ABSTRACT
Integrated product policy (IPP) is an initiative at the European Union (EU) level aimed at reducing the environmental burden of products and services throughout their lifecycles by using a toolbox of policy instruments to ‘green’ markets through ‘greening’ both the demand side and the supply side. This chapter examines developments in the IPP initiative and how it may influence the development of ‘greener’ products. It explores the background, definition, objectives, principles, strategies, components and potential toolbox of IPP. The chapter looks at the relationship between IPP and eco-product development in companies, using the electronics sector as an example. IPP should be based on existing EU environmental objectives, such as those laid out in the EU Fifth Environmental Action Programme, with the ultimate goal being sustainable development. IPP is to be based on three fundamental principles, namely: market orientation, stakeholder involvement and life-cycle perspective. Poor communications inside and outside companies have been major barriers to selling ecodesign or eco-products.
