Perspectives on greener product development and manufacturing from Sustainable Minds, our partners, customers and contributors.

Webcast Replay: Introducing v3.0 - Part 2: SM2013 methodology, use cases & demo

By Sustainable Minds on June 12, 2013

In this webcast, Terry Swack (Founder & CEO) and Joep Meijer (LCA Technical Expert) introduce SM v3.0.

  1. SM2013 methodology:
    • Major update to our impact assessment method, combines TRACI 2.1 and LCI data from the current version of ecoinvent and other sources for more globally harmonized LCA results. SM2013 uses new normalization factors that were created specifically for TRACI 2.1. The overall result is that the values are lower and that there is a more balanced results view.

    • The toxicity impact categories have been generated with USEtox, the most recognized toxicity impact assessment method.

    • SM2013 Methodology, a next generation dataset, the methodology report is updated. You can read more about the updated methodology in section 5 of the Learning Center ‘SM2013 Impact Assessment Methodology.’

  2. Use Cases for Sustainable Minds:
    1. Benchmark existing products, packaging, sub-assemblies & parts – to identify where in the life cycle greatest impacts occur, the cause, and where real improvement can be made. Results are used to:

      • Drive product development in R&D and concept development – efficiently and credibly identify breakthrough opportunities, cost efficiencies while validating or eliminating preconceived ideas.

      • Set environmental performance targets for products and product categories – standardize how environmental performance will be measured for internal teams, design and engineering suppliers, and supply chain vendors.

      • Respond to customer reporting requirements; alternative assessments – demonstrate your whole life cycle approach to making products.

      • Influence the creation of environmental product declarations (EPD) – prioritize and report on what matters most. Be active participants.

    2. Analyze feasibility of logistics & packaging reuse – understand the feasibility of reusable packaging and logistical implications.

    3. Win new business – use in sales and business development to demonstrate your company’s ability to deliver greener products.

    4. Develop processes and organization to integrate life cycle thinking and action – it’s important to think and work this way before you’re required to.

  3. Demonstration of what’s new:
    • Managing Projects – All new projects will use SM2013. You can easily copy and upgrade a project to SM2013. You can continue modeling in current projects using SM2011 – no change.

    • Download the example projects: a toaster, diaper, baby wipe, and surgical gown – Three example projects were developed for the nonwovens industry in collaboration with INDA, the global association for the Nonwovens Industry, and Chapas & Chinai Associates, the nonwovens industry expert.

    • Browse the SM2013 Data Browser – Download the SM Data Request Form from the SM2013 Data Browser or the BOM import screen and send it to support@sustainableminds.com.

  4. Sustainable Minds and INDA Partnership:
    • Industry Sponsor INDA, drive revenue and growth through greener nonwoven innovation, Sustainable Mind’s nonwovens deliverables will include a continually expanding industry-defined lifecycle dataset, example products, services, training, knowledge sharing, and a platform for showcasing greener materials and products and their uses and applications for nonwovens.

    • Benchmark Existing Products, Sustainable Minds modeled a diaper, baby wipe, and surgical gown to examine the data required and how much or how little data is available. There is a demand and an opportunity for raw material, component and processes manufacturers to provide data and gain visibility. Benchmarking is the way to understand the current state of the product and how to improve the modeling of the product with actual data.

    • Building a Global Nonwovens Dataset, designing truly greener nonwovens products requires access to a comprehensive source of current and credible lifecycle data. Currently, there is no source of nonwovens lifecycle data that is widely available, easy to use, and cost-effective. The value of adding your data is that it creates visibility, is easier for your customers to compare your data with industry average data, does not use inaccurate proxies, and is private and only displayed as a SM impact factor.

When you’re done watching, we encourage you to sign up for a FREE 15-day Trial Account and try what you learned.

For information on subscriptions, scheduling a private webcast for your organization or our Getting Started Programs, contact sales@sustainableminds.com or call 617 401 2269.