Challenges for bio-based products in sustainable value chains

This work concerns studies related to strategic development of products in which bio-based plastics are or will be applied, referred to as bio-based products. The studies cover (1) current and potential benefits of bio-based products in extended value chains including activities after end-of-life of products, (2) value communication between stakeholders in extended value chains, and (3) creating an integrated development approach for optimized bio-based products. Most existing models for value chains were found to be one-way single-flow models to which iterations and interactions have been added to obtain realistic representations of best practices. Interviews of thirteen professionals clarified some barriers between the current implementation of bio-based plastics and the ideal sustainable value chain fulfilment. The most noticeable barriers included trustful information sharing, information and knowledge gaps, sub-optimum application of bio-based plastics, and the need for facilitating product design. The main designers' needs are increased integrated literacy related to bio-based materials, eco-effeetiveness and a more effective communication competence in value chains. Based on all findings, six approaches of design tasks integration into value chains have been proposed. These approaches encourage designers to think and act widely across value chains and particularly help implement life cycle thinldng to achieve profitable sustainability.Product Innovatie ManagementIndustrial Design Engineerin

Demonstration projects of nearly zero-energy housing renovation as a vehicle to market development

The EU ‘Energy Performance of Buildings Directive’ (2010/31/EU) requires Member States to ensure that all new buildings which are constructed by 2021 are nearly zero-energy buildings. This requirement takes effect in 2019 for public buildings. Actions and measures must be taken to increase the number of nearly zero-energy buildings for both new and existing buildings. The number of new buildings is only a fragment of the complete building stock, and with the current rate and depth of renovation a large potential on energy savings is being neglected with the risk of not reaching the EU policy goals. In most countries implementation of holistic energy efficient solutions in the housing sector is still at an early market development stage. However, the state of the art regarding available technology solutions is rather at an advanced level. Also, there are emerging examples of deep renovation that can be used for knowledge, experience, awareness raising and promotion. To realise these high quality house renovations as well as increase in their number, novel business approaches for this emerging market are needed.OTB ResearchOTB Research Institute for the Built Environmen