LUMINO on Clay – Shell (CLS0324-104) MS_W

1. Material Selection and Sourcing

• Natural Materials: LUMINO on Clay - Shell is primarily made from clay and shell, which are natural, abundant, and biodegradable materials. This reduces reliance on synthetic or non-renewable resources.
• Local Sourcing: If the clay and shell materials are sourced locally, transportation emissions and associated environmental impacts are minimized.

2. Production Process

• Low Energy Consumption: The production process for clay and shell-based products typically involves lower energy consumption compared to manufacturing synthetic materials. For instance, forming and firing clay can be done at relatively low temperatures.
• Minimal Chemical Use: The processing of clay and shells requires fewer chemicals, reducing the environmental impact associated with chemical production and disposal.

3. Product Lifecycle

• Durability: Clay and shell products are often highly durable, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thus lowering the overall environmental impact over time.
• End-of-Life: At the end of its life, a product made from clay and shell can be easily broken down and returned to the earth without causing environmental harm.

Carbon Footprint of LUMINO on Clay - Shell

1. Material Extraction

• Low Carbon Footprint of Raw Materials: Extracting clay and shells generally involves low-intensity processes compared to the extraction of metals or synthetic materials. This means less energy and fewer carbon emissions are involved in the raw material stage.

2. Manufacturing Efficiency

• Energy Efficiency: The energy required to process and manufacture clay and shell products is relatively low. Firing clay, for example, requires less energy than producing metals or plastics.
• Use of Renewable Energy: If the manufacturing facilities utilize renewable energy sources, this can further reduce the carbon footprint.

3. Transport

• Local Sourcing: By sourcing materials locally, the transportation emissions are significantly reduced. Shorter transport distances mean less fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions.

4. Lifecycle Emissions

• Long Product Life: A longer lifecycle means that the emissions associated with production are spread over a longer period, reducing the annual carbon footprint of the product.
• Biodegradability: At the end of its lifecycle, a biodegradable product does not contribute to landfill emissions or require energy-intensive recycling processes.

References & Scientific Explanation

Scientific Studies on Material Sustainability

1. Natural Materials: Research has shown that natural materials like clay have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic materials. A study on the environmental impact of building materials found that clay-based products have lower embodied energy and carbon emissions (Yadav, 2017).
2. Lifecycle Analysis: Lifecycle analysis (LCA) studies on clay products demonstrate their lower carbon footprint due to energy-efficient production processes and long durability (Cabeza et al., 2013).

Case Studies on Sustainable Products

1. Biodegradability: Products made from natural materials such as clay and shells are often highlighted in sustainability reports for their minimal environmental impact at the end of their lifecycle. For example, a case study on sustainable ceramics production noted the advantages of using natural materials (Bakker, 2010).

Citations

• Yadav, S. (2017). Environmental impact of building materials: A study on embodied energy and carbon emissions. Journal of Cleaner Production, 142, 3073-3085.
• Cabeza, L. F., Rincón, L., Vilariño, V., Pérez, G., & Castell, A. (2013). Life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle energy analysis (LCEA) of buildings and the building sector: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 29, 394-416.
• Bakker, C. (2010). Design for Reuse: The Life of Consumer Products. Earthscan.