Sustainable design procedure: The role of composite materials to combine mechanical and environmental features for agricultural machines

The improvement of environmental performance of products is the main focus for many companies. Although, methodologies are fundamental in the design process in order to introduce environmental inputs in the development, it has not been a comfortable practice for companies. In this context, this study is concerned with the development of procedural guidelines for how ecodesign concepts may be introduced to the selection of material. The results point out the importance of the introduction of environmental parameters, since the beginning of the project. In regards to composite material, it is possible to note that vegetable fibers are good choice replacements for fiberglass. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.