Materials selection for life cycle design

The use of recycled materials is increasingly important worldwide as product take-back and producer responsibility legislation are mandated, product labeling programs are adopted, and sustainability goals are promoted. In this paper, we review materials selection guidelines and provide over one hundred references. We distinguish between component level and product level materials selection guidelines. We discuss the relationship between the life cycle timeline and the impact of the materials selection guidelines. We illustrate how materials selection decisions impact distribution, consumer use, repair and refurbishment, and other end-of-life activities. Finally, we survey both qualitative and quantitative materials selection methods. We summarize the development of models to assist designers with (i) insights into end-of-life product management strategy, (ii) use of recycled materials, and (iii) design selection with integrated consideration of materials, manufacturing, and end-of-life impacts.