Desenvolvimento de produto seguindo os preceitos da economia circular

Abstract

With the advancement of sustainability in recent decades, there has been a growing interest among companies and researchers in incorporating the principles of the circular economy into production processes. Recycling, driven by technological development, has made it possible to reuse previously processed materials, reducing waste and enabling the creation of new products. However, the perception that products made from recycled materials are of lower quality still persists among consumers. In this context, this research investigated the feasibility of developing a functional prototype of a stool, using colored pencil waste — which, according to the material supplier, is already a recycled material — for the manufacturing of the seat component. The second component of the prototype, corresponding to the stool legs, was produced using recycled wood from pallets discarded by industries. All design decisions prioritized the highest possible number of circular choices, reinforcing the closed-loop model of the circular economy. Through the application of product planning and development methodologies, it was possible to manufacture a functional prototype, demonstrating the feasibility of using recyclable industrial waste as raw material without compromising product functionality, while promoting sustainable practices.