A comprehensive circular design framework for graphene-enhanced industrial systems
cross-sectoral methodology and multi-criteria evaluation
Abstract
This study introduces a novel integrated circular design framework that embeds different methodologies, including eco-design strategies, material selection strategies, design for assembly/disassembly, design for recycling, and multi-parameter engineering optimisation, into the earliest stages of development across 11 industrial use cases (UCs). By linking functional lightweighting, design and advanced graphene-related material (GRM)-based multifunctional (GRM-bM) solutions in a unified assessment approach, a demonstration is presented of how qualitative and cross-sector convergence can deliver high-performance products with enhanced recyclability and reduced environmental burden without relying on post hoc LCA. The novelty of this work lies not only in the conceptual advancement of a circular design framework but also in its practical implementation within operational and industrial environments involving complex graphene and GRM-bM systems. This work presents a scalable approach for integrating sustainability into material-intensive systems, from concept to pre-production. Technical and environmental specifications of the UCs, encompassing the automotive, aerospace, water treatment, hydrogen storage, and energy generation sectors, have been considered. A conceptual study has provided a realistic manufacturing scenario and cost analysis, ensuring the feasibility and practicality of the proposed solutions. Furthermore, eco-design concepts are presented to optimise advanced graphene and GRM-bM, feasibility, manufacturing technologies, and recyclability. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG), this work contributes to delivering graphene-enabled components that maintain mechanical integrity, cut mass by up to 22 %, and achieve projected recyclability above 90 %. In comparison, conceptual manufacturing studies indicate a 20 % energy-saving and 10 % cost reduction. Collectively, these results demonstrate a transferable, scale-ready pathway to high-performance materials that meet the EU Green Deal and UN-SDG ambitions.
Details
- Organisation(s)
-
Institute of Coordination Chemistry
- External Organisation(s)
-
Northumbria University
Centro tecnológico de automoción de Galicia (CTAG)
Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT)
BCMaterials - Basque Center for Materials, Applications and Nanostructures
Crossfire Srl
Dutch Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO)
Eurecat, Technology Centre of Catalonia
CRF Centro Ricerche FIAT SCPA
Iris S.r.l
Dawn Aerospace Nederland B.V.
Boeing Turkey Aviation and Trade Ltd. Co.
FORVIA group
Nanoprom Chemicals S.r.l.
HydroSolid GmbH
- Type
- Article
- Journal
- Sustainable Production and Consumption
- Volume
- 62
- Pages
- 84-116
- No. of pages
- 33
- Publication date
- 01.2026
- Publication status
- Published
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
- Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 13 - Climate Action
- Electronic version(s)
-
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2025.12.002 (Access:
Open
)
