For AION, the step of material selection and sourcing is critical in achieving a high-quality, sustainable product made from recycled plastic. Whether a client is looking to develop something entirely new, improve an existing product, or take a pre-designed concept to market, our process focuses on understanding both material properties and sustainability goals to deliver the best solution.
Material Sourcing and Quality Assessment
At AION we work through a network of different recyclers, ensuring that all input materials meet strict environmental and quality standards. We examine factors like consistency, strength, flexibility, and chemical stability of recycled resins, selecting those that match specific product and manufacturing needs while prioritizing post-consumer waste sources to enhance sustainability impact. This is critical for products with long lifespans or heavy use, as recycled plastics can vary significantly from virgin materials in terms of durability and tolerance.
In designing with recycled plastics, AION rigorously adheres to uphold relevant industry regulations and safety standards, such as need for industry specific UV stability and fire resistance. Recycled materials must meet stringent criteria to ensure they perform reliably in diverse environments, from withstanding prolonged sunlight exposure to adhering to fire safety norms. By conducting detailed material testing and collaborating with certified third parties, we validate necessary material's compliance, guaranteeing that our products not only support a circular economy but also meet all industry-specific demands for safety and resilience.
Matching Material to Product
Through close client collaboration, we analyze product requirements—like load-bearing capacity, resistance to elements, and aesthetic attributes—and match these with suitable recycled materials. For example, if the goal is to create a packaging solution that can withstand heavy handling, we focus on denser, higher-grade recycled plastics that can endure stress. AION’s material selection also considers the potential for modular design or multi-use purposes, allowing for the use of fewer material types, which simplifies end-of-life recycling.
At AION, our approach to materials incorporates a unique "waste-to-resource" methodology. This strategy enables us to repurpose the client’s own plastic waste whenever feasible, converting it into raw materials for new products. By utilizing a customer’s relevant plastic byproducts, we help close the loop on their own material usage, giving new life to waste that would otherwise be discarded. This enhances product circularity and contributes to a significantly lower carbon footprint by reducing dependency on external recycled sources.
Supporting Sustainable Supply Chain Goals
To meet our clients' sustainability targets, AION actively tracks the lifecycle impact of the chosen materials. By incorporating supplier data on recycled content, carbon footprint, and waste reduction, we can provide clients with measurable insights into the environmental impact of their products. This is crucial for companies that align their design and production with broader ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) objectives.
To address supply chain challenges in recycled plastic, AION works closely with local suppliers to ensure a stable, short-traveled material supply. By doing so, we reduce transportation-related emissions and strengthen our clients' supply reliability, safeguarding them against potential shortages or price fluctuations. This ensures that production remains efficient, eco-conscious, and uninterrupted.
AION’s sourcing and selection process thus balances material quality, performance requirements, and sustainability, setting a solid foundation for successful product design and responsible innovation.
