The Environmental Impact of DfM Strategies
The selection of DfM strategies directly affects the environmental impact of a product in three key stages:
- Manufacture
- Use
- Disposal
DfM Strategies to Reduce Environmental Impact
- Material Selection
- Choosing Sustainable Materials
- Minimising Material Waste
- Energy-Efficient Manufacturing
- Streamlining Production Processes
- Reducing Emissions
- Design for Durability and Repairability
- Extending Product Lifespan
- Modular Design
- End-of-Life Considerations
- Design for Disassembly
- Closed-Loop Systems - Circular economy
Case study
Take-Back Legislation and the Circular Economy
- As part of growing efforts to reduce electronic waste and promote sustainability, many governments around the world have introduced Take-Back Legislation.
- These laws require manufacturers to accept used products back from consumers, either for recycling, reuse, or safe disposal.
The Role of Technology in DfM
- Digital Tools and Simulation
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Allows designers to test and optimize designs before production, reducing material waste.
- Lifecycle Assessment (LCA): Evaluates the environmental impact of a product from cradle to grave, guiding sustainable design choices.
- Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
- Reduced Waste: Builds products layer by layer, minimizing excess material.
- Localized Production: Reduces transportation emissions by enabling on-demand manufacturing.
Case study
Economic Growth and Environmental Impact
Historical Trend:
- Traditionally, economic growth has been closely linked to increased resource use and environmental damage.
- As nations industrialized:
- They used more fossil fuels and raw materials.
- Pollution, deforestation, and carbon emissions rose.
- Waste generation increased alongside consumer demand.
Examples:
- The Industrial Revolution led to booming economies, but also coal burning, smog, and river pollution.
- In the 20th century, global GDP and CO₂ emissions grew hand-in-hand.
