This is the stage when decisions are made about the types of resources and manufacturing processes that will be used. These decisions ultimately determine the waste streams. Once a product is designed, its environmental attributes are largely fixed. The result of incorporating DfE into design can be high-quality, environmentally sound products that enjoy a competitive advantage. This toolkit is designed to allow integration of DfE into existing design practices where many design aspects such as customer appeal, safety, cost and other product attributes are considered.
Design engineers can meet as a group to use the toolkit.
It is practical to use and does not require a large time commitment. The toolkit will help designers develop a numerical score for a product that shows them where the product is strong and where it needs improvement with regards to environmental concerns. In addition to the DfE tool, this kit includes reference data and information. The reference data provides additional information for answering questions when using the toolkit. This reference data section is also designed to be expanded as additional sources of information become available.