Research Els Du Bois

Abstract

The MycoMatters project aims to revolutionize sustainable material production by developing 100% biobased and biodegradable mycelium-based leather-like materials. Addressing the environmental and social challenges of traditional leather and the sustainability shortcomings of synthetic alternatives, the project focuses on enhancing the mechanical properties of mycelium through innovative techniques, including the use of biobased crosslinkers and bacterial co-cultivation. By optimizing the production process and leveraging advanced post-growth processing methods, MycoMatters seeks to create a robust, eco-friendly material that aligns with circular economy principles, while also improving sensory attributes such as color, texture, and durability. The collaborative effort involves a consortium of experts from various fields, ensuring a comprehensive approach to material development and application.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The project examines different collection systems for reusable packaging. Using a structured approach in three phases - SCAN, DESIGN and CHANGE - it analyses current situations, creates alternative solutions and develops viable scenarios. The aim is to increase acceptance and viability for reusable packaging collection, focusing on sustainable choices and stakeholder cooperation, in order to support the transition towards a circular economy.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In line with the EU Circular Action Plan, the beverage sector is at a turning point when it comes to packaging. Recent research from Zero Waste Europe shows that the top 4 packaging with the greatest environmental impact in Europe are beverage packaging. According to Article 26 in the PPWR, packaging for alcoholic beverages should be 75% reusable by 2040. With this consortium we want to offer a solution to this challenge by placing a reusable six-pack on the retail shelves, among the range of only disposable packaging. Based on an independent LCA by Copernicus University in Utrecht, we know that this return six-pack or 'Fillbee', in combination with reusable glass, emits 46% less CO2 than a can with a plastic foil, and 64% less CO2 than single-use glass in combination with a cardboard secondary packaging. While this solution has a very high chance of success, as a standardized supply chain for beverage crates already exists, there are a number of challenges involving the entire value chain. With this experiment we also want to take a first step towards standardized packaging in the food industry, by being able to scale up based on insights and learnings to put standardized packaging for food on retail shelves in the next phase.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els
• Co-promoter: Moons Ingrid

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The ambition of the living lab project "REmedi for medical packaging" is to gain insights and experiences into successful implementation of high-quality reusable packaging in healthcare through initial experiments. By combining the Green Deals "Anders Verpakt" and "Duurzame zorg", we want to support the realization of safe and high-quality reusable alternatives to single-use packaging in critical sectors such as the healthcare sector that, through their technological opportunities, create added value in the entire value chain. In the living lab project we start from a SCAN of a complex case of a single-use packaging for clinical testing, which is translated in a DESIGN of a reusable packaging. The implementation is tested during the CHANGE, followed by the REPEAT in a new reusable packaging for a new product for oncology. Through these cases, we will use a holistic approach with the full partnership (research, producers, suppliers, designers, social economy, etc.) to co-create sustainable, desired solutions for reusable packaging, the circular value chain, and quality assurance in the system.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els
• Co-promoter: Watts Regan

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Using mix method research, this project aims to develop a systems-view of behaviour change within two key CE domains (clothing consumption and food waste) to identify a set of key factors with the most potential leverage for pro-circular behaviour change. Informed by behavioural scientific literature, hypotheses around this set of factors will be tested using survey experiments. There are 3 key outcomes for this research: (i) a fundamental understanding of key leverage points within two key CE domains, clothing consumption and food waste; (ii) a conceptual framework to guide the development of behavioural interventions to promote pro-circular behaviours within those domains and (iii) learnings, strategies and models for designers, researchers and policy professionals to implement and evaluate interventions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Rooy Dirk
• Co-promoter: Du Bois Els
• Co-promoter: Vaes Kristof
• Fellow: Ahsan Nasira

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Nature provides an almost inexhaustible source of inspiration for innovative designs that may help to tackle many of the world's current social, economic and environmental challenges. In accordance, the potential of bioinspiration (including biomimetics and biomimicry) has become widely recognized in academia and industry. The main hurdle preventing the field of bioinspiration from delivering its promises, however, stems from differences in tools, practices and viewpoints of its practitioners, often obstructing further development towards successful products. Nature4Nature, a unique joint effort of biologists, engineers, designers and manufacturers, will immerse young doctoral researchers (DCs) in a learning environment that fully spans the inspiration, integration and implementation aspects of bioinspired design to tackle the conceptual, methodological and practical challenges. It will provide DCs (a) with a mindset and know-how to harness biodiversity into design; (b) with the theoretical background and practical skills for transferring biological model systems into engineering designs and applications; and (c) with an attitude and competence to implement bioinspired ideas in an explicit sustainable way. Nature4Nature will focus its research activities onto one model system: how to efficiently separate solid particles from liquids. Biological filtration systems have evolved repeatedly over the earth's living history. Nature4Nature will teach DCs to make the most of this rich heritage, using it as an inspiratory source for designing and manufacturing high-throughput, clog-resisting filtering systems that can help conserving and restoring the world's aquatic habitats. By fostering a new generation of researchers operating at the interface between scientific disciplines, sectors and societal actors, Nature4Nature sets out to spur innovative practices and will aid in overcoming the barriers to implementation of bioinspiration in the design process.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els
• Co-promoter: Aerts Peter
• Co-promoter: Broeckhoven Chris
• Co-promoter: Van Damme Raoul
• Co-promoter: Van Wassenbergh Sam
• Co-promoter: Watts Regan
• Fellow: Hageneder Lukas
• Fellow: Krsteska Katerina

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

59% of plastic waste collected in Belgium is still incinerated. Besides recycling, other circular strategies such as reuse and recovery are hardly seen in the plastics sector. Yet, it is precisely these strategies that ensure the highest intrinsic retention of value of an object. The main reasons for these missed opportunities are the wide variety of plastics found in a wide range of applications and diverse compositions, the low price of virgin raw materials and the lack of a tracking mechanism. This living lab builds on the ambition to make recycling the last safety net for plastic waste and to circulate plastic objects, parts and raw materials in short chains. This will maximise cumulative value across the life cycle and preserve raw materials. These changes require profound transitions in the areas of - circular design with plastics; - the local organisation of plastics value chains. 10 use cases form the heart of this living lab. In choosing the cases, the focus is on recovering hard plastics that today go to the incinerator in the highest possible quality. That is where the biggest (social) gains can be made. For each of these cases, we examine why collection or recycling of the plastics has not happened so far, how it can be done in the future and what exactly is needed for other circular strategies to become the standard. To this end, we connect the entire value chain and arrive at new design strategies with plastics and blueprints for new collection, disassembly, sorting and production organisation in short chains. We embed these - in various academic and professional curricula (design and chemistry); - in policy recommendations (OVAM, Flanders Circular working agendas); - in sector consultation (Interafval, Essenscia, HERW!N, Groep Maatwerk); - and through the network of Social Circular Hubs in Flanders.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Within a circular economy, focus is on resource recovery and ideally on avoiding any creation of waste. From a technical cycle, this means that materials have a long lifetime in the products that they materialize, and if eventually the product become obsolete, they can be recycled to be used in new products. This transition to circularity and so to product longevity and reuse does not only require new product and technology innovations but also a radical change of how we currently use products to avoid throw-away behavior. In contrast, from a biological cycle, a circular economy ensures the biodegradation of products after usage into new feedstock for new products. In principle, aside from proper end-of-life behavior, no further behavior change is required from the products' users. Consequently, the introduction of new bio-based materials in circular innovations bring in multiple design complexities. Questions should be answered on:(i) How to use these new materials made from for example fungi or algae apart from just surrogates for other materials such as plastics? (ii) How to avoid recreation of a throw-away behavior? (iii) How to deal with their unique (alive) characteristics that are unknown for designers? Within the Reuse Lab at the research group of Product Development, our interest is to understand how to design with these new bio-based materials, and how they can be used to design future circular products. In order to do so, a specific research collaboration is set up on mycelium materials with an interdisciplinary consortium of researchers with expertise in molecular microbiology and genetics (Eveline Peeters, VUB), synthetic biology and industrial biotechnology (Marjan De Mey, UGent), physical chemistry and polymer science (Niko Van den Brande, VUB), and architectural engineering (Lars De Laet, VUB). The goal of this SEP project is to collect the essential additional insights that is needed to upgrade our FWO SBO application and to resubmit a new application of the Mycomatters proposal. Within this project our ambition is find a link between future domains of applications and the unique opportunities of mycelium materials. Workshops will be organized to understand the acceptance and applicability of mycelium materials, more specific mycelium leather. These workshops will be organized with companies and design agencies from specific contexts such as clothing, bags, shoes, cars, and furniture (e.g. B4Plastic, deSter, Pro Natura, Voxdale, Sioen, …). Furthermore, investigations will be done to understand to possible mix between technical and biocycle of a circular economy to extend the lifetime of for example textile products with mycelium leather by using their self-healing and living characteristics. Based on these insights, more specific partners will be contacted to be involved in the FWO-SBO to further detail the valorisation potential as well as steer the research path for mycelium materials.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The fashion industry has many problems regarding sustainability. One of these problems is the short lifecycle of clothing. Fast fashion lowers the number of times an item is worn which results in lots of waste. The focus of the PhD is the lifetime extension (LTE) of clothing and accessories. To achieve this LTE, there is a need for behavior change. Research shows that there are lots of barriers connected to achieve this behavior change. However, consumer who are more sustainable can motivate the industry to transition into a circular economy. The purpose is to gather knowledge on design for LTE and reuse. Quality and quality perception are the first and important variable to realize behavior change. To achieve reuse by the same user and/or different users, offered clothing must first meet objective and subjective quality requirements that are recognizable. The use phase must be designed in such a way that a long lifetime is facilitated by a lasting positive product experience and by quality assurance through maintenance and repair. First, a literature study will be done to explore the broad context of the subject. Knowledge will also be gained in close cooperation with fashion companies that play an exemplary role in a transition to a circular economy. From a systems analysis and innovation workshops, different design interventions will be detailed through cocreation and tested with end users through experiments. Next to that, qualitative and quantitative research such as surveys, (in-depth) interviews... will be done. The new design insights aim to be directly deployable by the fashion sector and (new) circular value chain partners. After the literature study is done, research questions can be formulated. The four focuses of the PhD will be formulated in four work packages. The overall challenge concerns a transition to a more circular fashion industry from the use phase, starting from the purchase or acquisition of the product. Next, 4 sub-challenges are defined: - Generate knowledge around how consumers can discover and recognize their own definition of qualitative, sustainable fashion products. - Generate knowledge around increasing perception of old/worn products through emotional connection/story. - Generate knowledge around increasing awareness of the user around perception of cleanliness to start maintaining more consciously - Generate knowledge to encourage users to repair faster instead of discarding to extend the lifespan.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els
• Co-promoter: Moons Ingrid
• Co-promoter: Van Rooy Dirk

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The REuse Lab is a service platform that supports industry in the circular transition throughout the implementation and development of reusable alternatives for single-use products. The REuse Lab excels in the generation of applicable knowledge and insights in technical quality assurance, quality perception through trust and ease of use and experience, and for the optimisation of quality assurance through the value chain and new services. The multidisciplinary REuse Lab offers expertise to address, in cocreation with companies and sectors, the barriers that hinder or delay the introduction of products for reuse, through data collection in a scientific experimental setting. Building further on current research, this IOF funding allows the REuse Lab to develop the necessary basic business structure to leverage new funding from both third and fourth funding stream.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els
• Co-promoter: Dewit Ivo
• Co-promoter: Moons Ingrid
• Co-promoter: Van Rooy Dirk

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Within the current linear economy, resources are rapidly depleting. Products with a short lifetime are often discarded for various reasons without being used to their full potential. The objective of this research is to investigate the opportunities to lengthen the lifetime of products through maintenance and repair, from the users' perspective. We focus on products in the cycling context with a short lifetime (such as cycling parts, clothing and helmets, drink bottles, …) to narrow the field and provide an innovative design context with a wide variety of products and innovation (design and production) in Flanders. Starting from a literature review, a theoretical framework will be compiled that encompasses both product attributes and psychological-ownership variables, which influence the willingness of a user to lengthen their products' lifetime. Influences of these variables will be explored through qualitative and quantitative research. Next, the relations between these variables, as well as their effect on the actions of users will be investigated. Using the results from these research steps, four products from the cycling industry will be redesigned to facilitate optimal maintenance and repair intentions for users. The effect of these optimisations will be analysed through qualitative research, such as concept tests and in-depth interviews. Together with innovative managers/designers in the cycling industry as well as other related industries, the implications of such new products will be analysed and viable strategies explored. The aimed outcome of this research project consists of the following: (i) a fundamental understanding of the motivations of users to lengthen the lifetime of their product through maintenance and repair, (ii) strategies for designers to optimize products and create attractive maintenance and repair actions and (iii) learnings, strategies and models for businesses/manufacturers to address changes in their industry as a result of implementation of these guidelines.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els
• Co-promoter: Moons Ingrid
• Fellow: Harding Charlotte
• Fellow: Smedts Sam

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

MIVAS CIRCULAIR is researching the role of the social economy in the circular economy and vice versa. How can participation in the circular economy secure social employment towards the future? How can social enterprises (sheltered workplaces) contribute to the implementation of the circular economy in Flanders? A specific case is detailed in the packaging economy in whom the company Mivas is active.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Enviromics is a multidisciplinary consortium of UAntwerpen researchers across the board of environmental sciences and technologies. Through impactful fundamental advances and interdisciplinary approaches across biology, (bio)chemistry and (bio)engineering, the consortium offers bio based solutions to ecosystem challenges by a strong interaction between three pillars (i) Environmental applications and nature based solutions, (ii) Sensing and analysis of chemicals and environments and (iii) Microbial technology and biomaterials, supported by sustainable product development and technology assessment. Through a renewed and tighter focus the ENVIROMICS consortium now signs for a leaner and more dynamic shape. Through intensified collaborations with different stakeholders, both national and international, the leverage for creating enhanced business and societal impact is reinforced. The consortium is strongly managed by a team of two highly profiled researchers partnered by an IOF manager and a project manager with clearly defined tasks and in close contact with the consortium members and the central Valorisation Unit of the university. The consortium has a strong and growing IP position, mainly on environmental/electrochemical sensing and microbial probiotics, two key points of the research and applications program. One spinoff was created in 2017 and two more will be setup in the coming three years. The direct interaction with product developers ensures delivering high TRL products. Next to a growing portfolio of industrial contracts, we create tangible societal impact, when relevant including citizen science approaches. Through the stronger leverage created by the new structure and partnerships we will develop both intertwined branches significantly.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Blust Ronny
• Co-promoter: De Wael Karolien
• Co-promoter: Dries Jan
• Co-promoter: Du Bois Els
• Co-promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Meire Patrick
• Co-promoter: Meysman Filip
• Co-promoter: Samson Roeland
• Co-promoter: Schoelynck Jonas
• Co-promoter: Vandermoere Frederic
• Co-promoter: Vlaeminck Siegfried
• Fellow: Dardenne Freddy

Research team(s)

• Ecosphere

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The overall goal of reCURE is to provide suppliers of non-invasive medical textiles, with tools to successfully transition from disposable to reusable alternatives in the complex value chain of the healthcare sector. The actions in the project therefore focus on supporting the industrial value chain to effectively redesign and introduce their innovative reusable textile products for the healthcare sector, taking into account the strict requirements regarding safety, hygiene, sterility and accuracy as well as acceptance by medical staff and patients. Knowledge regarding the integration of functional textile properties and intelligence (UGent) and product acceptance (UAntwerpen) will be validated in relevant example cases. The results will be worked out in a roadmap to support the target group with the necessary knowledge to develop their products in such a way that their reusable character will be accepted by the care sector. In this way the desirability and acceptance of reuse is addressed. In addition, the focus is also on the possibility of further optimizing the reusable products in terms of functionality and intelligence, which is usually not feasible for disposable products that are mainly focused on price. This project has 2 target groups: the industrial suppliers in the value chain (material and textile producers, re-processors (cleaning, maintenance, repair, sterilization...), machine builders and recyclers) and the users from the healthcare sector.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els
• Co-promoter: De Win Gunter
• Co-promoter: Watts Regan

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The current transition towards on circular economy comes along with an increased attention to material choice and selection, both in the production of raw materials and in the impact on future generated waste. Literature indicates that consumers develop stronger attachments to products (and its materials) with an identity that is congruent to their own. People exhibit more protective behaviours to products to which they are attached and will try to postpone their replacement as long as possible, this product lifetime extension is key to achieve circularity and value retention. Any physical interaction with products is done through its materials. Materials are essential building blocks of products and have a strong influence on product appearance, but also on the product's functionality, symbolic meaning, and overall sensory product experience. Materials should thus be considered from both a functional or technical and a user-centred or experiential perspective. Consequently, an all-encompassing understanding of materials is needed that does not only include material characterization knowledge on technical properties and functionality that can be found in datasheets based on standardized tests (technical characterization). In addition to economic and ecological characteristics, the experience and perception of materials should be considered as well (experiential characterization) to increase commercial success of both products and materials. Nowadays, raised by the growing insights in the harm that our current plastics consumption causes, virgin plastic products materials perceived by some societal groups as practically reprehensible and some (e.g. plastic bags, straws) are/ get banned accordingly. This increases the search for new and alternative sustainable materials, such as natural materials and bioplastics, but also recycled plastics. Nowadays, virgin plastics or even recycled plastics are not always perceived in a positive way by either its industrial users (e.g. material engineers and designers) or by consumers when embodied in daily products. In order to re-appreciate these valuable unique materials, research urgently needs to support the purposeful use of plastics design for long-lived solutions, in contrast to the multitude of current single-use products. In this context, a large gap is detected in data from experiential material characterization that is equally important as technical material data. Building upon our previous work, we aim to set-up a straightforward framework for experiential material characterization that incorporates physical, standard material demonstrator forms (to control experimental conditions over various plastic materials) and a set of experiential material qualities for characterization by consumers (and designers). Next, data collection experiments will be set up with specific materials and users in order to investigate the mediating effect of a material's experience and sustainable perception on material attachment and product lifetime extension. This framework enables us to set the basis for further research projects in collaboration with specific industries of whom many are situated in Flanders, i.e. on the one hand with producers of virgin plastics (e.g. BASF, Total, Borealis, Ineos Styrolution, Exxonmobil, Lanxess, Kaneka), bioplastics (e.g. ALPAGRO packaging, B4Plastics, but also many of the virgin plastics producers), and recycled plastics (e.g. SUEZ-QCP, Eco-oh!, Vanheede), and on the other hand with design agencies (such as edmire, Pilipili, Voxdale, Verhaert, Pars Pro Toto), producers of (durable) plastic products (such as Tupperware, P&G, Samsonite), and the SIM-Flanders research centre. During the project, the various options for further valorisation will be explored, such as Horizon Europe, VLAIO O&O and VLAIO innovation mandate.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, the University of Antwerp, want to make a thorough analysis together with the Port Authority of the various steps of the handling and transport process that lead to the loss and distribution of the plastic pellets in the port. In this way we arrive at a dynamic heat map of pellet loss in function of time and place. These insights ensure that not only the places of loss and risks are mapped, but also insights into potential intervention points and solutions. This must be achieved by bringing together the available expertise and knowledge within the companies, the port and the university. In a first phase, the existing situation is analyzed and mapped out, and in a second phase, targeted solutions are formulated, with the ultimate aim being to reduce losses to zero and limit the existing and future impact on the environment as much as possible.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Blust Ronny
• Co-promoter: Du Bois Els

Research team(s)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Yearly, an estimated 5.5 million tonnes of lab plastic waste is created in research labs worldwide. Reducing the plastic consumables in the chemistry sector has a significant impact on the reduction of the total amount of waste. Currently, most lab consumables are only used once and then disposed as hazardous waste. This project aims to support the chemistry sector to grow towards a circular economy, which is one of the pillars of Essenscia, the Belgian federation for chemistry and life sciences industry. Within this transition, the objective is to design out waste. The research proposal aims to develop a theoretical framework on how to deal with the variables that influence the design and implementation of replacing consumables by longer-living alternatives. The resulting conclusions will be of importance for production industry of chemical equipment as well as chemical labs (including procurement) and the recycling sector. The research is structured towards identification, influence and relation of (i) the material variables, (ii) design variables, (iii) usage variables, and (iv) context variables. In a first phase a wide exploration will be performed, to achieve this six research groups are willing to collaborate. In the next phases, the focus will be on each group of variables, in the pre-determined order mentioned before. The results of these foci will build upon each other to come together in a complete theory including all the variables.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Wael Karolien
• Co-promoter: Du Bois Els
• Fellow: Van Loon Joren

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Did you know that metal straws are actually environmentally not better than plastic ones? As a design researcher I'm interested in supporting the transition of the plastics industry towards a circular economy from a human-centred perspective. Meaning, that it does not help to forbid the usage of straws if they are simply replaced by other materials without influence on motivation of behaviour change. We have to design new ways of experiencing the same drinking consumption or change people's motivation towards reuse. Research is needed to investigate the opportunities to redesign the usage of these valuable unique materials.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els
• Fellow: Du Bois Els

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Recently, the European Union decided on a ban for several types of single-use plastics by 2021 and a considerable reduction of many more. By then, good alternatives for these products are desired. As a response to this ban and to consumers' avoidance of plastic litter, (new and existing) reusable alternative products come into scope. Existing examples of replacement products of single-use plastics include reusable straws, reusable shopping bags, reusable vegetable bags, reusable lunch wraps/boxes, menstrual cups, washable diapers, safety razors, reusable coffee travel cups, reusable cotton buds… . These products offer good alternatives to reduce our environmental impact, but only if they are used in the proper manner. Due to their characteristics of reusability and longevity, they need to be stronger, thicker and consist of more material or other materials that have a larger impact during production (such as metal or glass). Based on different LCA studies, the example of a single-use LDPE bag learns us that in order to be environmentally better for climate change: cotton bags should have to be reused 52 times (organic cotton: 149 times), paper bags: 43 times; PP woven bags: 5 times; and PET bags: 8 times. Clearly, if these products are used in the same manner as single-use products, the environmental impact will be even worse. For some alternatives, the question arise if this is at all possible. In this research project, we will study of the long(er) term usage of these reusable alternatives, in order to investigate what motivates or demotivates people to keep on using these products. Long-term is defined as the usage time that starts from the time that equals the similar climate change impact. In addition, there is interest in gaining insights as to the effect of the usage of these types of products on the general attempt towards sustainable living. Understanding the driving variables towards adopting reusable alternatives will form the basis to set up a model on how products or product service systems can influence the long-term product interaction and motivate sustainable living.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els
• Fellow: Herweyers Laure

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

With its recreation facilities the province of Antwerp addresses a basic need (wellbeing, health and leisure). The challenge that is central to this research project is to turn these into 'smart' facilities that create value for different stakeholders and adapt it to a circular economic paradigm. Based on insights from consumer behaviour, product-service design and social sciences, we aim for a research design in which different stakeholders co-create a sustainable (planet, profit, people) leisure model with a 'provincial domain' as case study.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Moons Ingrid
• Co-promoter: Du Bois Els
• Co-promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Marketing

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Combining robust sensor technologies with the inherent advantages of electrochemical strategies, nano-molecularly imprinted polymers, and multivariate and pattern data analysis, BorderSens will enable highly accurate selective detection of trace levels of illicit drugs and precursors. With borders being important gateways for the entrance of illicit drugs and their precursors, custom and border control authorities are facing pertaining challenges to detect such dangerous substances and safeguard the public. The main challenges posed by currently used on-site methods to detect illicit drugs and precursors are low accuracy, in the case of colour tests, and high cost and low portability, in the case of spectroscopic tests. In the light of a pressing need for better drug test systems at EU borders, the ultimate research aim of the BorderSens is to develop a portable, wireless single prototype device with the capability to quickly test for different types of drugs, precursors and adulterants/cutting agents, with outstanding accuracy and reduced false positives and false negatives. BorderSens will demonstrate the innovative technological solutions at seven demonstrations sites at EU borders with end-users and ensure exploitation plans guaranteeing strong impact. BorderSens brings together universities, a big manufacturer of electrochemical sensors, a specialised SME, ten endusers i.e. forensic institutes, police forces and border authorities, and a high quality external advisory board, to provide an excellent scientific-technical perspective and a straightforward exploitation route, with great impact on the safety of EU citizens.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Wael Karolien
• Co-promoter: Du Bois Els

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Detection and identification of illegal drugs is a major task of both police and customs officials in order to prevent circulation and dealing in our society. An optimal test is crucial to support this process. Within the AXES research group, a new method was developed to achieve a fast and accurate detection of cocaine at low cost, using an electrochemical sensor. By using this method, the limitations and restrictions of existing tests can be tackled (i.e. interpretation sensitivity, false positives/negatives, and environmental influences). The developed technique is currently operational in a lab setting, but needs to be adjusted and translated to be effective on location. Currently, within other projects, the method is optimized to achieve multi-drug detection. This POC project focusses on the development of a user-friendly and wearable device for drug detection that can be used by different authorities without scientific knowledge or training. By means of methods from Product Development, the current lab setting will be translated into a usable product for reliable testing (in typical Belgian whether conditions, wearing gloves, in an environment where no tables or other surfaces are available). The project includes thorough testing and verification with future end users.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Wael Karolien
• Co-promoter: Du Bois Els

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Urban pre-Composter is a public underground system that is used to collect organic waste in an urban context. The added value of this innovative concept is the ability to pretreat the waste in order to reduce its volume. Consequently, less transportation is needed to carry this waste. This directly implies that the environmental impact on these cities will be reduced, and in addition on social domain, the concept reduced the amount of hindrance and annoyance that is currently related to waste collection. During this project the aim is to convert and improve the design into a verified installation concept that can be commercialized.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els
• Co-promoter: Van Barel Gregory
• Co-promoter: Vrancken Karl C M

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

With the emergence of new materials, the available set of materials is rapidly growing both in type and number, each with their own characteristics and applications. Hence, materials selection in product design is a complex and costly process. Since people interact with materials through products, the products' materials should not only meet technical qualifications, but also appeal to the senses of the consumer, attribute specific meanings, provoke intended emotions, and be context-specific. Consequently, industrial design engineers should be supported in integrating these different material understandings, and especially in taking the consumer perspective into account. This research will focus on closing the knowledge gap in continuous materials selection support - customised to the evolving multidisciplinary needs of industrial design engineering - throughout the entire design process, with special focus upon consumer-centred aspects of design. The success of new products depends upon their adoption by end consumers and, therefore, particular attention should be paid to designing products in such a way that they appeal to these consumers and their consumption context [1]. The overall research objective is to develop and test a generic framework to support early (new) materials decisions, integrating technical and consumer-experiential aspects. The conceptual basis of the study project combines two methodologies: 'Research in Design Context' and 'Design Inclusive Research', that provide frameworks in which 'design' is considered as an evolving research process to arrive at a new product that is both technically optimal and consumer-centred. A stepwise research design combines existing data (literature review), consumer insights (workshops), insights in motives and criteria for material choices (qualitative research, quantitative model building with professionals) and case studies (validating of the methodology with companies) The research project thus attempts to provide and test a methodology to bridge the current technical - consumer-experiential imbalance in industrial design engineering and to enhance the consumer perspective in this process. It can also improve the adoption of new materials and products. The theoretical and methodological contribution is that the project aims at developing and testing a new framework for materials selection in the design process that integrates both perspectives, for an increased adoption of newly developed products in the market place. A combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches and inductive and deductive reasoning in a mixed methods approach is used.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Moons Ingrid
• Co-promoter: Du Bois Els
• Co-promoter: Van Doorsselaer Karine
• Fellow: Veelaert Lore

Research team(s)

• Marketing

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Within the project " street litter along slow roads", the municipality of Zemst requested our support to organise a cocreation session with its citizens. The session included a 2 day workshop focusing on problem definition and idea generation during the first session and problem selection and implementation during the second session. The project fits within the 'ideate for sustainability' service provision goal of the research group.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Urban pre-Composter is a public underground system that is used to collect organic waste in an urban context. The added value of this innovative concept is the ability to pretreat the waste in order to reduce its volume. Consequently, less transportation is needed to carry this waste. This directly implies that the environmental impact on these cities will be reduced, and in addition on social domain, the concept reduced the amount of hindrance and annoyance that is currently related to waste collection. During this project the aim is to convert and improve the design into a verified installation concept that can be commercialized.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els
• Co-promoter: Van Barel Gregory
• Co-promoter: Vrancken Karl C M

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of the Design from recycling-project is to provide the necessary information for the Flemish SMEs and to support the design of product that are manufactured from recycled plastics. Additionally, the project also focuses on determining the sustainability level of these products. The target groups are on the one hand the Flemish companies involved in developing and manufacturing plastic products and on the other hand recyclers of plastics. Design FROM recycling is not the same as the already well known Design FOR Recycling, in which the focus is on designing recyclable products. The main research questions are: a) How do we design specifically with and for recycled plastics? b) How do we efficiently match recycled material flows and potential products? c) what is the added value of products made from recycled materials (compared to virgin materials) in terms of eco-efficiency and resource efficiency?

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Du Bois Els
• Co-promoter: Van Doorsselaer Karine

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project