Introduction

Question 1

Ecodesign

Answer 1

Consideration and reduction of environmental impacts of a product already in the development phase
- Design determines technical, environmental and economic performance (80% of product-related environmental impacts determined during design phase)

Question 2

Why ecodesign?

Answer 2

improving the environmental performance of products, Substitution of conventional products, Development of less energy intense products

Question 3

Drivers for Ecodesign

Answer 3

• Corporate responsibility
• Legislation
• Market pressure & customer requirements
• Communication (e.g. Labelling)
• Manufacturing (e.g. Increase efficiency, Reduce waste)
• Procurement (Supply chain relationship, Avoid hazardous materials)
• Environment, Health & Safety (EHS): Improve production & working conditions
• Quality management: Reliable long lasting products
• Research and development: Create innovative products

Question 4

Development of ecodesign

Answer 4

Topics:
o 1. Harzardous substances:
▪ Products and components with specific legal bans
➢ Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive: bans mercury, cadmium, lead, hexavalent chromium, PBBs, PBDEs in electric and electronic equipment
➢ Batteries: mercury, cadmium, lead
➢ Electrical components: halogenated aromatic compounds
2
➢ Plastic parts: vinyl cloride, butadiene, acrylo-nitrile, cadmium compounds, OBDE, PBDE
➢ Insulation materials: CFCs and halons
o 2. Recycling
▪ Legally binding recycling rates:
➢ End-of-life vehicle directive
➢ WEEE directive
▪ Use of secondary material → Promote usage of recycled material
o 3. Renewable raw materials
▪ Use of renewable raw materials
➢ Bio-plastics
➢ Wood, Cork, etc
o 4. Life cycle design
▪ Consideration of environmental aspects along the product life cycle in design phase