Ecobars: protótipo de aplicativo para celulares com informações de sustentabilidade para produtos de consumo

Abstract

The current consumer society is driven by massive propaganda of products and brands, with packaging and design that seek to attract consumers. Additionally, technological changes and programmed obsolescence in the manufacture of products and equipment lead consumers to replace them more often. One of the consequences of this model is the increased exploitation of natural resources and non-renewable energy, as well as the increasing generation of waste and environmental impacts. This has led some consumers to become more critical, seeking to purchase environmentally sustainable products and demand more commitment from companies to social and environmental sustainability. To promote this "more conscious consumption", there are still difficulties to be overcome which concern the reliability, clarity, transparency, relevance, and accessibility of information on products transmitted by manufacturers to consumers, according to the principles contained in the "Guidelines for the Provision of Information on Product Sustainability" prepared by the United Nations (UN). The objective of this research was to develop an application prototype for mobile devices to assist consumers in the search for information on environmental sustainability contained in product packaging. The methodological approach used was divided into three phases: the theoretical basis of the project, the elaboration of the prototype of the application for cell phones with interface screens and its preliminary test with the participation of some interviewees. These showed interest in this type of device and proposed suggestions that were incorporated into the prototype. The results of the field research show that consumers demand the standardization of information about sustainability, as well as it is essential to improve the mechanisms of articulation / engagement between the various stakeholders in the production chain. It is concluded that the application has the potential to be used on a larger testing scale, with a view to its improvement and patent generation. It is recommended that manufacturers have a standard of sustainability information for the consumer, based on the guidelines of the UN, the same that were used in designing this prototype. It is expected that this application can be widely used by consumers when choosing their products, as well as in their guidance regarding waste disposal and degradation time, carbon footprint, reverse logistics and environmental certifications, information to be provided by manufacturers.