{"id":23830,"date":"2022-04-18T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-18T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/industrial-design\/2022\/04\/18\/sustainability-by-design\/"},"modified":"2024-11-25T01:11:50","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T06:11:50","slug":"sustainability-by-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/industrial-design\/2022\/04\/18\/sustainability-by-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainability by Design"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Morgan High <\/a><\/p>\n

Students are gaining real-world experience while reducing waste in a new project sponsored by Eastman. The company challenged NC\u00a0State industrial design seniors in the\u00a0College of Design\u00a0to create consumer products with sustainability top of mind.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The students\u2019 design concepts will help Eastman have deeper conversations with consumer brands who want to be more sustainable but may not know exactly how to launch such products. \u201cThe goal is to help more brands adopt sustainable materials in order to make a significant impact on the environment,\u201d said Anders Ludvigsen, market development manager at Eastman.<\/p>\n

The project aimed to apply Eastman\u2019s Tritan\u2122 Renew material in order to innovate consumer products like kitchen appliances and other household items. Tritan Renew is a highly durable, BPA-free material made with 50% certified recycled content that breaks down waste plastic back into its basic chemical building blocks, allowing plastics to be recycled again and again. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe students were tasked with applying the material to an existing product in order to improve its function, appearance and carbon footprint,\u201d said Kathryn Wozniak, NC State Assistant Teaching Professor of Industrial Design. <\/p>\n

At the start of the fall 2021 semester, Wozniak\u2019s class received the project criteria from Eastman and spent the next 16 weeks conducting in-depth consumer research and developing product strategies.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Students
Students who participated in the class project sponsored by Eastman.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cThe story and renderings developed by the students are very polished \u2013 it\u2019s easy to forget that these products aren\u2019t actually available on the market today,\u201d said Dawn Mason, Eastman\u2019s global external innovation manager.<\/p>\n

Working from a College of Design studio sponsored by Eastman, the students were mentored by their professors and Eastman scientists. The collaborative space, which is filled with designers, engineers, developers and business professionals working together, offers an interdisciplinary approach to research, design and build projects.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe real-world challenges provided by Eastman motivate and inspire the students to elevate their design capabilities,\u201d said Tsai Lu Liu, the head of the Department of Graphic Design and Industrial Design at NC State\u2019s College of Design. \u201cThis allows our students to become more prepared for a design career where collaborative innovation is key to future success.\u201d<\/p>\n

In-depth Consumer Research<\/h3>\n

Graphic design senior Sarah Boon\u2019s approach to rethinking the traditional coffee maker started by researching two audiences: 20 to 35-year-old green travelers and retail stores that sell camping and hiking products. She dug into consumers\u2019 increasing desire to buy from brands that have a positive social and environmental impact.<\/p>\n

Boon looked to solve the problem for campers and hikers who need to brew coffee on the go \u2013 something that is easy to use, pack and clean. She developed a design solution that accommodates for different hand sizes, stores easily in a backpack and most importantly, makes a great cup of coffee with little effort. Because her product is made almost entirely from Eastman\u2019s heat and scratch resistant Tritan Renew material, it can withstand being tossed around a campsite and hold boiling water. She also made sure it could easily rest on uneven terrain.<\/p>\n

Sage Cofield, an industrial design senior, tackled the universal spray bottle by recommending a subscription-based service where consumers could return old containers and receive new ones in the mail. His strategy incentivizes users to conveniently reuse and recycle the product\u00a0\u2013 saving time and money. \u201cWhether or not I go into a product management career, when I approach a design I\u2019ll consider the big picture more,\u201d he said. \u201cTaking the time to study, plan and think about all the driving forces before executing offers clearer direction for a better outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dana Ayscue\u2019s research led her to design a blender with improved circulation that would be easier to clean and significantly quieter than traditional appliances. She analyzed 18 to 34-year-old consumers, which she found to be the most avid smoothie consumers and the demographic most likely to recycle. From there she developed a detailed prototype \u2013 with features like a pitcher and base with double walls and anti-vibration legs to alleviate noise. \u201cI\u2019m going to make sure I do plenty of research in the future,\u201d she said. \u201cI learned that it really makes the design process easier and more powerful.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe students approached the challenge with a holistic view,\u201d added Ludvigsen. \u201cIt\u2019s not enough just to use sustainable materials \u2013 you must design the products to be sustainable across production, use, and disposal. We can\u2019t wait to share the students\u2019 ideas and perspectives with our brand partners.\u201d<\/p>\n

Applied Learning<\/h3>\n

For Boon, the project was an introduction to working with a larger company with complex goals. \u201cI had to design for potential product users as well as Eastman,\u201d she said. \u201cThis gave me experience working within real design constraints \u2013 like budgets, engineering processes and marketing tactics \u2013 that sometimes aren\u2019t considered in regular classroom settings.\u201d<\/p>\n

Industry-sponsored projects allow students to learn how to balance the requirements of a client with the needs of a user. \u201cThrough real-world exposure, our students leave the design program well-equipped to make a positive impact on the industries that they join,\u201d added Wozniak. \u201cMost importantly, students and professionals build meaningful relationships that will continue to grow for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cofield valued the time put in by mentors at both NC\u00a0State and Eastman: \u201cGetting first-hand exposure on how stakeholders approach design projects is incredibly valuable. Fewer assumptions are made when you\u2019re able to speak directly with the people that will be affected by your designs.\u201d<\/p>\n

A Growing Partnership<\/h3>\n

The project supports Eastman\u2019s\u00a02030 commitments<\/a>\u00a0to address climate change, mainstream circularity as an economic model, and help build a more inclusive and equitable world. For example, the company announced this year that it will invest up to $1 billion to create a plastics recycling facility in France. The center will use Eastman\u2019s molecular recycling technology to recycle up to 160,000 tons annually of plastic waste that is currently being incinerated. The initiative will contribute to the EU\u2019s sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions. And global brands including Procter & Gamble and L\u2019Or\u00e9al have joined the cause, signing letters of intent for multi-year supply agreements from the facility.<\/p>\n

NC State and Eastman have been collaborating for more than a decade and have completed more than 100 projects together. In 2012, Eastman chose NC State as a strategic partner after a nationwide search. \u201cAfter an extensive narrowing process from 200 to 10 down to 4 universities, NC State came out on top for many reasons: alignment in the university\u2019s offerings and our research interests, top-notch faculty and students, and proximity to our sites, to name a few,\u201d said Mason.<\/p>\n

Since then, the company has invested nearly $20 million across 11 academic departments, supporting student and faculty development while advancing innovation within the company. And Eastman\u2019s innovation center on Centennial Campus provides powerful proximity. \u201cEastman is a case study in what it means to be a true partner,\u201d said NC\u00a0State Associate Vice Chancellor for Partnerships Mark Schmidt. \u201cNot only do they invest in research that solves global challenges, but they also put in the time to mentor students and give back to those in need by sponsoring campus initiatives like\u00a0Feed the Pack<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe relationship has continued because there is an overlapping cultural fit between the university and Eastman which has enabled the partnership to grow beyond just sponsored research,\u201d added Mason.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

This post was originally published<\/a> in College of Design Blog.<\/em><\/p>","protected":false,"raw":"

by Morgan High <\/a><\/p>\n\n

Students are gaining real-world experience while reducing waste in a new project sponsored by Eastman. The company challenged NC\u00a0State industrial design seniors in the\u00a0College of Design\u00a0to create consumer products with sustainability top of mind.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

The students\u2019 design concepts will help Eastman have deeper conversations with consumer brands who want to be more sustainable but may not know exactly how to launch such products. \u201cThe goal is to help more brands adopt sustainable materials in order to make a significant impact on the environment,\u201d said Anders Ludvigsen, market development manager at Eastman.<\/p>\n\n

The project aimed to apply Eastman\u2019s Tritan\u2122 Renew material in order to innovate consumer products like kitchen appliances and other household items. Tritan Renew is a highly durable, BPA-free material made with 50% certified recycled content that breaks down waste plastic back into its basic chemical building blocks, allowing plastics to be recycled again and again. <\/p>\n\n

\u201cThe students were tasked with applying the material to an existing product in order to improve its function, appearance and carbon footprint,\u201d said Kathryn Wozniak, NC State Assistant Teaching Professor of Industrial Design. <\/p>\n\n

At the start of the fall 2021 semester, Wozniak\u2019s class received the project criteria from Eastman and spent the next 16 weeks conducting in-depth consumer research and developing product strategies.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

\"Students
Students who participated in the class project sponsored by Eastman.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

\u201cThe story and renderings developed by the students are very polished \u2013 it\u2019s easy to forget that these products aren\u2019t actually available on the market today,\u201d said Dawn Mason, Eastman\u2019s global external innovation manager.<\/p>\n\n

Working from a College of Design studio sponsored by Eastman, the students were mentored by their professors and Eastman scientists. The collaborative space, which is filled with designers, engineers, developers and business professionals working together, offers an interdisciplinary approach to research, design and build projects.<\/p>\n\n

\u201cThe real-world challenges provided by Eastman motivate and inspire the students to elevate their design capabilities,\u201d said Tsai Lu Liu, the head of the Department of Graphic Design and Industrial Design at NC State\u2019s College of Design. \u201cThis allows our students to become more prepared for a design career where collaborative innovation is key to future success.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

In-depth Consumer Research<\/h3>\n\n

Graphic design senior Sarah Boon\u2019s approach to rethinking the traditional coffee maker started by researching two audiences: 20 to 35-year-old green travelers and retail stores that sell camping and hiking products. She dug into consumers\u2019 increasing desire to buy from brands that have a positive social and environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n

Boon looked to solve the problem for campers and hikers who need to brew coffee on the go \u2013 something that is easy to use, pack and clean. She developed a design solution that accommodates for different hand sizes, stores easily in a backpack and most importantly, makes a great cup of coffee with little effort. Because her product is made almost entirely from Eastman\u2019s heat and scratch resistant Tritan Renew material, it can withstand being tossed around a campsite and hold boiling water. She also made sure it could easily rest on uneven terrain.<\/p>\n\n

Sage Cofield, an industrial design senior, tackled the universal spray bottle by recommending a subscription-based service where consumers could return old containers and receive new ones in the mail. His strategy incentivizes users to conveniently reuse and recycle the product\u00a0\u2013 saving time and money. \u201cWhether or not I go into a product management career, when I approach a design I\u2019ll consider the big picture more,\u201d he said. \u201cTaking the time to study, plan and think about all the driving forces before executing offers clearer direction for a better outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

Dana Ayscue\u2019s research led her to design a blender with improved circulation that would be easier to clean and significantly quieter than traditional appliances. She analyzed 18 to 34-year-old consumers, which she found to be the most avid smoothie consumers and the demographic most likely to recycle. From there she developed a detailed prototype \u2013 with features like a pitcher and base with double walls and anti-vibration legs to alleviate noise. \u201cI\u2019m going to make sure I do plenty of research in the future,\u201d she said. \u201cI learned that it really makes the design process easier and more powerful.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

\u201cThe students approached the challenge with a holistic view,\u201d added Ludvigsen. \u201cIt\u2019s not enough just to use sustainable materials \u2013 you must design the products to be sustainable across production, use, and disposal. We can\u2019t wait to share the students\u2019 ideas and perspectives with our brand partners.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

Applied Learning<\/h3>\n\n

For Boon, the project was an introduction to working with a larger company with complex goals. \u201cI had to design for potential product users as well as Eastman,\u201d she said. \u201cThis gave me experience working within real design constraints \u2013 like budgets, engineering processes and marketing tactics \u2013 that sometimes aren\u2019t considered in regular classroom settings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

Industry-sponsored projects allow students to learn how to balance the requirements of a client with the needs of a user. \u201cThrough real-world exposure, our students leave the design program well-equipped to make a positive impact on the industries that they join,\u201d added Wozniak. \u201cMost importantly, students and professionals build meaningful relationships that will continue to grow for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

Cofield valued the time put in by mentors at both NC\u00a0State and Eastman: \u201cGetting first-hand exposure on how stakeholders approach design projects is incredibly valuable. Fewer assumptions are made when you\u2019re able to speak directly with the people that will be affected by your designs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

A Growing Partnership<\/h3>\n\n

The project supports Eastman\u2019s\u00a02030 commitments<\/a>\u00a0to address climate change, mainstream circularity as an economic model, and help build a more inclusive and equitable world. For example, the company announced this year that it will invest up to $1 billion to create a plastics recycling facility in France. The center will use Eastman\u2019s molecular recycling technology to recycle up to 160,000 tons annually of plastic waste that is currently being incinerated. The initiative will contribute to the EU\u2019s sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions. And global brands including Procter & Gamble and L\u2019Or\u00e9al have joined the cause, signing letters of intent for multi-year supply agreements from the facility.<\/p>\n\n

NC State and Eastman have been collaborating for more than a decade and have completed more than 100 projects together. In 2012, Eastman chose NC State as a strategic partner after a nationwide search. \u201cAfter an extensive narrowing process from 200 to 10 down to 4 universities, NC State came out on top for many reasons: alignment in the university\u2019s offerings and our research interests, top-notch faculty and students, and proximity to our sites, to name a few,\u201d said Mason.<\/p>\n\n

Since then, the company has invested nearly $20 million across 11 academic departments, supporting student and faculty development while advancing innovation within the company. And Eastman\u2019s innovation center on Centennial Campus provides powerful proximity. \u201cEastman is a case study in what it means to be a true partner,\u201d said NC\u00a0State Associate Vice Chancellor for Partnerships Mark Schmidt. \u201cNot only do they invest in research that solves global challenges, but they also put in the time to mentor students and give back to those in need by sponsoring campus initiatives like\u00a0Feed the Pack<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

\u201cThe relationship has continued because there is an overlapping cultural fit between the university and Eastman which has enabled the partnership to grow beyond just sponsored research,\u201d added Mason.<\/p>\n\n

<\/a><\/p>"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Students are gaining real-world experience while reducing waste in a new project sponsored by Eastman. The company challenged NC\u00a0State industrial design seniors in the\u00a0College of Design\u00a0to create consumer products with sustainability top of mind.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":23831,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"ncstate_wire","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","ncst_content_audit_display":false,"ncst_backToTopFlag":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[5],"class_list":["post-23830","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-_from-newswire-collection-279"],"displayCategory":null,"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/industrial-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23830"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/industrial-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/industrial-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/industrial-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/industrial-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23830"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/industrial-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23830\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24188,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/industrial-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23830\/revisions\/24188"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/industrial-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23831"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/industrial-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23830"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/industrial-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23830"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/industrial-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23830"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}