What is the impact of material selection on the durability of products?

Published On: 24 April 2025 Leestijd : 3 minutes

Material selection plays an important role in the performance and lifespan of a product. In many sectors, such as machine construction, packaging, and the automotive industry, material choice is primarily determined by the functional requirements of the product. This includes resistance to high temperatures, wear resistance, or chemical resistance. These properties subsequently impact durability, for example through a longer lifespan or reduced maintenance needs.

Although sustainability is an important factor, material selection is usually made based on application. Only afterward is it considered how this choice contributes to sustainability goals, such as recyclability or lower environmental impact. In this blog, we discuss how different aspects of material selection affect both product performance and sustainability.

How is material choice made?

Materials are chosen based on the functional requirements of the product. For example:

temperature resistance: materials that withstand high temperatures, such as heat-resistant plastics, are used in applications with high heat.
wear resistance: materials resistant to wear, like certain plastics for bearings and gears, are chosen in machine construction.
chemical resistance: materials that are not affected by aggressive substances are used in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

By selecting materials that best suit the application, unnecessary wear and premature replacement are prevented. This indirectly contributes to sustainability but is primarily a result of technical requirements.

Recyclability of materials

For thermoplastics such as PET, PP, and HDPE, recyclability is often an advantage. These materials can be reprocessed and used in new products. Thermosets, on the other hand, are not recyclable and are often used where high strength and heat resistance are required.

Many thermoplastics, such as PA, PC, and ABS, are also available in recycled variants. This contributes to a more sustainable material flow, but it remains important that recycled materials deliver the same performance as new materials.

Lifespan and material selection

The lifespan of a product is largely determined by the material choice. In sectors like automotive and machine construction, materials that are wear-resistant and strong are used so that parts last longer. Examples include:

high-strength plastics: used to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.
wear-resistant plastics: reduce the need for frequent maintenance and replacement.

Here, sustainability is achieved through a longer lifespan, but this is not necessarily the primary reason for the material choice.

the impact of the production process

Not only the material choice but also how a product is manufactured impacts sustainability. Efficient production techniques can reduce energy use, waste, and CO₂ emissions. Design also plays a role: an optimized production process can lead to less raw material consumption and more sustainable end products. Innovations such as energy-efficient production methods, advanced recycling techniques, and circular production processes contribute to lower environmental impact and more efficient resource use.

Innovations in material use

The industry is constantly seeking ways to use materials more efficiently and sustainably. Examples of innovations include:

circular plastics: developed for continuous recycling without quality loss.
lightweight plastics: especially relevant for transport applications to reduce energy consumption.
composite materials: plastics combined with natural fibers for extra strength and durability. Here, sustainability refers to product lifespan, not environmental sustainability. Materials with fibers are less favorable for recyclability.

Material choice at fleur plastics

Material selection is primarily driven by application and functional requirements, with sustainability as an added benefit. Factors like recyclability, energy use during production, and product lifespan can contribute to sustainability but are often a consequence of technical product requirements.

At Fleur Plastics, we understand the importance of the right material choice. We help companies in various sectors find a good balance between quality and sustainability.