Materials selection and design for development of sustainable products

How can we develop and produce more sustainable products? The author reviews current methods as well as presents models on how to develop sustainable products. Different methods for achieving products with as low environmental impact as possible are shown as well as principles for product development with special regards to materials selection, design, the product in use and recycling are given. Definition of a sustainable product, triple bottom line, dematerialisation, recycling, design considerations, ISO 14001 standard and the EMAS (Eco Management and Audit Scheme) regulation are examples of areas, which are reviewed in this article. Life cycle assessment, environmental impact, eco-efficiency, environmental space, market contacts, cultural aspects, fashion and trends are also reviewed. Guidelines for sustainable product development are presented with special regard to material, design and ecology. A description of materials selection and models for design based on a sustainable society is also presented. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.