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"A responsible manufacturer will try to ensure that the product has positive, long-term benefits, as well as meeting immediate needs."
(ITDG, 2003)
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Who is doing it already?
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Forward-thinking companies recognise the importance of thinking about the environmental and social impact of their products. They are aware that it makes good business sense to be environmentally and socially responsible and are actively trying to move in this direction.
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Kodak singleuse camera
© Vicky Lofthouse |
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Kodak's single-use camera The single-use, disposable camera, first introduced in 1987, was an instant hit with customers. Due to pressure from environmental groups, Kodak redesigned the camera to facilitate the recycling and reuse of its parts. The camera is now designed to be collected and disassembled. The parts and materials are then reused or recycled.
For more info »
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Baygen wind-up radio
© Baygen |
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Baygen wind-up radio
The Baygen wind-up clockwork radio eliminates the need for batteries, relying instead on the user to provide the energy to run it, via a crank at the back of the product. Running a product on human-powered energy not only appeals to Western European markets, but also makes it appropriate for much more diverse communities. For example, it has been used in Africa to spread important healthcare news.
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Freeplay Sherpa torch
© Baygen
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Freeplay Sherpa torch
The Freeplay Sherpa uses wind–up technology - winding for 30 seconds gives about five to eight minutes of light.The recharge system gives 30 minutes of ultra bright light and 5 hours of regular light, using a high-efficiency, xenon-filled, dual-filament bulb.
(Freeplay, 2005)
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Philips ecodesign programme
© Philips
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Philips ecodesign programme
The Philips 30PF9975 Flat TV features Active Control, which determines how much light is in the room and controls the light output accordingly, helping us to save energy while enhancing the viewing experience. On average, this TV uses 33% less energy and weighs 31% less.
(Philips, 2003)
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Apple computers
© Apple |
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Apple computers
During product design, Apple focuses on reducing average power consumption, introducing a modular design to simplify re–configuration and facilitating servicing and disassembly. The potential benefits include improved product line profitability through innovations in materials management, manufacturing, and asset recovery. (Apple Computer Inc., 2004b)
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Toner cartridges
Certain used cartridges can be returned using a pre-paid mailing label, while others can be returned to local Apple-authorised dealers for forwarding to a collection centre. Cartridges are then returned to the original suppliers for recycling. Measured by weight, 95% of the toner cartridge material can be recycled and utilised.
(Apple Computer Inc., 2004a)
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Extra Spin – 220G–300G
© AB Electrolux |
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Elextrolux – functional sales
On the island of Gotland in Sweden, Electrolux has worked with energy utility company Vattenfall to offer a pay-per-wash option for participants’ laundry needs. This gives everyone the chance to pay for only the ’function’ of clean clothes. At the same time, it creates incentives for reducing energy and detergent consumption. This, coupled with the fact that Electrolux’s best washing machines consume less than 1kWh and less than 40 litres of water per cycle, makes for a very impressive solution.
(Jessen, 2001)
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Sony walkman
© Sony Europe |
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Sony walkman made from renewable resource
The case of the WM-EC1 WALKMAN is made of 90% (by weight) vegetable–based plastic material. Not only does this conserve non–renewable fossil fuel resources, the plastic itself biodegrades (albeit more slowly) into its basic elements – water and carbon dioxide – on the compost heap. Vegetable–based plastic reduces the use of fossil fuel resources by 55% and CO2 emissions by 20%, compared to conventional plastic. In addition, the source plants reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere as they grow, thereby helping to reduce global warming.
(Sony, 2005)
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