Experiences on the implementation of environmental product policy in the Finnish electrical and electronics industry

New environmental product policy measures (RoHS, WEEE and EuP directives), targeted to the products of electrical and electronics industry, are entering into force during 2005-2007. This report raises key questions that companies have confronted in anticipating and interpreting these new requirements in their operations, focusing especially on changes needed in product development and supply chain management. The report reveals that the work needed in companies to comply with the new requirements may begin years before the requirements enter into force, and it may take different forms. Depending on the resources companies possess, this work can vary from influencing the actual contents of the new regulation being developed to adjusting to new requirements and incorporating them into different company operations (product development, manufacturing, sourcing etc.). Two Finnish company cases are reported. The first describes how Vaisala Oyj is implementing RoHS requirements together with its key suppliers. The second case assesses the Commission’s Integrated Product Policy pilot exercise on mobile phones, which was lead by Nokia Oyj during 2005. The report provides companies with useful information about practical experiences of proactive companies in environmental policy implementation, and policy makers with information for the assessment and future steering of environmental product policy in the European Union. This report is the final report of the YPSE research project, which was carried out during 2004-2005. It was financed by the Finnish Environment Cluster Program by the Ministry of the Environment and Technology Industries of Finland. The aim of the project was to assess how companies in the electrical and electronics industry “interpret” and negotiate with each other (and with environmental authorities) the contents of these new requirements, which are still to some extent unclear. It has been of interest what kinds of changes the new requirements create in products and what kinds of operational practices evolve in the industry, for example in the area of material data management

Revision of the EU Green Public Procurement Criteria for Street Lighting and Traffic Signals - Preliminary Report

Lighting is used on more than 1.6 million km of roads in EU28 countries, accounting for some 35 TWh of electricity consumption (1.3% of total electricity consumption) and costing public authorities almost €4000 million each year. A broad review of relevant technical, policy, academic and legislative literature has been conducted. This report examines the current market situation and the potential for reducing environmental impacts and electricity costs by assessing the recent developments in road lighting technology, particularly LEDs. Particularly important areas identified relate to energy efficiency, light pollution, product durability and, specifically for longer lasting and rapidly evolving new LED technologies, reparability and upgradeability. The information in this report shall serve as a basis for discussion with stakeholders about the further development and revision of EU GPP criteria for street lighting and traffic signals.JRC.B.5-Circular Economy and Industrial Leadershi

Effect of Recrystallization on β to α-Sn Allotropic Transition in 99.3Sn-0.7Cu wt. % Solder Alloy Inoculated with InSb

The effect of recrystallization of 99.3Sn-0.7Cu wt % solder alloy on the allotropic transition of β to α-Sn (so-called tin pest phenomenon) was investigated. Bulk samples were prepared, and an InSb inoculator was mechanically applied to their surfaces to enhance the transition. Half of the samples were used as the reference material and the other half were annealed at 180 °C for 72 hours, which caused the recrystallization of the alloy. The samples were stored at -10 °C and -20 °C. The -Sn to α-Sn transition was monitored using electrical resistance measurements. The expansion and separation of the tin grains directly during the -Sn to α-Sn transition process were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The recrystallization of the alloy suppresses the tin pest phenomenon considerably since it decreased the number of defects in the crystal structure where heterogeneous nucleation of -Sn to α-Sn transition could occur. In the case of InSb inoculation, the spreading of the transition towards the bulk was as fast as the spreading parallel to the surface of the sample

End-of-Life management of wind turbines, PV modules and Lithium-Ion batteries: Current practices and closing the circular economy gap

Renewable energy generation and increased electrification are pivotal to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Consequently, global deployment of wind turbines, PV modules and electric vehicles has soared, and the trend is expected to continue. These technologies have only recently started reaching the end of their design lives, and rapid escalation of end-of-life (EoL) waste volumes are projected. This study responds to the imminent waste issue by researching current EoL management practices, initiatives and regulations of these three technologies in Canada and globally. Through extensive literature review and communications with select experts in the EoL field, it also seeks to identify factors that impede current EoL management efforts to close the circular economy gap and those that can support the overall sustainability of deploying these technologies. The EoL management of these technologies is in the early stages and many innovative initiatives are being explored and developed. There are currently few proven business cases, and barriers to the EoL strategies’ profitability and effectiveness include insufficient waste feedstock, inadequate collection infrastructure and second-life markets, and uncertainty about the assets’ remaining useful life. Designing for circularity, collaboration between supply chain stakeholders, circular business models and technology-specific regulations that incorporate extended producer responsibility, second-life targets and circular solutions can help progress the technologies toward improved sustainability. The research found that EoL management is a complex but necessary undertaking that needs to consider multiple, often conflicting factors. Additionally, the technologies and their EoL management practices are dynamic and fast-changing. Hence this study's findings are best viewed as compelling evidence of the increasing need for robust EoL management and a demonstration of potential solutions rather than absolute conclusions

A plan-do-check-act framework for WEEE and RoHS : a model for implementing WEEE and RoHS by integrating eco-design factors and activities into business operation and strategy.

Eco-design is relatively new and fast growing field of research due to its vital importance to the manufacturing industry and its related environmental issues such as reducing waste, and CO2 emission. A major EU programme relating to the environment is the waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive. The (WEEE) directive specifies ten categories and a voltage range which is up to 1.000 volts AC or 1.500volts DC. The developed framework came for the implementation of Eco-design principles that helps to take into account the adaption of the (WEEE) directive and the restriction of hazard substances (RoHS) used in electrical and electronic equipments. As a result of identify gaps and needs such as a lack of a comprehensive Eco-design framework and the need to integrate it to the normal business operation. In this research the PDCA framework for Eco-design and WEEE directive will be discussed. The framework will encompass all of the Eco-design¿s implementation and integration factors and activities such as WEEE and RoHS directives, Eco-design management, Environmental legislations, Eco-design tools and considerations. The literature review covers the topic of Eco-design¿s related issues, and WEEE and RoHS directives rules. Based on comprehensive questionnaire survey of Eco-design, WEEE and RoHS issues and activities among a sample of environmentally aware companies, statistical analysis is carried out using SPSS software. Then the findings of the survey triangulated with the findings of the literature review formed the basis of the design and implementation plan of the proposed framewor

An approach to develop sustainable medical devices

Tese de doutoramento BioengenhariaThe development and commercialization of contemporary Medical Devices is inherently of a multidisciplinary nature. Consequently, they have to undergo a stringent regulatory compliance procedure in conformity with an ever increasingly fierce and competitive business environment. Throughout the product life cycle, medical devices would significantly consume renewable as well as non-renewable resources and as a result exert a substantial social, economic and environmental impact(s). Accordingly, it is imperative to consider the criteria of the aforementioned domains of sustainability in the initial phases of product development. The proposed conceptual multifaceted framework comprehensively explores a broader scope of sustainable product development, mainly from the pragmatic standpoint of systems engineering in comparison to the contemporary evaluation and development approaches. The underpinnings of the proposed framework encompasses the critical role of a decision model titled ‘Multi Criteria Hierarchical Model (MCHM)’ which is in fact an extensive revision of the Analytical Hierarchy Process decision modelling approach. The MCHM contains three tiers of pertinent criteria to attain overall sustainability. The structure of MCHM illustrates the tolerable level of sustainability in Tier 1, which is non-negotiable and compulsory, and the additional degrees of sustainability that increases from Tier 2 to Tier 3. Furthermore, the proposed framework elucidates the active participation of the MCHM in product design and development by conjoining with a wide spectrum of technical and conceptual tools. The research methodologies in the thesis are comprised of interviews, questionnaires and case studies that mainly involved active participatory observation. The objective of incorporating case studies in the thesis is to evaluate the effectiveness of the MCHM in an Industrial environment. In this doctoral research the contemporary medical devices explored during the case studies included a wide spectrum of materials and technologies that range from metal and non-metal prosthesis (external and sometimes internal), instruments, advanced implantable devices and biodegradable scaffolds used in regenerative medicine. The research activities commenced with a thorough literature review that directed the researcher to the need for an exploratory study, accomplished by interviews with experts from academia and industry. These experts provided their feedback on the Sustainability related criteria outlined in the MCHM based on their expertise and knowledge of product development in diverse economic circumstances. The feedback was obtained in the form of assigning numerical scores during pair-wise comparison between two criteria at a time. The scores and recommendations were documented for being incorporated within the case studies. In the case studies, the MCHM was incorporated in the early stage of product development to prioritize bare minimum environmental sustainability and profitability in accordance with regulatory compliance. During the decision making process, the product design was investigated in order to simultaneously accomplish the aforementioned facets by way of incorporating the expert recommendations. Furthermore, these expert recommendations obtained in conjunction with business strategies and technical problem solving techniques, such as Case based Reasoning (CBR), Design by Analogy (DA) and Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) were considered for resolving conflicts between the criteria of Tier 1 and other Tiers. The thesis provides decision makers and the product development teams with a framework to gain a more holistic perspective on sustainable product development with respect to policies, technical/non-technical tools and business strategies. The goal is to enable these product development teams to implement pragmatic solutions for ensuring long-term competitiveness and the welfare of the Stakeholders.O desenvolvimento e comercialização de dispositivos médicos contemporâneos é por inerência de natureza multidisciplinar. Consequentemente, estes dispositivos têm que passar por um procedimento de regulamentação rigoroso, num ambiente de negócios cada vez cada vez mais acirrado e competitivo. Durante o ciclo de vida do produto, os dispositivos médicos consomem recursos renováveis, bem como recursos não-renováveis, o que origina impactos sociais, económicos e ambientais significativos. Assim, é imperativo considerar as diferentes dimensões da sustentabilidade nas fases iniciais de desenvolvimento do produto. O modelo conceptual proposto explora exaustivamente um propósito mais amplo de desenvolvimento de produtos sustentáveis, principalmente do ponto de vista pragmático da engenharia de sistemas, em comparação com a avaliação e abordagem contemporânea de desenvolvimento de novos produtos. A abordagem proposta suporta-se no modelo de apoio à decisão intitulado Multi Criteria Hierarchy Model (MCHM), que é uma extensão do modelo Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). O MCHM contém três níveis de critérios relevantes para alcançar a sustentabilidade global. A estrutura do MCHM reflete o que é obrigatório e não negociável no nível 1, e ainda a importância crescente dos critérios de sustentabilidade do nível 2 para o nível 3. Além disso, o modelo proposto demonstra a relevância da inclusão do MCHM no design e desenvolvimento do produto em conjunção com um amplo espectro de ferramentas técnicas e conceptuais. As metodologias de investigação incluem entrevistas, questionários e estudo de casos que envolveram, principalmente, a observação ativa. A realização de estudos de caso teve como objetivo avaliar a adequação do MCHM em ambiente industrial. Os dispositivos médicos considerados durante o estudo de casos incluíram uma diversidade de materiais e tecnologias que vão desde próteses metálicas e não-metálicas (externas e internas), instrumentos, implantes e suportes poliméricos biodegradáveis usados em medicina regenerativa. A revisão bibliográfica identificou a necessidade de desenvolver um estudo exploratório, suportado em entrevistas a peritos académicos e industriais. Estes peritos apresentaram a sua opinião relativa aos critérios considerados no MCHM, de acordo com a sua experiência e conhecimento sobre o desenvolvimento de produtos em circunstâncias económicas diversas. A comparação par a par dos critérios permitiu avaliar a sua importância relativa. Os resultados das entrevistas foram documentados para serem incorporados nos estudos de caso. Nos estudos de caso, o MCHM foi incorporado na fase inicial do desenvolvimento de novos produtos para garantir sustentabilidade ambiental e rentabilidade, em concordância com da regulamentação em vigor. Durante o processo de tomada de decisão, o design do produto foi analisado de modo a cumprir simultaneamente os aspetos acima mencionados e incorporar as recomendações dos peritos. Além disso, estas recomendações foram consideradas em conjunto com as estratégias de negócio e técnicas de resolução de problemas técnicos, tais como o Case Based Reasoning (CBR), Design by Analogy (DA) e Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) para a resolução de conflitos entre os critérios do nível 1 e dos outros níveis. A tese proporciona aos decisores e às equipas de desenvolvimento de novos produtos um modelo para obter uma perspectiva mais holística sobre o desenvolvimento de produtos sustentáveis, relativamente às políticas, ferramentas técnicas/não-técnicas e estratégias de negócio. O objetivo é capacitar essas equipas de desenvolvimento de novos produtos para implementar soluções pragmáticas que assegurem a competitividade a longo prazo e o bem-estar dos stakeholders

Making Sense of Environmental Governance: A Study of E-waste in Malaysia

The nature of e-waste, which is environmentally disastrous but economically precious, calls for close policy attention at all levels of society, and between state and non-state actors. This thesis investigates the roles of state and non-state actors in e-waste governance in Malaysia. This is undertaken through analysis of e-waste governance, particularly focusing on the locally generated industrial and household e-waste, from the perspective of multiple actors, levels and modes of governance. From the perspective of multiple actors governance, this thesis recognises three main actors of e-waste governance in Malaysia – the state actor, and two types of non-state actors – the Private Sector Actors and the Civil Society Organisations. Although it appears theoretically simple to classify actors of governance into one of these categories, in practice the line separating these two categories is blurry. From the multiple modes perspective, empirical evidence from this research has shown that state and non-state actors are involved in four modes of governance – the hierarchical, persuasion, self-governance and co-governance mode; with the roles of state actors being more prominent in the hierarchical modes, while the roles of non-state actors are more significant in the persuasion, self-governance and co-governance modes. State and non-state actors are jointly involved in one variant of co-governance which is the public-private partnership (PPP). Although the inclusion of non-state actors in governance is usually on ‘acutely constrained terms’ (Murdoch and Abram 1998: 49), they may influence the process of decision making. From the perspective of multi level governance, it is apparent that power and authority in e-waste governance transcend beyond the boundary of sovereign states with the introduction of supra-national legislation such as the Basel Convention, WEEE directive and RoHS directive. This has direct implication on Malaysia as she is a party to Basel Convention, and produces electrical and electronic equipment for global market