Circularity · SCIENCE EXPLAINER
Sustainability is decided across the whole life cycle.
A visual guide to asking the right questions.
The starting point
Life cycle assessment examines raw materials, manufacturing, transport, use and end of life. To compare two solutions, the same function and consistent system boundaries must be defined.
What we know
A coating that extends a product’s life could prevent replacements. But its manufacturing footprint must be included, and any obstacles to repairing or recycling the product must be checked. The benefit remains a hypothesis until supported by comparative data.
Questions to ask
Ecodesign incorporates durability, recovery and safety from the outset. Using less material does not necessarily mean less impact: scarcity, synthesis energy and emissions also matter.
Thinking about the whole life cycle
Sustainability is assessed from raw materials to end of life: manufacturing, transport, use, reuse and recycling. Resources, energy, emissions and waste must be considered at every stage.
Original Catalan infographic published in Divulcat · Jordi Díaz Marcos. Click the image to enlarge it.Explore further
Jordi Díaz Marcos · Sostenibilitat i nanotecnologia · Divulcat, 2026 ↗
Further reading: Libro Blanco de las Nanotecnologías (III), June 2025 pre-publication layout. Coordinators: Jordi Díaz Marcos, Joan Mendoza Gonzálvez and Pedro A. Serena Domingo.
