The Recycler - Eco Design

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Cambridge Value Mapping Tool The Cambridge Value Mapping Tool takes you in a guided step-bystep process through the following questions: 1. What is the unit of analysis eg product, service, company, industry? 2. Who are the stakeholders for the unit of analysis? 3. What is the purpose of the unit of analysis? 4. What is the current value captured? 5. What is the value missed and/or destroyed? 6. What is the value surplus and/or absence? 7. What are the new value opportunities? Source: http://www.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk/news/thecambridge-value-mapping-tool/# .V8aiy5N961s However, new business model design tools are needed to redefine value and one example is the work of the University of Cambridge in the UK who, through its Industrial Sustainability Research have created The Cambridge Value Mapping Tool. The tool "uses a structured and visual approach to identify ‘value uncaptured’ in the form of failed value exchanges: value missed, destroyed, surplus, and absence. The exchange of value is analysed through the lens of each stakeholder in the business network, with the natural environment and society each being given its own voice and stake in the business ". Design for sustainability and reuse There are many opportunities during the new product design (NPD) process to reduce the environmental impact of a product; the choice and quantity of material used, how it is formed, the layout of the construction to achieve structural or aesthetic requirements, the method of assembly to achieve functionality or, the Second, third or multiple reuses is not a new design concept. There are many examples, from cars to clocks, where repair requires a few simple tools and, if you cannot buy a spare part, you can make it yourself! type of fixings used to achieve assembly, durability, and safety. Design processes now often include consideration of product failure to achieve higher quality and reliability over a specific time, for a specified value proposition. Environmental impact has some way to go to achieve similar treatment. Second, third or multiple reuses is not a new design concept. There are many examples, from cars to clocks, where repair requires a few simple tools and, if you cannot buy a spare part, you can make it yourself! Additive manufacturing leveraging 3D printing technology will revolutionize the repair sector. But product design must also ensure that the end user does not come to harm or cause injury on the pathway to end of life and the next sale. Safe dismantling requires a product designed for dis-assembly including, Commonly Used Fasteners which can be removed and replaced multiple times, elimination of non-separable connections (use of glues and welds) and, levels of skills for disassembly and reassembly which do not always require extensive training and expertise to replace worn parts. However you consume your news make sure you engage: Like, Follow and Share
There are Eco-Design minimum requirements for some products (computers, household appliances, boilers, etc.) which are intended to reduce their negative environmental impact during their life. Their scope can be broad and include maximum energy consumption to minimum quantities of recycled material used in their production. Increasingly, there are specific and exact values attributed to these requirements. Generic requirements do not have limits but, may require products to be recyclable, maintainable and minimize environmental impact. Sometimes, compliance is required before the product is placed on the market. Implementing standards The EU also provides design standards which are regulated. European standardisation bodies such as CENELEC develop Standards and Harmonization processes. But there can be a presumption of conformity and compliance. Presumption may not always be effective, and some industry sectors create Voluntary Agreements under the EU Eco-Design legislation. Imaging equipment is covered by an Industry Voluntary Agreement, managed through Eurovaprint, providing environmental performance targets. It includes copiers, MFDs, printers and fax machines. Plastic is an extremely versatile product, but its ubiquitous use is now recognised as unsustainable, polluting, and harmful to the environment. Imaging equipment, like numerous similar products make ample use of the material. It is positive to note that the latest draft of the 2020 Joint Voluntary Agreement sets specific requirements for the use of plastic, fastener types, and non-separable connections in both print hardware and cartridges. This Voluntary Agreement goes a step further to discuss dismantling and nondestructive extraction of some components which are typically separated at the end of the product life. Eco-labeling will demonstrate compliance to end-users. This is a good example of how the EU Circular Action Plan and Green Deal, through Eco- Design is slowly starting to have an impact on an industry. Eco-Design is not difficult to achieve. Its problem is that it is caught between economic, commercial, and environmental stakeholder needs. Either Voluntary industry direction or legal compulsion will decide the degree and pace of its implementation in many industries. Post pandemic, competitive advantage through Eco-Design will resonate well with customers and may prove a welcome accelerant. References: The REBus Project: www.rebus.eu.com University of Cambridge. Industry Sustainability Research: www.ifm.eng.cam. ac.uk/research/industrial-sustainability/ CELENEC European Committee for Electromechanical Standardization: www.cenelec.eu EuroVAPrint: www.eurovaprint.eu ■ However you consume your news make sure you engage: Like, Follow and Share
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