ABSTRACT
The Dutch government stated that small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) need specific support if they are to start greening their business. Literature supports the line of thinking; various authors claim that SMEs do lag behind their larger counterparts in terms of environmental performance. Since the 1980s industry worldwide has been working more and more conscientiously in the direction of sustainable development. Many branches of industry were represented; the most common were those manufacturing metal products, machinery and wood and furniture, followed by those working with rubber and synthetics, electronics and the textile industry. The intention of the innovation centre ecodesign project was to boost awareness in SMEs regarding design for environment (DfE) and to show them the commercial potential of DfE. SMEs sometimes find it difficult to apply for financial support from existing financial schemes, probably because of time-schedules and the necessary administration.
