Image by epa.gov
There are many things to consider when purchasing a product. Did you know the cost you see might not always reflect the true “cost” of the product? One must consider the cost of the full product lifecycle, which is something Ariaprene is proud to say we do! The product lifecycle consists of 5 stages, each with different effects on the environment.
Stage 1: Raw material acquisition requires vast amounts of energy to harvest, transport and process raw materials from the earth. Recycling raw materials cuts down the need for this stage resulting in less burning of fossil fuels and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Stage 2: Manufacturing products made with recycled materials also use less energy by cutting back on extraction of raw materials, transporting and processing of materials.
Stage 3: Distribution refers to the actual transportation of products. Unnecessary transporting can contribute to global climate change. The more that is reused and recycled locally, the less need there is for transportation of goods.
Stage 4: Usage of a product may require energy. Look for products and appliances that are energy efficient.
Stage 5: End-of-life management is what happens to products after they have been used. Responsible management, specifically reusing and recycling products goes a long way in reducing their environmental footprint.
Ariaprene is constantly trying to find ways to lessen the cost of our products, both to the consumer and the environment. Our non-toxic synthetic foam is easily decomposable, hypoallergenic and designed to be reused many times.
One of the biggest benefits of Ariaprene is closed-loop recycling. This means that the waste, or scraps, created from traditional manufacturing are recycled into new Ariaprene. This process requires very little energy and creates a product that can be remade into a second-generation product or an entirely new product multiple times.
Finally, once the product has reached maximum processing at the end of its lifecycle, Ariaprene is designed to safely decompose in landfills, unlike traditional synthetic foam that is not made to break down or be recycled.
