Cleaner design and manufacturing efficiency

‘Cleaner design’, or product design efficiency, allows for the supply of goods and services which are less polluting and use fewer resources, while still providing value and performance for consumers.

Manufacturing efficiency is concerned with an efficient use of resources that leads to both environmental and economic gains. Efficiency in the way a product is manufactured makes good sense—for business and for the environment.

It’s a way of thinking which takes into account the environmental impact of a product (or packaging) throughout its life, from raw materials and manufacture through to retail, use, and disposal. This approach is called ‘lifecycle thinking’, and it’s useful in reducing both environmental impacts and businesses costs.

The benefits of cleaner design and manufacture

• It’s more economical: cost savings (reduced raw material consumption, reduced waste disposal costs, and recovered value of wastes) go straight to your bottom line  
• It’s more competitive
• Investors are starting to reward companies which report on their non-financial performance
• Consumers are switching to more sustainable products and services
• It enhances corporate reputation and brand value
• Opportunities for new product development
• Public-sector procurement is increasingly directed towards sustainable goods and services, with the effect of stimulating markets.

Clear, clean thinking about design applies to packaging as well as products and services.

Support available

Business Link Yorkshire can provide information and guide you to the most relevant support for your business.  Their website includes lots of tips and information, as well as links to all support programmes. Alternatively, call 0845 6 048 048.

Supported by Resource Efficiency Yorkshire, Eco3 Consultants are offering businesses design support to redesign their product and packaging to reduce their environmental impact. You can find out more by emailing info@eco3.co.uk.