A Systemic View of Biodegradable Materials: Analyzing the Environmental Performance of Compostable Coffee Capsules in Real Infrastructural Contexts

Ana-Maria Nicolau and Petruţa Petcu ()
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Ana-Maria Nicolau: Department of Engineering Graphics and Industrial Design, University of Science and Technology Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Petruţa Petcu: Department of Engineering Graphics and Industrial Design, University of Science and Technology Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-18

Abstract: In the pursuit of a circular economy, the substitution of conventional polymers with compostable materials such as polylactic acid (PLA) has emerged as a primary strategy. However, the environmental performance of these materials is highly dependent on the post-consumer system. Based on a systemic analysis methodology, this paper investigates this performance paradox. Using a compostable coffee capsule made from PLA as a case study, the research compares its designed, ideal end-of-life (EoL) pathway (industrial composting) with its probable real-world fate within existing waste management infrastructures (landfilling and recycling stream contamination). The analysis of these scenarios reveals a significant gap between the product’s intended function and its actual environmental impact, showing that in realistic contexts, intended benefits are often unrealized and negative outcomes may occur. This study yields results that can inform more robust and systemic sustainable design strategies, highlighting the need to align product design with real-world infrastructural capabilities.

Keywords: systemic design; compostable material; polylactic acid (PLA); waste management; circular economy; life cycle thinking (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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