EcoReDesign Program
EcoReDesign was a 3-year Commonwealth funded program that ended in 1996. The program worked with businesses to research, develop, and design products that improved on environmental design and performance.
A major focus of the program was the exploration and application of life cycle assessment methods in order to optimise a product's environmental and economic performance. Incorporating such an approach into the design process operated through interdisciplinary 'Ecodesign' teams comprising designers, environmental researchers, engineers, social scientists, marketing experts and other related professionals.
The program emphasised Life Cycle Assessment of products. The programs main objectives included:
- improving energy efficiency
- minimising waste and conserving resources
- using recycled material
- designing for recyclability
- educating consumers
- reducing greenhouse gases
As a participant of the EcoReDesign Program, Blackmores, who manufactures natural health products, sought to develop a new wave of environmentally-friendly product packaging. The project resulted in the development of alternatives to Blackmore’s tubes and tubs—lightweight disposable packaging (such as single use sachets) combined with long-life reusable frames and containers-emphasising a ‘refill’ rather than ‘replace’ system of product purchasing. Southcorp also participated in the EcoReDesign Program and was introduced to the concept of Life Cycle Assessment as a tool for developing one of the world’s most ecologically advanced dishwashers. The Southcorp Dishlex Global range of dishwashers boasts a number of water and energy efficient features. These include a 6-star energy rating (256 kilowatts), AAA water rating (using less than 18 litres per load), and efficient product design.
Phase one of EcoReDesign resulted in the production of an EcoReDesign information kit. Targeting manufacturers, designers, and engineers, the kit seeks to promote the principles and benefits of Ecodesign. The second stage of EcoReDesign was launched in 1997.
While the program is now over a decade old, the core principles of whole systems thinking and thorough analysis informing product redesign are as pressing today as they were then. The Sustainable Products and Packaging group recognise the limitations of focusing on products in isolation, and attempts to locate its research amongst a broader holistic approach to sustainability.
Case studies
Introduction to EcoReDesign (PDF 455 KB 16P)