Environmentally Oriented Product Development-Various Approaches to Success

• T. J. J. VAN DER HORST ^[2] ; A. ZWEERS ^[1]
  1. [1] Delft University of Technology

     Delft University of Technology

     Países Bajos

     
  2. [2] TNO Product Centre (Paises Bajos)
• Localización: Journal of Engineering Design, ISSN 0954-4828, Vol. 5, Nº. 1, 1994, págs. 37-44
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • Due to increasing environmental awareness, it is becoming more and more important to develop products less damaging to the environment. There are various approaches to the development of environmentally oriented products, all of which can produce good results. However, when these various approaches are studied, none seems to provide the complete answer. Their success depends on the situation in which they are applied. It is concluded that, in order to obtain environmentally improved products, all the various approaches must be involved in the design process. Following the Dutch National Environmental Policy Plan, which is based on a sustainable development, we have to choose for higher quality and innovation first. Next, the least input of resources can be attained by closing the material cycle; reduction and selectivity of material use; preference for renewable and recycled material; saving of energy as much as possible. Finally, minimization of hazardous waste, especially of toxic emissions, has to be strived for.