Ecodesign Integration: Putting the Co into Ecodesign

Abstract

Since the 1960’s industrial-design focused books, by authors such as Packard (1963) and Papanek (1971) have pioneered the need for a new agenda from the design profession by openly questioning the morality of affluent lifestyles and designing for obsolescence. Despite these efforts, the first response to environmental needs by industry was reactive and driven by legislation rather than design. Legislative requirements initially only addressed end-of-pipe problems, such as capping smoke stacks, then later called for ‘cleaner manufacturing’ from factories. Further research then recognised that for ecodesign to be successful, it needed to be considered earlier in the product development process (PDP). Attention shifted to design engineering. It was recognised that to be effective, ecodesign must be an integral part of the PDP and focus on the environmental impact of the whole life cycle of a product. In response to this, the most proactive companies started to develop solutions to aid design for disassembly, recycling and remanufacture.