy, the inevitable increase in disorder and energy loss during recycling. Examples like Fairphone and Apple's Daisy disassembly robot demonstrate how design can help manage this challenge.
Circularity Working Group: Strategies and Principles
several key strategies. Products should be reusable, modular, and easy to disassemble, facilitating their integration into circular pathways. Promoting the use of recycled or renewable materials is essential to reduce reliance on new materials. Effective design relies on comprehensive knowledge sharing and the publication of information on material recovery and recycling. Transparency in the material and chemical composition of a product is also crucial for better risk assessment and safe handling of chemicals.
From a project-specific perspective, the CWG is also focusing on integrating circular economy strategies into bauxite mine closure planning to enhance environmental sustainability and provide community benefits beyond traditional mine rehabilitation. This includes embedding circularity in mining, optimizing resource use, and early engagement with communities in the planning process. A systemic lifecycle approach is emphasized, focusing on sustainable design and proactive stakeholder engagement from the early stages of the mining process. This also involves planning for the future use of mining infrastructure in line with circular economy goals.