Design for dematerialization
Introduction
The dematerialization of the economy is a strategic proposal for sustainability by reducing the time of use of the inputs used for production "Production (economy)"). This concept has a direct relationship with that of productivity, understood as the relationship between the quantity produced and the quantity of inputs used in such production. Thus, the smaller the amount of inputs used in the production of a unit of product, the greater the productivity, also understood as the efficiency in production.[1].
Dematerialization and eco-efficiency
There is also a relationship between dematerialization and the conservation of the environment and natural resources, since by reducing the intensity in the use of materials, the volume of waste generated is reduced, and process efficiency is improved. In turn, exposure to toxic and hazardous materials is reduced, reserves of non-renewable resources are saved, and demand for renewable resources is reduced. Long-term dematerialization can sustain the economy in a sustainable development model[1][2] according to which:.
The dematerialization strategy is directly manifested in the reduction of inputs of raw materials into the productive chains of goods and services and the reduction of outputs of waste and toxic substances into the environment.
Dematerialization contributes to eco-efficiency, understood as the efficiency with which ecological resources are used to meet human needs. The application of eco-efficiency to industrial processes brings advantages, not only to the environment but also to producers, since its definition implies economic profitability, since the aim is to produce "more with less." That is, use fewer environmental resources and less energy in the production process, reduce waste, and mitigate pollution. Ecoefficiency also promotes a comprehensive design of technology to reduce the intensity of use of materials and energy during production, in addition to promoting the reuse of inputs through reengineering and recycling processes (ecoeficiencia.com).
Measurement of dematerialization
Dematerialization is done by reducing the flow of matter in the economy to maintain the assimilation capacity of ecosystems at tolerable levels. The main meaning of dematerialization is to increase the productivity of resources, which can be measured in a macroeconomic sense as gross domestic product over Total Material Required (Boada, 2002).