Title: SortED – a new design tool for 'end-of-life' decision making

Authors: Vicky Lofthouse

Addresses: Department of Design and Technology, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, England, UK

Abstract: |SortED| is an end-of-life decision-making design guide to help companies: (a) quickly identify the implications of the WEEE directive on the products they design, manufacture and import; (b) understand the different end-of-life opportunities available to them; and (c) source practical information to help them implement appropriate strategies as quickly and easily as possible. Developed in recognition of the fact that there were no practical tools to guide the design decision-making process and support the development of financially viable, compliant electrical and electronic products, |SortED| was created by drawing on the theoretical framework developed during the ESPRC/STI |Information/Inspiration| project and combining these lessons with practical and focused |end-of-life| information and examples. This paper reflects on the development of the tool and outlines its key attributes.

Keywords: legislation; extended producer responsibility; WEEE directive; design decision making; ecodesign; communication; EU directives; European Union; waste management; eco-efficiency; industrial ecology; end-of-life products; electrical products; electronic products.

DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2007.013862

Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal, 2007 Vol.4 No.1/2, pp.141 - 153

Published online: 31 May 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article