Integrated approach to material selection: sustainability and mechanical characteristics

Abstract

Interest in sustainable materials is rapidly growing in both industry and academia. They are developed to reduce the use of non-renewable resources, limit climate-altering emissions, and promote recyclability or biodegradability. However, the availability of innovative materials is not enough: the key to successful design is defining quantitative and measurable requirements from the early stages. Just as mechanical parameters ensure structural integrity, environmental indicators such as global warming potential (GWP) are essential for monitoring compliance with sustainability key performance indicators (KPIs) throughout development. This work proposes an integrated characterization, estimating the GWP associated with the production of one kilogram of material along with mechanical properties such as elastic modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break, and density. The analysis, conducted according to ISO standards, considers the entire cycle from production to disposal. Polylactate (PLA) and some of its composites obtained from waste natural fibers (Posidonia oceanica, Chamaerops humilis) were evaluated. For each material, the environmental impact was estimated at laboratory scale in two scenarios and with two calculation methods. The results show that, with appropriate processes, it is possible to simultaneously improve mechanical performance and reduce environmental impact compared to pure PLA. The proposed methodology therefore provides objective data to support design decisions, allowing for material comparisons and multidisciplinary optimizations that take into account structural integrity, cost, and emissions. Looking ahead, the approach is also applicable to component design, where the absolute impact depends not only on the material's life cycle but also on the quantity used. Integrating environmental and mechanical characterization from the early stages therefore means ensuring continuous monitoring of project KPIs and supporting truly sustainable choices.