Improvement objectives and strategies for basic type B
(manufacture intensive product)
Use less energy and material in the production process
Different methods of manufacture vary as to their environmental impact. They require different amounts of resources and energy to produce a given product. Environmental damage often results from the application of inadequate production processes.
Is it possible to reduce the amount of energy and material necessary for production?
Is it possible to use alternative types of energy?
Is it possible to avoid or reduce the consumption of auxiliary and process materials in the production process?
Target: Reduction of energy consumption throughout production by means of optimized processes, renewable energy, ...
Target: Reduction of environmental impact caused by consumption of process materials in production process (closed cycles, ...)
More efficient use of materials used in the production process
Optimum use of materials in the production process also helps to reduce costs for the procurement of materials as well as for waste disposal.
Is it possible to further reduce waste and/or emissions generated in the production process?
Target: Reduction of waste in production through material efficiency, recycling, ...
Purchase of external materials/components
The environmental quality of a product also depends on the quality of the parts and components purchased from other manufacturers.
Is it possible to procure materials, parts, and components in a way as to ensure environmentally sound manufacture?
Is it possible to further reduce the requirement for transportation in the procurement of external parts?
Target: Environmentally sound procurement of product parts
Use the product as intensively as possible
Optimum utilization of the product ensures an efficient use of the valuable resources contained in the product. This is an important approach to an economical use of resources.
Is it possible to further improve handling, functionality, and thus the overall functional quality of the product (and its components)?
Is it possible to extend the service life by means of regular tests of the functionality and operational safety of the product?
Target: Improved usability of products through adaptability, ergonomics, ...
Target: Improved functionality by means of upgrading, multi functionality, ...
Target: Improving maintenance through wear detection, ...
Use the product for a longer period of time
A long service life of the product also ensures efficient use of the individual parts and components. Ease of repair prevents premature disposal of the product.
Is it possible to further prolong the service life of the product?
Target: Durability through dimensioning, surface design, ...
Target: Improving access to, disassembling, and exchange, ... of parts
Reuse components and/or the product
Refurbishing the product at the end of life and reusing components that require a high input in the production process avoids cost-intensive manufacture of new components.
Is it possible to take back the product (or parts and components) and to disassemble them if necessary?
Is it possible to refurbish high-input parts and components and to reuse them in a new product?
Target: Make possible product take back and ease of disassembling (fastness, ...)
Target: Make possible reuse of parts (access, remanufacturing, ...)
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Institute for Engineering Design - ECODESIGN
Reducing energy consumption in production process