ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to clarify the scope of product stewardship by addressing four key areas of activity for companies: Policies that establish goals and targets for product sustainability, Design processes that consider sustainability impacts over the entire product life-cycle, Procurement policies and guidelines that impose minimum sustainability standards for suppliers, and Recovery of products at end of life; fully or partially funded by producers. It includes internal business processes, such as changes to product or packaging design, as well as collaborative projects undertaken with external stakeholders. The book discusses the actions that practitioners can take to minimize the life-cycle impacts of their products while achieving positive outcomes for their business. It explores the many ways that stakeholders including governments, consumers and supply chain partners are driving product stewardship within firms.
