3. LCA -
EXHIBIT STAND
Research - Redesign
[2023]
Redesign of a signage stand through a comprehensive analysis of all phases of its life cycle, from pre-production to production, accompanied by a simplified
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report. The objective is to develop two customized vertical indoor informational signs with a reduced environmental impact, for an exhibition of student works at Politecnico di Milano.
The starting point was the analysis of the existing product and the creation of a Life Cycle Process Inventory, taking into account the following parameters: Unit Weight (kg), Total Weight (kg), Weight per Functional Unit (kg), Material, Processing techniques.
These factors were considered across all life cycle stages: pre-production, production, transportation, use, and end-of-life.
The analysis revealed that the pre-production and production phases are the most impactful in terms of environmental footprint. In particular, the pre-production of the PVC banner stands out as highly detrimental, as it is a single-use element that is discarded to make room for a new print.
Considering the scarcity of certain resources compared to others, materials such as aluminum and nylon 6 present a significant depletion potential and must be carefully evaluated.
The focus of the redesign is on optimizing the use of renewable and biocompatible resources, while minimizing energy and material consumption.
The redesigned product aims to reduce structural components while still ensuring support and stability. It also revisits some material choices to make them more consistent with the intended use, in terms of both quality and durability.
The base has been completely re-engineered to continue providing the necessary support and elevation from the ground. The chosen solution involves a bent aluminum sheet, whose shape ensures excellent stability while reducing material usage. It does not rest on the full length of its surface, allowing it to adapt to slightly uneven floors.
The vertical extrusion is connected to the horizontal one through a joint that has been redesigned both in form and material. This redesign eliminates the need for pressure-based fittings, which can lead to premature wear. The new joint, made of aluminum, uses a spring-loaded pin-lock system that allows the two extruded tubes to be connected with minimal friction.
The nylon 6 cable ties, made of a resource with high depletion potential, have been removed. The banner is now attached to the structure via two slots placed at its top and bottom edges.
We conducted in-depth research to find an alternative to PVC for the banner material—one with lower environmental impact while meeting the limited performance requirements of a single-use exhibition. The final choice was a polyethylene fabric (Tyvek), a highly durable, lightweight material with 96% opacity that allows double-sided printing even at low thicknesses."
Following the strategies aimed at achieving the set objectives, the new concept results in a 79% reduction in environmental impact.