National and international standards in product design

Question 1

BSI (British Standards Institution)

Answer 1

British national organisation which ensures high standards of design
designs are rigorously tested to ensure they meet the high standards set by BSI
Once BSI certification is achieved products can display the BSI kite-mark which connotes the high quality to consumers improving prestige and increasing the likelihood of sales

Question 2

ISO (international standards organisation)

Answer 2

150 national standards bodies from many nations which works to internationally improve standards
Adherence to these standards facilitates a products access to many foreign markets and their consumers

Question 3

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive

Answer 3

restricts hazardous materials such as lead mercury cadmium and chromium in order to protect human health

Question 4

Battery Directive

Answer 4

limits hazardous substances (e.g. mercury) in batteries
sets requirements for specific disposal of batteries connoted by the crossed out wheelie bin
specific instructions for safe removal and disposal of batteries is required

Question 5

Polymer recycling codes

Answer 5

internationally recognised recycling symbol, three arrows in a mobius loop
shows a polymer can be recycled and helps recycling plants determine what polymer the product is made of

Question 6

Packaging and Waste Directive

Answer 6

products are required to minimise:
packaging weight and volume
hazardous materials in packaging
products must:
introduce details of reusability and recycling for packaging
majority of waste should be recovered or incinerated

Question 7

WEEE ( waste from electrical and electronic equipment) directive

Answer 7

describes how electronic equipment should be dealt with at its end of life
compliance is connoted by crossed out wheelie bin

Question 8

ELV (End of Life Vehicles) Directive

Answer 8

describes how end of life vehicles should be disassembled and recycled in the most environmentally friendly way possible

Question 9

energy ratings (EC label)

Answer 9

indicates energy consumption of house hold appliances (often in kWh)
labels must be clearly displayed with the rating A+++ to D
pictograms with other energy information are also included (e.g. water use and noise )
bright colours are used to make it obvious and comparable between products

Question 10

European EcoLabel

Answer 10

voluntary certification for a products life cycle assessment
describes how it affects the environment during and after its use as well as the ways to maximise eco friendliness
connoted with European Epsilon flower (ε)

Question 11

NAPM (National Association of Paper Merchants) mark

Answer 11

mark that shows a material is made of recycled papers and boards with the percentage of recycled material shown on the mark

Question 12

Energy efficiency label and logo

Answer 12

certification from the Energy Saving Trust
awarded to the most energy efficient product

Question 13

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) FSC logo

Answer 13

shows limber is from a managed sustainable forest
local people and wildlife are protected
insists of fair pay, good working conditions for workers
protects the rights and cultures of indigenous people
harvested trees must be replanted

Question 14

EU Energy Star

Answer 14

USA and EU collaborative scheme
standardises IT equipment energy labelling
database of information informs decisions
covers computers , displays and peripherals