Territory, sustainability and design : From traceability to the upgrade of production waste

Design is the discipline capable of interpreting technical, economic, social and cultural transformations, coming into close contact with the concrete dimension of the territorial context and acting on the processes of competitive enhancement of single companies and of local business systems. Starting from these premises and with the purpose of allowing the territory to absorb values such as sustainability, identity and brand recognition strategies, the envisioned change — beyond the project level — is cultural. Two research projects dedicated to the integration of good practices for sustainability in the territorial context of Veneto demonstrate how a virtuous circle can be implemented starting from the concept of dedicated tracking systems for companies up to the design for a sustainable management of waste. This positive process consists of new relationships and active exchanges of skills, bringing to light those already existing. In this way, the profound meaning of belonging to a cultural identity is integrated into the planned development of companies