Abstract

Some consumer products are now being designed specifically to reduce life-cycle environmental impacts. Progress is being made in closing the materials flow loops in industrial economies; examples include firms' consumer product initiatives for single-use cameras, beverage containers, and motor vehicles. Innovative research arrangements, such as cooperative industrial partnerships, are important in helping competing firms to enhance environmentally conscious manufacturing.

Introduction

The purpose of this chapter is to illustrate the increased understanding and application of industrial ecology principles to the design, development, and manufacturing of component parts, product systems, and industrial megasystems. Some specific examples have been selected to highlight the progress that is being made toward industrial ecology in the manufacturing and use of consumer products.

Implementing Industrial Ecology

To successfully develop and implement closed-loop industrial ecology systems, this approach must be incorporated into one's thinking. For example, during product and process design, validation, and improvement, engineers traditionally make disciplined decisions based on such factors as design for manufacturability and design for assembly. Now, with the support of industry's management, design for environment (including design for disassembly, design for separability, and design for recyclability) has become another important checkpoint.

Besides the engineer's responsibility for environmentally responsible products and processes, a critical contribution to the success of any consumer-oriented program is acceptance and support by the general public. It is essential for the public to understand these concepts and become involved in making the process work, particularly as political and regulatory considerations come into play.