1. USAGE OPTIMIZATION

Product life cycle in terms of use of resources and environmental impacts; it covers the design of the product, the selection of the materials in the product, the extraction of the raw materials, the processing of the raw materials, the transportation of the raw materials, the production method, the energy sources used during the production, the packaging of the product, the storage of the product, the transportation of the product to the distribution centers, the transportation of the product to the user, the use of the product by the user, recycling processes and final disposal of the product [1].  Each mentioned step can be considering as the impact that a product has on the environment during its lifetime. The prolongation of the use of the product, which is one of these stages, contributes to the reduction of environmental waste. The phase of turning the product into waste contributes to the circular economy by turning the product into waste as intended. Usage optimization becomes an important pillar of the circular economy, given that the circular economy is an economic and industrial model [2] that aims to always keep products, components and materials at the highest utility and value across technical and biological cycles.

There are many different methods to increase the service life of products. Features such as the design of the product, the quality of the materials used, the suitability of the product for the future, keeping up with the times aesthetically, and the preservation of the functionality of the product extend the life of the product [3]. In order to reduce the effects of the ecological crisis we are facing and to leave a more livable world to future generations, the existing social, industrial and public environments expand sustainability policies in all areas with a holistic approach.  Within the framework of these objectives, optimization of use of product is one important factor, since it directly extends life of product and turns products into waste in accordance with their purpose [4]. The usage optimization of the product can be defined as maintaining the current quality and functionality of the product with easy and planned maintenance and completing the life cycle of the product by using it in accordance with its purpose. As a result the usage optimization aims to reduce waste generation by extending product life or to achieve zero waste principle.

There is still confusion about maintenance and repair concepts across the society. To repair is to make a product that has lost its functionality functional again. On the other hand, maintenance ensures that a product can be used for a longer period of time without losing its functionality [5]. At this point, usage optimization is important to reduce the need for maintenance of the product and to eliminate the need for repairs.

In the context of usage optimization, when buying equipment for the working environment, it is important to consider some principles:

• take care that it is easy to maintain.
• Accesibility to the service
• there is a user and maintenance manual.

Although we are sure how much we know, it is very useful to look at the user manual when using the products. For example, plugging a newly purchased refrigerator into the outlet immediately may cause the product to fail as soon as it arrives. In addition, some of these electronic products are damaged due to power outages due to power grid problems. Therefore, current protected sockets should be preferred within the framework of the usage optimization of the product [6]. As an example of the relationship between maintenance and sustainability, the maintenance of air conditioners, which is one of the devices frequently used in work environments, is often neglected. Eventually the air conditioner suddenly breaks down and needs to be replaced or repaired to get it working again. Both situations are  Although we are sure how much we know economically, sustainability and psychologically undesirable.

However, the term usage optimization is not just about maintenance. It is also an important topic for disposable products that do not need maintenance. In this context, usage optimization can be associated with the product’s lifetime. One of the important goals of usage optimization is maximizing the Product life cycle (PLC) time of the product. Undoubtedly, this will be possible with the correct use and maintenance of the product. In this context, the product life cycle, which refers to the time from the product’s first encounter with the consumer to its disposal, maximizing the useful life is the main goal of usage optimization. This target is also vital in terms of waste management and sustainability.

The misuse of a product contradicts the idea of usage optimization. Surveys conducted within the scope of the RAW project show that wastes such as ready-made food packaging, PET bottles, PET cups and paper are frequently generated in the business environment. A good example of this in the context of usage optimization are the PET bottles or PET cups we use every day to drink water in the business environment. The purpose of PET bottles is only for drinking water, not for throwing sunflower seeds or other waste into it. Waste thrown into PET bottles often makes it impossible to recycle them. Similarly, applying ketchup and mayonnaise to the cardboard packaging of the food you order in the business environment makes it difficult to recycle the cardboard. Because the purpose of use of these cartons is to deliver the food to the customer in a healthy way.

In summary, for a more sustainable future, it is a must to use the products properly and do not neglect their maintenance.Maximization of the product’s useful life is undoubtedly possible with correct use and maintenance. Correct planning of these processes is important in terms of waste management.

Figure 1: Repairman, Source:(freepik.com/author/pressfoto)