What sustainable design technique focuses on re-formulating raw materials to minimize toxicity?

The technique that focuses on re-formulating raw materials to minimize toxicity is green chemistry. This approach emphasizes the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. By prioritizing non-toxic substances and sustainable practices in chemical production, green chemistry aims to create safer, more environmentally friendly materials.

This method is particularly significant in sustainable design because it directly addresses the environmental impact of materials from the outset, fostering safer alternatives and processes that can lead to a reduction in pollution and health risks associated with toxic materials. In contrast, the other options, while related to sustainability, do not specifically emphasize the reformulation of materials to minimize toxicity in the same direct manner. For example, biodegradable materials application focuses on the end-of-life impact of products rather than their formulation, while life cycle assessment evaluates the overall environmental impact of a product without necessarily altering raw material toxicities. Reuse of existing materials also emphasizes resource efficiency rather than the inherent toxicity of new materials.