RFID-BASED INDIVIDUALIZATION OF EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY AND RECYCLING FOR WEEE

Recycling of ICT and other electronic products is gaining in importance due to both ecological and economic reasons such as the shortage of resources contained in electronic devices. European legislation has handed the responsibility for recycling electronic products to the producers. However, the WEEE directive (waste electrical and electronic equipment) and its national transpositions have been criticized for failing to reach the original goal of promoting design for recycling. In this paper we analyze how detailed object-related information can support recycling processes. We propose a distributed RFID-based waste management information system for electronic devices which enables individualizing producer responsibility but also supports other goals of waste management by providing detailed object-related information. We first analyze deficiencies in current practice and then conduct a requirements analysis for the proposed system. Based on this we create a system design model, consisting of data and object model and system architectur

Traceability system for capturing, processing and providing consumer-relevant information about wood products: System solution and its economic feasibility

Current research and practice reports indicate the existence of purchase barriers concerning eco-friendly products, e.g. wood products. These can be ascribed to consumers' mistrust regarding the non-observable environmental impact of wood products. To counter the mistrust, wood products are commonly endowed with eco-labels, which may be perceived mostly as a marketing tool, therefore not fulfilling their intended purpose. Current studies have shown that providing consumers with wood product information based on traceability systems increases product trust and purchase intentions, with those information items most valued by consumers being identified as well. Based on this, the paper proposes a traceability information system for the capturing, processing, and provision of product information using examples of wood furniture. Furthermore, a cost-benefit model for the proposed solution is developed. The calculations indicate the possibility of implementing traceability at the item level based on a four-layer system architecture enabling the capture and delivery of all information valued by consumers at acceptable costs. The proposed system helps to overcome purchase barriers of eco-friendly products, increasing consumers' product trust and purchase intentions

An empirical investigation of wood product information valued by young consumers

Recent media reports regarding wood products question the trustworthiness of wood origin declaration, the sustainability of production methods and the product quality. In light of this question, it becomes important to ensure consumer trust in wood and wood-based products. Current research indicates that providing product information enhances product trust and purchase intentions, while young consumers in particular seek detailed product information. However, it is necessary to determine which wood product information young consumers strongly value because providing a high amount leads to information overload. As information needs may vary between different consumer segments, the present work aims at identifying segments of young consumers and their preferred wood-product information. The importance of different wood product information items concerning the purchase decision was investigated with a German-language online survey (N = 185, age range 18–30). A cluster analysis revealed four consumer segments. Thereof, three segments (an environmentally oriented, an environmentally and quality oriented, and a quality oriented segment) valued the provision of wood product information. The preferred information types differed among the three segments. Overall, this paper provides insights into young consumers' preferences for wood product information and the consumer segments on which marketing should focus

An Empirical Investigation of Strategies against Procurement Uncertainties and Their IS Support at High Grade Timber Manufacturers

Wood as a CO2-neutral renewable resource is an important raw material to address consumers’ growing environmental awareness. However, its use is associated with several uncertainties that affect wood quality, quantity and delivery time. Especially strong high grade manufacturers at the first processing stage are affected. To efficiently use the Carbon Green raw material and increase customer satisfaction, manufacturers must use strategies which respond to uncertainties. Hence, we investigate the used strategies, and their IS and information support through an online survey among high grade manufacturers. The results reveal that companies react with different strategies to uncertainties. Although the IS support is still low, the need for preliminary information about the wood supply is emphasized by high grade manufacturers

Tracking&Tracing-systems in the Wood Supply Chain: Opportunities and Challenges

Tracking&Tracing-systems have been used for years in the logistics and food industry for the monitoring, control and management of processes. In general, the usage of systems includes applications such as finding the source of recalls, proof of product quality and origin, improving logistics and production processes. The benefits of these systems in the specific environment of the wood supply chain have not been explored to this point. Whether the data from Tracking&Tracing-systems could contribute to overcoming wood-specific challenges such as fulfillment of legislative requirements, certification of wood origin, minimizing illegal felling, support of sustainable forest management and thus the environmental sustainability is the main question of the investigation carried out in this paper. The investigation includes a comprehensive overview of possibilities and challenges of these systems in the wood supply chain