But what is eco design?
Ecodesign consists of integrating environmental protection before, during and after the manufacturing of a product/service . From the start with the handling of raw materials, then to its transformation, its assembly, its transport, its use until the end of its life, everything is analyzed and then quantified. And thus implement actions to be able to reduce its environmental impact throughout its lifespan.
Why switch to ecodesign?
The cause is the predominantly linear , after use and the end of the product's life, the product is not designed and considered for a “recyclable” or second-hand continuation. The problem is products with a short lifespan or single use.
A product designed without saving resources has less and less place in a transition process towards a green economy . Indeed, the economy of functionality is now much more considered, it consists of replacing the notion of sale of the good with that of the sale of the use of the good, which leads to the decoupling of added value and consumption. energy and raw materials. It is part of this circular economy.
The goal is also to understand the impact and define the first actions to limit it.
For example the life cycle of a cotton textile
And for that it all starts with LCA, the Life Cycle Analysis of a product. To define this notion, LCA is the principle of grouping and evaluating the inputs (withdrawal of raw materials), the outputs (the release of gas emissions, waste, etc.) and the potential environmental impacts. of a product during its life cycle. Ultimately, LCA makes it possible to measure the quantifiable effects of products or services on the environment.
ACV is a tool to help with the transition to ecodesign, with a 3-part approach!
A preventive approach
– All human activities, whether economic or not, have an impact on the environment.
– Ecodesign: Integrate environmental protection into the design of goods or services.
A global approach
– Multi-stage: extraction of raw materials, production, distribution, use and end of life.
– Multi-criteria: consumption of materials and energy, emissions into the environment, impact on the climate and biodiversity, etc.
– Multi-actor: involvement of all stakeholders.
A comprehensive approach
– Find design options to reduce the severity of major environmental problems.
– Evaluate improvements to ensure their effectiveness and ensure they do not exacerbate other impacts.
LCA has its limits
9 concepts which cannot be evaluated:
- Plastic Pollution
- Toxicity (microplastics)
- GMO issues
- Sustainable resource management
- Impact on biodiversity
- Pressure on food harvests
- Social impacts
- The combined effects of several substances emitted simultaneously
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