Recycled or natural materials: questions before making a sustainability claim
“Natural” and “recycled” describe aspects of a material's origin; they do not automatically prove that a finished product has a lower impact. Processing, additives, adhesives, finishes, transport, expected service life, repair and disposal can change the overall picture. The comparison also needs to use products that perform the same function over a stated period.
For your project, document what you know about the source and manufacturing steps, then mark any gaps. Do not turn one sample or supplier statement into a broad claim about every product. Where evidence is missing, use precise language such as “made with a recycled-content sample” and explain what you have not assessed.
Avoid broad claims unless a suitable assessment supports them for your product and its use. Explore KENCID’s Product Design course for user-centred products, and use Materials Innovation & Product Development to investigate material performance with clear evidence.
Explore your next step
Explore the Materials Innovation & Product Development course at KENCID, or browse all KENCID courses. Contact Admissions to confirm current course details before you apply.