Sustainable Air Purifier made from SferiCorn biocomposite material
Purify both air and landfills with our eco-friendly corn-based air purifier - a revolutionary concept that transforms the industrial ecosystem by harnessing the full potential of biobased materials in mass production and accelerating the shift towards a greener industry. By turning waste into valuable resources, this concept, which incorporates advanced principles of circularity and cutting-edge production technology, lays the foundation for a sustainable evolution of the industry.
National
Serbia
Vojvodina region.
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
No
No
As an individual in partnership with other persons
First name: Nikola Last name: Đurašković Gender: Male Age: 25 Please attach a copy of your national ID/residence card:
By ticking this box, I certify that the information regarding my age is factually correct. : Yes Nationality: Serbia Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Vojvode Mišića 57a Town: Sremska Kamenica Postal code: 21208 Country: Serbia Direct Tel:+381 63 8953712 E-mail:nikola.djuraskovic@outlook.com Website:https://sferikondesign.com/
First name: Nedeljko Last name: Tica Gender: Male Age: 27 Please attach a copy of your national ID/residence card:
By ticking this box, I certify that the information regarding my age is factually correct. : Yes Nationality: Serbia Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Kneza Mihajla 124 Town: Nova Pazova Postal code: 22330 Country: Serbia Direct Tel:+381 69 1669600 E-mail:tnedeljko@gmail.com Website:https://sferikondesign.com/
Poor air quality in the home can cause a variety of health problems. One way to improve air quality is by using air purifiers that help clean the air in a room. The demand for air purifiers has been growing in recent years, driven by increased awareness of the potential health risks. The global air purifier market is expected to grow at a significant rate in the coming years due to its impact on the environment. Plastic materials are commonly used for the housing of air purifiers. Plastic is a non-biodegradable material; it does not decompose naturally in the environment and can, also, release harmful chemicals and pollutants into the environment during its production, use, and disposal. To solve the problem of using unsustainable materials for mass production of air purifiers, our project started with the creation of a material that can make the air purifier truly sustainable. We developed a new material, a bio-composite made of secondary raw material derived from corn production. Our SferiCorn material is a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, as it is biodegradable and produced from renewable resources. This material is used in the vertical housing part of our air purifier, which means that this part is completely sustainable, biodegradable, and does not harm the environment during production, use, recycling, or disposal. Using such material from local farmers ensures the involvement of local communities by providing them with an additional income while, at the same time, supporting sustainable development. This concept represents a perfectly balanced product between human-centered and earth-centered design philosophies.
Air
Product
Design
Bio-composite
Circularity
The air purifier concept has multiple strategic sustainability approaches that include environmental, economic, and social sustainability perspectives. They all focus on preserving natural resources while maintaining economic growth and improving social well-being.
Using sustainable SferiCorn biomaterial, which is developed to remove the negative impact of traditional materials made out of fossil fuels. The implementation of our SferiCorn biomaterial has many advantages over traditional materials, including being renewable, biodegradable, and having a lower carbon footprint. The LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) even shows that it has carbon-capturing capabilities by contributing to the absorption of approximately 3 times the mass of CO2 from the atmosphere before the corn harvest.
Enabling dual circularity, an advanced circular system that allows both technical and biological cycles to happen. By using a renewable and biodegradable material, it can be recycled while retaining all technical properties (technical cycle) or disposed of without any harmful impact on the environment (biological cycle).
Labeling recycled aluminum: for some parts of the air purifier recycled aluminum 6063 is used. Those parts are reusable and marked with the exact type of aluminum on multiple places of the part, so the recycling process is possible, otherwise, it is downcycling which should be avoided.
Social aspect: educating and raising awareness among consumers, industry, and government about sustainability by showcasing the visual, functional, and theoretical segments of the product concept.
One of the starting aspirations for this project was to question products' conventions and traditions and start a new chapter of avant-garde design. We are developing a solution for the environmental problem by switching to a sustainable alternative material. But it is not only about what material we use, but also about showing it off - letting the natural looks of SferiCorn biocomposite material be visible. By displaying the raw color of the biomaterial, we create a new experience when using the product. Now, the product itself tells a story of the green principles used in its creation. This design concept is not only focused on achieving quality in aesthetics but also on setting new standards in how we visually experience the message this air purifier has to transfer. An object that has a visually pleasing natural look, promotes positive emotions, and provides multiple benefits. The introduction of biophilic design elements (the natural look) improves mental and physical well-being, reduces stress, and enhances creativity and productivity. Additionally, by bringing elements of nature indoors, the product can help connect people with the natural world and promote a sense of belonging and natural stewardship. The implementation of aluminum parts gives this product a neat look, high-quality feel, and builds customer confidence by displaying a compact geometric design. Another tailored approach of combining human-centered with earth-centered design principles makes this product a perfect sample of what the future of industrial and product design should look like. On one side are the needs, wants, and limitations of end-users (human-centered), and on the other is the minimization of impact on the environment (earth-centered). This product showcases the future of consumer goods, not only by being sustainable at its core but also by showing sustainability on its surface and, in that way, presenting new values to customers and other companies.
The air purifier would take into account the needs and perspectives of a diverse range of individuals and communities during its design and development. The non-intrusive design allows for users to personalize the product with their own emotional engagement, which enhances the overall appearance. The product is characterized by minimal user interface and automated processes, in line with its simple overall function. The key interface feature is a big on/off button on the top surface as the only control for the product. When the device is turned on, the button sinks down and opens the valve for clean air exhaust. This not only makes the product easier to use and manipulate, but makes it also accessible to people with visual or dexterity impairments caused by diseases such as arthritis and lupus. If needed, all information about air quality or filter status will be available through voice controls or in a phone application.
In terms of material properties of the product, sustainable materials will be sourced from local and minority-owned agricultural businesses, which will support local infrastructure and community. Corn is one of the most widely grown crops in the world and its leftovers are a byproduct of the harvest, which means that there is a large supply of these materials available, which can drive down costs. Simple and conventional manufacturing processes will be used to mold the material into the shape of the product, so there will be no need for a large investment to get the final form of the shell of the product. Both sourcing and manufacturing aspects will ensure the affordability of the product for a wide range of income levels.
This project can increase citizen education and awareness about the importance of air quality and the choice of buying eco-sustainable products.
The product itself can be equipped with a sensor for the detection of air pollutants, which can be supported by a function for notifying multiple citizens with allergies living nearby when air allergens are detected. Such notifications can have a positive impact on a specific group of people, especially when we take into account how many people have problems with Allergic diseases. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 25% of the world population suffers from allergic diseases. Notifications will be educational and suggest a few actions such as closing the windows and turning on the air purifier. The company can partner with organizations that focus on air quality issues to raise awareness and promote the importance of air purification.
One of the key aspects of this product is that it is designed to be easily recyclable. This project can educate citizens about the importance of recycling and reducing waste by creating a segment in the mobile application of the air purifier, where they can be informed on how to properly dispose of the parts after their lifespan. This convenient model of a systematically organized process of returning the parts to the supply chain, from where they go back to recycling, can serve as a good example for other companies. The collection of the parts for recycling implies the involvement of multiple civil society factors and is especially important in developing countries where awareness of the importance of recycling is low. Parts made of biodegradable SferiCorn material can be easily recycled, and, more importantly, they have a positive impact on the environment in multiple aspects.
During the research and development phases, the engagement of local farmers was crucial for the creation of a sustainable secondary raw material derived from corn production. The creation of this material relies heavily on local sources. For the production of SferiCorn, a biocomposite material used in the manufacture of Air purifier parts, the purchase of agricultural secondary raw materials from local farmers is essential. By buying from local farmers, we can support the local economy and have a reliable supply of raw materials, as opposed to relying on international suppliers. By working directly with local farmers, the company can promote sustainable farming practices and contribute to the protection of the environment. This collaboration helped us to develop knowledge concerning the complex process of collecting the raw material, and farmers were introduced to the real potential of such raw materials. A continued close collaboration with farmers implies that production facilities will be located in rural parts of the region. The connection of agriculture with industry is significant for the development of the entire region of Vojvodina. The introduction of the Air Purifier can serve as a good example to other companies by demonstrating how environmental and social responsibility can be achieved while also providing economic benefits, promoting innovation and meeting consumer demand. By further developing the SferiCorn material for mass production purposes, the supplied production can be offered to many companies across Europe, making their transition to sustainable products cheaper and easier. Additionally, by offering capacities for the production of the best sustainable product ideas using SferiCorn, as with the AirPurifier, we can also contribute to the global design community by spreading the New European Bauhaus idea and demonstrating the approach to design that prioritizes both esthetics and mass-producible sustainability while being inclusive.
As this concept refers to a physical product , industrial design has reflected the most on the development of this project. Industrial design iteratively considers connection between product, user, and environment during a development of a product. As a multidisciplinary field, industrial design is responsible for creating the physical form and aesthetic of the air purifier, taking into account factors such as ergonomics, materials, and manufacturing processes. Speaking of manufacturing generally, the price of a finished product is in big part driven by chosen manufacturing processes and their complexity. Considering that, we have chosen to keep conventional manufacturing technology as a technical requirement. Also, manufacturing technology is strongly correlated with material choice.
Material science plays a crucial role in life cycle assessment of the air purifier as it is a physical product. With respect to the material selection in the project, two main requirements needed to be followed and concilliated. First, compostability of air purifier parts and their overall environmental impact. Second, to retain mechanical and visual properties during the expected lifespan of a product use. Fulfilling those two requirements, the concept conciliates earth-center and human-centered design philosophies.
Since SferiCorn material is based on agricultural waste, agronomy as a scientific discipline is involved in terms of resource supply chain and logistics. Understanding the plant life and used technology in seeding, cultivation to harvesting gave us a picture how resourcing would have potential impact on life cycle assessment.
Interdisciplinary communication successfully addressed potential impacts on sustainability which are related to each phase of the project.
Collaboration between all listed disciplines has built the essence of the project and its product character in both functional and visual properties.
The concept is innovative in the materials use, user interface, user experience and in software and data communication. The key innovation in our concept of the air purifier is the use of biodegradable materials in its shell parts and promotion of their visual look and texture as a new design standard. Compared to the fossil base and visually plain color of synthetic materials used in products like these. In that way we support the market of new products based on the same idea of using more sustainable materials. And, replace synthetic materials but keep beneficiaries with which they contributed to the market of products in terms of mechanical properties.
Another innovation is to emphasize the idea of clean through minimalistic design and user interface and experience. Idea is to relieve a consumer from understanding how to control the device, and instead to make the device work the most efficiently according to conditions sensing in the real time. If needed to do any configuration, it would be available through an application on a mobile device or a computer. Generally, the concept relies on more automated processes.
Air purifier with its smartphone API would be a part of the IoT system (The Internet of Things). Idea is to gather real-time data about aeroallergens from databases like from EAN (“European Aeroallergen Network”) , application notifies consumers and adapts air purifier fan speed mode if built-in sensor verifies and confirms indoor data. Besides pollen, the application would give all important data for air quality and educate about the importance of clean air.
The use of eco-materials in the rigid parts of the air purifier are based on the idea of bringing eco-materials into the market for products which have a longer lifespan in terms of use. As a replacement for hard synthetic materials in air purifiers, SferiCorn can be tailored and shaped for a variety of products. The implementation of biocomposites into such a product instead of packaging gives the material extra value and price. The price of long-life products justifies material utilization. By matching the properties of SferiCorn to those of synthetic polymers, it ensures that the eco-materials can be used in the same applications as traditional synthetic polymers.
The system of any composite material, for both synthetic and bio composites, application and production has undergone significant evolution and is widely recognized in the current global environment. In terms of production, air purifier parts made from SferiCorn biocomposite material remain conventional and well-known for every production ecosystem. Machines like injection molding machines and hydraulic hot forming press would be used in the production of the air purifier.
Logistics and learnings from SferiCorn material testing and tweaking in the future can open opportunities for all other future biocomposites and their development. Our team implements creative thinking for optimization of management processes to get the most efficient solution in the shortest amount of time. Our research and manufacturing systems are based on universality, systematicity and simplicity for fast adoption to another resource depending on locality or region with the same idea - the idea of promoting the use of superior biocomposites as a new visual and industrial premium
Developing countries are facing a problem with a lack of recycling practices and sustainable thinking among their citizens. Relying solely on the actions and beliefs of citizens is not likely to be effective in a transition to a more sustainable future. Therefore, it is necessary to have more practical solutions that encourage people to take action and build trust. One aspect to consider when designing products is their compostability. Using local bio-resources to make products is also a way to minimize the impact on the environment, in case they end up in landfills. Compostability most likely implies materials made from bio-resources as it is a natural process that occurs with organic matter.
In 2018, according to SORS ( Statistical Office of the Republic Serbia ) 940 000 hectares were used for corn growing and in 2020 close to 8 t per hectare of corn grain were produced. According to VRA ( Vojvodina Region Agency) in the region of Vojvodina up to 40% of agricultural land is used for corn growing. That makes corn a main export product and develops and maintains a large supply chain of that resource.
A large amount of waste is produced from agriculture in our local area, and it is not suitable for any other purpose except to be plowed back into the soil. Speaking of the amount, the mass proportion of corn grain to plant residue is the same, thus the amount of waste generated is equivalent to the amount of corn grain produced. If it ends up in the soil it loses its potential value. When it is utilized in products such as an air purifier, it can take advantage of its mechanical properties and prolong the lifespan of the material's value.
