END OF LIFE HANDLING CONSIDERATIONS

SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK

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END-OF-LIFE HANDLING CONSIDERATIONS
41. REDUCED MATERIAL COMPLEXITY
We strive to design products using a single material, or as few materials as possible, to simplify end-of-life management and avoid the complexities of composite systems. Where multiple materials are necessary, they are selected and combined with care—ensuring natural materials can biodegrade, and technical materials can be cleanly separated and reintroduced into new production cycles. This considered approach reduces waste and supports long-term ecological sustainability.
42. BIODEGRADABLE
We maximise the use of biodegradable and compostable materials—whether naturally occurring or engineered to break down through microbial activity—to enhance ecological sustainability. These materials minimise environmental impact at the end of a product’s lifecycle, ensuring responsible and considered disposal.

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43. EASY TO DISASSEMBLE
We design products such that, wherever possible, their components can be disassembled at the end of their life. Individual components can be cleaned, repaired, or repurposed, while others can be disposed of responsibly. By facilitating disassembly, products reduce waste, reintroduce materials into new life cycles, and support ecological sustainability. Disassembled parts retain economic value through reuse or repurposing, contributing to economic sustainability. Products with accessible, standardised mechanical joineries—dismantlable with universal tools—allow more effective end-of-life disassembly than welded, glued, or soldered connections.
44. REUSABLE
As far as possible, we design for reuse in order to enhance ecological sustainability by reducing the need for fresh material inputs and avoiding down-cycling, which produces lower-quality, less functional items. By encouraging users to reuse, these products also challenge planned and perceived obsolescence, fostering a culture of mindful consumption and supporting cultural sustainability.

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45. RECYCLABLE
We try to ensure our products are recyclable to support both ecological and economic sustainability. Their materials reduce pressure on natural resources while retaining economic value through reintroduction into new product cycles. Products designed for primary recycling—returning materials to the same product line—are preferable to those requiring secondary or tertiary recycling. Ease of disassembly is essential, particularly when isolating potentially toxic components.
46. PROMOTES/USES LOCAL RECYCLING SYSTEMS
We recognise that much of what is labelled as ‘waste’ ultimately ends up in landfills, where decomposition is limited and environmental impact persists. In response, we design our products for easy sorting within local collection and recycling systems—through clear material identification and simple disassembly. This approach reduces landfill burden while supporting all dimensions of sustainability: it creates livelihoods for communities engaged in waste collection and sorting, strengthening social and economic sustainability; protects ecosystems by enabling effective material recovery, reinforcing ecological sustainability; and encourages a culture of sorting and recycling, contributing to long-term cultural sustainability.

Have a project or idea to discuss? Email us at info@rhizomedesign.co and our team will help bring your design vision to life.