Abstract
This exploratory study seeks to explore the current state of design for the environment (DfE) in
the development of medical devices; an historically risk averse industry that lags behind others in
terms of addressing environmental considerations. A cross-sectional survey of 34 medical device
designers, primarily in the UK and USA, was conducted in order to fulfil this objective. Findings
indicate that there is significant motivation to enhance DfE practice, but that there are multiple
barriers to this. Major barriers identified are a perception of the high cost of DfE, the industry’s
current reliance on a single-use business model for many current products and a lack of
education about DfE topics on all sides. Designers felt that the most significant opportunities to
implement DfE are in situations where they are able to exert direct control, mainly in the early
stages of the design process. Issues noted include raw material choice and packaging decisions.
The nature of single use business models is also critical, pointing towards the needs for a
systemic rather than product focus. For this to be achieved, financial rewards must be evident to
firms and the changing regulatory landscape might also make a more significant impact.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Journal of Cleaner Production |
Volume | 108 |
Issue number | Part A |
Pages (from-to) | 363–376 |
ISSN | 0959-6526 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Bibliographical note
© 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY licenseKeywords
- Design for Environment
- DfE
- Medical Devices
- Ecodesign
- Design for Sustainability
- DfS