ABSTRACT
Ecodesign is an integral part of the design process, used to minimize the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle. The life cycle of a product is the complete path that a product takes, from raw material extraction to end of use. For each phase, inputs (auxiliary materials and energy) and outputs (waste and emissions) need to be considered and minimized (Figure 81.1). Overall, the designer seeks an optimal compromise between all of the product aspects (ecological, technical, human-centered, economical), as the environmental impact will always exist. There is no such thing as a one-fits-all solution, with each case having its own optimal solution.
