In an increasingly competitve marketplace where price, quality and service are assumed, achieving real product differentiation is a key challenge. Design for Environment (DfE) no longer closeted to niche products, offer a powerful way for companies to improve resource productivity and environmental performance and win competitive advantage.

DfE follows a life cycle thinking approach, which consider products and services from raw material extraction, through manufacture, use and final disposal. The many tools and examples now available mean that DfE can be utilized by all types of organization and integrated into mainstream product or process development.

DfE provides a unique way of revitalizing business and products, enhancing their success and brand identity.

This document is written to:

• Explain the role that design plays in reducing the environmental impacts associated with a company’s products and services.
• Provide a level of knowledge and understanding for those involved in product development, marketing and sales management to enable them to make effective decisions about product design and the environment.
• Explain how environmental improvement at strategic level can assist in the differentiation of products and services.