Factors affecting product end-of-life management (PELM) opportunities

Abstract

Significant progress has been made by manufacturers of electronic equipment in incorporating a variety of environmental attributes into business machines. Many of these environmental attributes such as design for disassembly, parts labeling, and minimization of the number of materials are specifically intended to enhance the value of the end-of-life (EOL) products, making management of these products easier and more rewarding in the future. The ability to capitalize on improved environmental designs is impacted by numerous factors, some of which are outside the control of the product designer e.g., legislation. This paper discusses some of the key factors that will impact the ability of those managing EOL, electronic equipment to take advantage of design for environment efforts, and financially benefit from product EOL management activities.