This project is the first to investigate systematically materials’ circularity potential of all four TMs sectors across their lifecycle stages (design, manufacture, use and end of life). This has involved the prioritisation of cross-TMs materials (steel and plastics) based on their level of use, environmental impact, and potential for circularity. CE strategies have been applied within a unique ‘Re-engineer; Optimize; Share and Exchange (ROSE) Framework, which underpins a novel action orientated ‘Roadmap’ for both materials across all four TMs with the ultimate aim to increase circularity.

Links

"Circular Materials for Transportation Machines" Full report

Executive Summary

CIRCMATE-4-TMS examined the circular economy (CE) potential for materials that are used within four transportation machine (TMs) sectors: automotive, maritime, aerospace, and rail. Two materials were prioritised for the resulting roadmap: steel and plastics due to their common cross-sectors’ usage, and circularity potential. Steel provides greater improvement potential for material efficiency during design; and higher value recovery at EoL. Plastics offer the potential for increasing recycled content during manufacture; and increasing recycling at EoL. Findings from literature, questionnaire survey, and interviews identified the key TMs’ material circularity challenges, drivers, and strategies. Challenges include the use of multiple polymers/alloys and the difficulty to sperate them at EoL, coupled with a lack of legislation. Drivers comprise reduction of environmental impact, legislation, supply chain collaboration, and better sorting technologies. The circularity strategies during the design stage include designing for recyclability and material use reduction; and the use of secondary materials and closed and open loop recycling at end-of-life stage. These findings are presented within a novel ‘Re-engineer; Optimize; Share and Exchange (ROSE)’ Framework. Lastly, an action orientated ‘Roadmap’ for steel and plastics has been developed for all TMs sectors within a future scenario approach which can be used to focus efforts going forward.

Prioritisation of materials across the life cycle stages based on literature

Key Findings

1) Validated ROSE Framework: the most important CE strategies for plastics and steel in TMs sectors are at two ROSE stages: ‘Re-engineer’ (design stage): designing for recyclability and material use reduction; and ‘Share & Exchange’ (end of life stage): the use of recycled/secondary materials and closed and open loop recycling, with the main driver being reducing environmental impact.

2) Cross-TMs circular material roadmap: priority actions to embed material circularity across TMs sectors are fiscal and legislative. Actions are prioritised on stimulating recycled material demand to enable confidence in investment and development of life cycle thinking in material recovery. TMs sectors can lead and learn from each other in product traceability, material innovation, product design and end of life recovery.

Project Team

Katherine Adams School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering Katherine was the Research Associate on the project and has expertise on circular economy, sustainable use of materials and waste management. Dr Alok Choudhary School of Business and Economics Alok was a Co-I on the project and has expertise in sustainability, circular economy, and resilience in logistics and supply chain management. Professor Chris Goodier School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering Chris was a Co-I on the project and has expertise in materials, future thinking, roadmaps and scenario development. Professor Mohamed Osmani School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering Mohamed was the PI for the project and has expertise in circular economy, resource efficiency and designing out waste. Dr Andrew Timmis School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering Andrew was a Co-I on the project and has expertise in transportation, especially the aviation sector including LCA and sustainability. Dr Patrick Waterson School of Design Patrick was Co-I on the project and is a Reader in Human Factors and Complex Systems. His expertise includes ergonomics and rail passenger safety.