Materialeudvalg

Materialeudvalg is a term used in Danish contexts to describe a committee or working group responsible for selecting materials for a project or product. The aim is to ensure that chosen materials meet technical requirements, economic constraints, and regulatory and environmental obligations throughout the product lifecycle. The concept is common in construction, manufacturing, and product development.

A typical materialeudvalg comprises representatives from engineering disciplines (such as materials, mechanical, or chemical engineering), procurement or supply chain, quality assurance, health and safety, and environment and sustainability specialists, with external consultants or suppliers sometimes involved for specialized materials. The group operates under a defined charter and decision authority, reporting to project leadership or a governance body within the organization.

Core activities include defining material selection criteria, generating or screening candidate materials, conducting testing and evaluation, and performing life-cycle and risk analyses. Methods such as decision matrices, multi-criteria analysis, and life-cycle assessment may be used. Key criteria usually cover technical properties (strength, durability, corrosion and temperature resistance), manufacturing and processing constraints, availability and lead times, total cost of ownership, regulatory compliance, and environmental impact (recyclability and embodied carbon).

Output typically includes a material specification or bill of materials, along with justification, traceability documentation, and procurement and supplier qualification recommendations. Rules and practices vary by industry and organization, but the aim is to balance performance, cost, risk, and sustainability while aligning with project goals and standards, including relevant national or international frameworks such as ISO 9001 or sector-specific norms.