Why the Design Industry Must Invest in Research and Development
Research and development, or R&D, is a critical component of business innovation. The purpose of R&D is typically to explore new, profitable products and services, or innovate existing ones, to address rising or changing needs in the market. For companies in the design industry that are seeking more sustainable and circular practices and products, R&D is a powerful investment that will help them go beyond simple sustainable choices like using recycled materials.
If we are to truly make a difference as an industry in reducing our environmental impact, we have to discover a new way of creating and repurposing designs. This is where R&D comes into play, and why it’s critical that the design industry invests in research and development.
The Role of Research & Development in Design
Research and development is an innovative approach to solving a business problem, usually from a scientific and technical perspective. Science and technology have a significant role in design and are equally important to the creative aspects of the industry.
Science provides a foundation of knowledge that informs the design process. By understanding scientific principles, designers can create products and solutions that are more efficient, sustainable and effective. As we move toward circular design practices, R&D scientists can utilize their deep understanding of material properties, environmental impacts and life cycle analysis to facilitate the creation of innovative products and systems that minimize waste, promote resource efficiency and close the loop in product life cycles.
Design then demonstrates scientific progress through technology, which serves as a powerful tool for designers to push the boundaries of creativity and precisely realize their scientific discoveries through innovative products and services.
The Value of Investing in Research & Development
If your business has a vision for circular design, the only way to bring that vision to fruition is through research & development. We cannot keep doing things the way we have always done it and expect something to change. Instead, we must invest in the exploration of innovative development to find novel approaches and solutions. Design businesses who do invest in R&D will almost always see a positive return.
“We cannot keep doing things the way we have always done it and expect something to change.”
For one, the design market is rapidly changing, moving away from “use and dump” toward a greater focus on sustainability and circularity. Businesses across all industries are also having to address complex challenges, such as climate change, energy efficiency, resource scarcity and policy changes. Investing in R&D not only leads to potential solutions for these known challenges, but also yields a deeper understanding of industry trends, technological advancements and emerging opportunities, enabling your company to anticipate and adapt to future challenges and maintain a sustainable growth trajectory. If a business does not continue to innovate it will be left behind.
Another benefit of investing in R&D for sustainability is the profitability of creating a necessary solution. Research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that 37% of businesses are reporting profit from sustainability programs, and that corporations that actively plan with climate change in mind secure an 18% higher return on investment than companies that are not. On top of earning more revenue for your own business, investing in R&D also contributes back to the economy by creating new job opportunities through new business models and practices.
“37% of businesses are reporting profit from sustainability programs, and that corporations that actively plan with climate change in mind secure an 18% higher return on investment than companies that are not.”
Research & Development in Action at Aquafil
Aquafil is more than a nylon producer – as a leader and pioneer in the sustainable design industry, we are conscious innovators exploring how to push the boundaries of circular design. This means investing deeply in research & development. Through extensive R&D investments, we were able to create the ECONYL® regeneration system as well as the recycling process that contributes nylon waste to our production facility.
But our innovation does not stop there. The Aquafil R&D team continues to conduct scientific experiments and explore innovative technology to reimagine design for the circular economy. Some of our current projects in the field include:
- A new process of eco-designing carpets called “Born Regenerated to be Regenerable,” in which we collaborate with carpet manufacturers to co-design carpets with ECONYL® regenerated nylon that can be fully regenerated and repurposed at their end of life
- A circular additive manufacturing solution that makes 3D printing more sustainable through the use of ECONYL® regenerated nylon filaments and polymers
- Minimizing the negative environmental impact of microplastics by analyzing their composition and developing a standardized method for measuring the microplastics footprint of a product of manufacturing process.
View more of Aquafil’s R&D projects here: https://www.aquafil.com/projects/
Make a Difference by Investing in R&D
The only way we can make a difference as a design industry and minimize our environmental impact is by researching new approaches to circular design and developing technical solutions. If we all do our part, we have the opportunity to change the world.
Author: Aquafil R&D Team
