METHOD FOR FORMULATING PRODUCT END-OF-LIFE STRATEGIES FOR ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY

Abstract

This paper describes the structured methodology for formulating end-of-life strategies, using specific examples from consumer electronics products. The End-of-Life Design Advisor (ELDA), a web based tool, was developed to determine what end-of-life strategy is possible according to the products' technical characteristics. The classification of end-of-life strategies is compared with current industry practice, in order to evaluate and validate the method. ELDA succeeded in classifying end-of-life strategies in agreement with industry best practices for 86% of the products. This ability to classify end-of-life strategies enables designers to redesign products that move to end-of-life strategies with lower environmental impact. This paper also presents preliminary work on the calculation of the environmental impact of the end-of-life strategies, through a model called End-of-Life Strategy Environmental Impact Model (ELSEIM). By understanding better the end-of-life strategy appropriate for the product, the research results can help designers develop appropriate (and profitable) end-of-life strategies for their unique position, systematically.