7 Essential Eco-Design Tips for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Eco-Design: A Sustainable Approach for Your Business

Eco-design is considered a comprehensive process, part of a sustainable design system that focuses on the product’s functionality, reducing environmental impact, and providing social benefits. When planning to design something tangible or intangible, it’s essential to consider every aspect of its lifecycle, even from the very beginning—from extracting the materials needed to make the product or deliver the service.

Here’s a quick look at the stages of the lifecycle:

1. Raw material extraction

2. Transformation and assembly

3. Packaging

4. Transport

5. Marketing

6. Consumption

7. Reintroduction

Each of these steps leaves behind a carbon footprint, but the good news is, by incorporating eco-design principles, we can reduce this footprint by up to 80%. How? By applying a few key practices:

1. Reducing raw material usage: For instance, PET bottles could be made with up to 60% less plastic and still maintain their functionality.

2. Designing with renewable energy: Think solar power, natural lighting, and ventilation. Using more environmentally friendly raw materials can also make a huge difference.

3. Minimizing packaging and storage materials: Less packaging means less waste and a smaller carbon footprint.

4. Maximizing local resources: Sourcing local materials and production helps reduce transportation-related emissions.

5. Targeting local and national markets: Shorter distances mean fewer emissions, and leveraging digital tools to promote your brand makes this even easier.

6. Designing for longevity and multifunctionality: Create products that last longer and serve multiple purposes, which cuts down on waste and the need for frequent replacements.

7. Reusing or transforming materials: Once a product has served its purpose, design it so its materials can be reused or repurposed into new raw materials.

We’ve included a link to an incredibly insightful video that dives deeper into the benefits of implementing eco-design in your business, no matter its size or complexity. Join this important movement—by doing so, you’ll not only see better economic results but also make a positive impact on the environment.