Design and Biocomposite Materials. A Model for Environmentally and Socially conscious Local Supply Chains of Natural Fibres

The doctoral research explores the role of design and biocomposite materials in promoting local supply chain models that are environmentally and socially preferable. Biocomposites, obtained by combining natural plant fibers with polymer matrices, emerge – despite some acknowledged limitations – as an opportunity for contemporary design. They stand out not only for their technical properties but also for their potential to enhance territorial resources and community dynamics. The thesis adopts a systemic approach, integrating cultural, technical, and social perspectives, oriented toward sustainability. Following a theoretical framework on materials, design, and their connection to the ecological transition, the study addresses three main questions: what biocomposites are in design, how they relate to sustainability in mature industrial societies, and how natural fiber supply chains can stimulate new models of local development. Through a methodology that combines theoretical analysis, case studies, and qualitative research, the study identifies exemplary cases such as Corticeira Amorim (cork), Terre de Lin (flax), and Virgocoop (hemp). These cases demonstrate how design can merge technical innovation with social awareness, fostering regenerative economies rooted in local contexts. As a concluding output, the thesis proposes a theoretical model for fiber-reinforced biocomposite supply chains, emphasizing traceability, biodiversity, and the enhancement of community aspects. The conclusions highlight that an authentic ecological transition requires a design approach capable of reconnecting material, environment, and culture, leveraging local specificities and promoting regenerative economic practices. The thesis represents a significant contribution to interdisciplinary reflections on the role of materials and design as tools for social and environmental transformation.