Non-energy related policy options to foster eco-design of electronics products

Abstract

Consumer electronics have yet to reap the full potential of green technologies and ecodesign. The European policy framework is supposed to foster the implementation of environmentally benign product design, but largely addresses substance restrictions and energy efficiency in the use phase only. Resource consumption, usage of recycled plastics, bio-based materials and fewer substances of health and environmental concern, lifetime extension and design to facilitate recycling are only some of the design options, which enable additional significant environmental improvement potential. The paper explores the possibilities to incentivise these design features through policy measures.