Integrating ecodesign by conducting changes in SMEs

Abstract

Despite the progressive use of ecodesign in the industrial world, taking into account environmental constraints remains problematical for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), which seem to be remaining on the fringe of the movement. Beyond the lack of environmental culture in the enterprises, the problem stems from the ecodesign tools which have not been designed with any thought of integrating them into the enterprises’ organisation. There is indeed no method for ecodesign integration in companies. We show in this article that, while in fact there is a thorough and varied set of ecodesign tools available, they will not allow ecodesign to become more widespread while they remaintools for experts. We are therefore putting forward a method to carry out the integration of ecodesign in SMEs during demonstration projects implemented with the assistance of advisory centres specialised in the industrial sector of the company.