In:
GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society, Oekom Publishers GmbH, Vol. 15, No. 1 ( 2006-03-01), p. 44-53
Abstract:
In general, the utilisation of renewable resources is regarded as a contribution to sustainable development due to its reduction of environmental burdens and its support of regional development. In this paper we argue that a true contribution to sustainable development can be achieved
only by considering the following additional sustainability criteria during product development: service and user orientation, efficiency, recyclability, flexibility and adaptability, fault-tolerance and risk prevention, employment, income and quality of life. From the discussion of these criteria, three key factors are derived: 1. development of quality products; 2. efficient resource use and reduction of environmental loadings; 3. and, economic competitiveness. The article then offers an example of good practice in product development, in which a competitive natural dyeing
process was developed that fulfilled the quality requirements of the industy and of consumers, while simultaneously reducing environmental loadings. Finally, there is a presentation of widely applicable sustainability criteria that can be applied in the course of developing products based on renewable resources.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0940-5550
DOI:
10.14512/gaia.15.1.12
Language:
English
Publisher:
Oekom Publishers GmbH
Publication Date:
2006
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2901363-X
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2111556-4
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1114994-2
SSG:
14
SSG:
5,21
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