Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book analyses the rise and fall of a Danish product-oriented environmental policy from a policy cycle perspective: emergence, formulation, implementation and reformulation. Three themes in the product policy are in focus: development of cleaner products, market perspectives and stakeholder participation. The book illustrates Swiss product policy. In 2002, the Federal Council decided on a Sustainable Development Strategy based on the new Swiss Constitution, which elevated sustainable development to the status of a national goal. Under the action area 'financial policy' the strategy decided on the introduction of an integrated product policy (IPP). The book deals with understanding the challenge for public authorities to shape efficient and effective policy mixes for products and services. It discusses the relatively establishment of IPP and the ongoing reform of European governance, which seemed to indicate a radical departure from policy-making-as-usual within the European Union.