SwellCycle - A full Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of a Bio Friendly 3D Printed Surfboard



Project : Swellcycle is 3D printed surfboard manufacturing startup based in California. Traditionally, surfboards are manufactured from PU foam based materials which, when disintegrated in ocean, are fatal for marine life. Also, the process of fabrication is itself a harmful for human health, as most of the production takes place outside USA, in south asian countries. Swellcycle 3D prints surfboards with Bio friendly materials and the process of 3D Printing itself is safe for workers as well.
Role : My task was to carry out a full life cycle analysis (LCA) so that Swellcycle can get a clear view as in what is GWP of their Board, on its own as well when compared with other Boards. It can help them benchmark their boards, publish white papers, regulatory norms, etc. Apart from that, LCA also can get insights like which process / material has more contribution on GWP for a board so that substitute could be found out.
Action : I started started with research on how surfboards are actually made. Than a thorough study of ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. Setting out the scope of study, controlling parameters, Drafting VSM, mode of transportation, energy consumed, modes of energy, etc. Some data had to found via deep diving in some research papers, case studies, etc and some data via talking with suppliers. Much help was provided by Swellcycle itself in their Data.
Apart from drafting LCA, I also made python based GWP calculator for their individual process and materials so in future also they can use it.
Further, taking a step ahead, I made a web application where they can quickly input the numbers for parameters like mode of transportation, energy modes, materials, etc and get detailed insights of GWP.