The Quest for Sustainable Components (Download)
The basis for the following discussion is this introductory section of the EU Sustainable Products Regulation:
“Chapter I - General provisions contains these 8 points to consider.
Article 1 Subject matter and scope
(a) product durability and reliability;
(b) product reusability;
(c) product upgradability, reparability, maintenance, and refurbishment;
(d) the presence of substances of concern in products;
(e) product energy and resource efficiency;
(f) recycled content in products;
(g) product remanufacturing and recycling;
(h) products’ carbon and environmental footprints”
Before we can begin to answer “what makes a sustainable component,” a brief definition is in order.