At a time when our planet is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, such as the overexploitation of natural resources and the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, it is becoming imperative to take steps to make an ecological transition in our industrial and consumer practices. This situation has given rise to an urgent global call to rethink our approach to the production of consumer goods, encouraging industries to adopt more sustainable and environmental respectful models.
It is against this backdrop that the present study explores the opportunities offered by the circular economy in high-heeled shoe manufacturing, taking advantage of advanced technologies. Two distinct objectives were successfully pursued. The first led to the creation of a prototype of shoes manufactured by 3D printing, embodying the principles of eco-design and the circular economy using additive manufacturing. This approach made it possible to reduce the number of components and assemble the shoes without the use of adhesives, thus transforming the product design process. The second objective involved an in-depth analysis of the aging of 3D-printed polymers in the face of varying environmental conditions. This aims to model the aging process of polymers and provide crucial information for assessing the sustainability of footwear in a circular economy.
The results of this study lay the foundations for an innovative approach to manufacturing products that are environmentally friendly, while meeting high quality standards. To further strengthen these results, extensive practical testing is strongly recommended, fostering ongoing collaboration between the fields of materials technology, design, and manufacturing. In the final analysis, this study highlights the convergence between technological innovation and the principles of the circular economy. It demonstrates how this synergy can act as a catalyst, fostering positive transformation within the industry. These findings open up promising prospects for more sustainable, environmentally friendly products.
| Date | 10 Dec 2023 |
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| Original language | French |
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| Awarding Institution | - École de technologie supérieure
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| Supervisor | Lucas Hof (Supervisor) & Jean-Pierre Kenné (Co-supervisor) |
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Ghimouz, C. (Author),
Hof (Supervisor) &
Kenné (Co-supervisor),
10 Dec 2023Student thesis: Master's thesis › Master in Engineering: Mechanical Engineering