Resumen
Thermoplastic composites manufacturing could be a potential end-of-life option for separated construction and demolition waste. This study aims to find out how well the established ecodesign methodologies support the choice of recycled composite materials in new product design, and what challenges these materials offer to the designer. A product design case study was conducted by applying the ecodesign methodologies Environmental Quality Function Deployment and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution, to identify the main promoting and demoting factors from the designer?s point of view. The rate of recycled material is the main promoting factor, but biodegradability, recyclability, and the mixing of materials are usually demoting the composite use. The use of multiple criteria analysis techniques can work in favor of the composite, as the mechanical and physical properties are taken into consideration. The paper discusses the potential challenges the designer faces when evaluating the feasibility of using recycled material composites. The design suggests that new uses for waste that previously went to landfill, such as mineral wool, can be found with composite solutions.