Dr. Elisabeth SCHWARZ-FUNDER
Position
Scientist at Joanneum ResearchEntity:
Joanneum ResearchCountry:
AustriaTheme: Implementing Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) in Early-Stage Materials Development: Insights from the GreenOmorph Project.
| DI Dr.techn. Elisabeth Schwarz-Funder holds a doctorate in Technical Chemistry from Graz University of Technology. Her academic background encompasses research in inorganic and hybrid materials, resulting in scientific publications, international presentations, and research stays abroad. During her time as a university assistant, she also gained experience in teaching and supervision. Her professional career has been shaped by research and development in the areas of sensor technology for the automotive and electronics industries as well as catalytic systems for emission control. This work included the development of ceramic materials and sensors, the design and testing of catalytic processes, and the implementation of nationally and internationally funded research projects. Additional experience was acquired in pilot-scale testing, environmental and quality management processes, and interdisciplinary collaboration at the interface between academia and industry. Her current research is dedicated to life cycle assessments (LCAs) for chemicals and advanced materials. A particular emphasis is placed on the application of Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles to support the development and evaluation of sustainable technologies and processes. She also contributes expertise on the EU Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) through internal management of the SCIP database (database for information on Substances of Concern in articles and products). Her professional profile is complemented by qualifications in project management, leadership, and innovation management, with a consistent focus on sustainability-driven research and development. |
Abstract
| The Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework aims to embed safety, sustainability, and circularity into innovation from the earliest research stages. Yet, applying SSbD in early-stage R&D is challenging, especially when materials and applications are still under development. In the EU-funded GreenOmorph project, we explore how SSbD can guide the development of material and process development for sustainable electronics. Even without finalized product designs or value chains, we demonstrate which SSbD steps can already be implemented, and which tools proved to be most effective. Key challenges include limited data for hazard screening, evolving life cycle considerations, and trade-offs between performance and sustainability. Early R&D typically lacks defined applications and supply chains, making full SSbD assessments unfeasible at the start. Instead, iterative assessments help navigate uncertainty and enable integration of SSbD principles. To illustrate, piezoelectronic materials developed within GreenOmorph were evaluated using the SSbD framework. Early-stage assessments defined performance targets, selected low-impact technologies, and explored possible integration routes. A key insight is that assessing all SSbD dimensions in parallel is more effective than a strict step-by-step approach. From the beginning, we expanded our focus beyond hazard assessment to include life cycle and social aspects. Emerging technologies like printed electronics add complexity, as applications and supply chains are not yet clearly defined. Engaging technical teams to develop exemplary use cases is essential for progressing assessments and integrating SSbD into design. By sharing insights from GreenOmorph, we show how SSbD can be adapted to data-scarce, early R&D contexts, supporting innovation aligned with long-term sustainability goals. |