A conceptual framework to develop green textiles in the aeronautic completion industry: a case study in a large manufacturing company

Abstract

Textiles can be applied in a wide variety of aircrafts' components and it is known for its highly polluting dyes, short life-cycle and small concern with end of life. Combined with the aeronautic emissions, the textile industry represents a clear threat to the environment, but it also represents opportunities. In order to promote sustainability in the completion industry, the product development process is of central importance. A large number of general approaches and methods for the development of sustainable products has been proposed and used in the literature, but how they can be integrated to improve the design process in the Green Aircraft Completion (GAC) sector is an open research question. This paper was developed from this question and it reviews and analyses several design methods and eco-design approaches from the literature in order to propose a novel integrative conceptual framework for the GAC. This framework is then applied in a large North American company so that it could be tested and improved. This experience allowed the researchers to verify whether the development of new textiles in the studied company comply with the sustainable frameworks and good practices proposed by the literature. Empirical evidences also indicate that the proposed framework would enable companies in the GAC and aeronautic industry to develop systems involving the final consumer, suppliers and the local communities; not only decreasing its carbon footprint, but also improving the company's corporate social responsibility.