1940s to Today: Sustainable Design
In the 1940s, during the craze to use plastic—a then little-understood material—in every type of product design, some of the earliest manufacturers of plastics partnered with Sundberg-Ferar to strategize thoughtful and responsible applications of their materials. As Carl Sundberg, our founder, poignantly remarked in the Modern Plastics journal of 1945, “We designers are guilty too – guilty of each new development announced by the plastics industry up to and beyond the fullest limits of its possibilities…We have sometimes given in to the temptations offered by plastics…”
Fast forward to today, and modern manufacturers of advanced materials like Corning and Alcoa, along with eco-friendly brands such as Casabella, continue to collaborate with Sundberg-Ferar to develop innovation strategies and product designs that utilize sustainable practices. These include design for disassembly and the integration of recycled materials, ensuring that sustainability is at the forefront of our design processes.
Read more about our philosophy in:
“How To: Plastic Materials Selection in Sustainable Product Design” and
“Demystifying plastics: Overcoming (mis)conceptions to create a sustainable product portfolio“
The environmental impact of a product is largely determined during its design phase—an astounding 80%. This statistic underscores the critical role that thoughtful design plays in sustainability. At Sundberg-Ferar, we are committed to creating products that not only meet the highest standards of functionality and aesthetics but also prioritize environmental responsibility.
Our legacy of innovation is built on a foundation of responsible material use, and as we celebrate 90 years of design, we continue to uphold these values as we navigate the challenges of modern product design. Whether working with advanced materials or implementing eco-friendly design practices, our goal is to help our partners create products that are both innovative and sustainable.
How are you strategizing your sustainable roadmap for product development?
The future of design is green, and it starts with the choices we make today. Join us in shaping a more sustainable future, leveraging cutting-edge materials and innovative strategies to create products that leave a positive impact on the world. Let’s pioneer the next generation of responsible design together.
Visit our landing page to learn more:
- See stories of iconic design from our 90-year legacy of innovation.
- Learn how we’ve designed successful and profitable products for companies in your vertical.
- Get in touch to chat with us about your next project.