Longitudinal Analysis of the Eco‐Design Management Standardization Process in Furniture Companies

• Published in: Journal of industrial ecology 2017-10, Vol.21 (5), p.1356-1369
• Main Authors: Landeta‐Manzano, Beñat, Arana‐Landín, Germán, RuizdeArbulo, Patxi, DíazdeBasurto, Pablo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Companies; Competitive advantage; Continuous improvement; Design; Design standards; Diagnostic systems; Dissemination; eco‐design; Environmental impact; Environmental law; Environmental legislation; Environmental management; environmental management systems; Environmental monitoring; Environmental regulations; Furniture industry; industrial ecology; Innovations; Life cycle analysis; Life cycle assessment; life cycle assessment (LCA); Life cycle engineering; Life cycles; Materials selection; Operating costs; Product design; Regulation; Research methodology; Resource management; Standardization; Supply; Supply chains; Sustainable design
• ISSN: 1088-1980; 1530-9290
• DOI: 10.1111/jiec.12479

Summary This article discusses how eco‐design management standards have been adopted and the environmental and economic results that have been obtained by the Spanish furniture manufacturers. This is precisely the industry sector in Spain where the dissemination of eco‐design standards has been most important. Using multiple case‐study methodology, the research has shown that, in three companies, more than 90% of the environmental impact of the companies’ products occurs within the manufacturing phase. Companies have implemented tools for life cycle assessment with eco‐indicators values that allow them to assess complex products and evaluate their significant environmental impacts at each stage. The environmental strategies of these companies are based on the continuous improvement of the internal processes and the review and monitoring of their activities. In this approach, the proper choice of materials and the environmental management of the supply chain are the main problems for companies. The outcomes achieved by the companies included some improvements, such as a greater control of product management and a reduction in operating costs, that have allowed them to obtain competitive advantages. Moreover, the adoption of standard management has enabled the companies to drive innovation of products, improve the image of companies and their products, significantly reduce the environmental impact of their products, and adapt to new, more demanding environmental laws and regulations.