Scottish businesses are under pressure from consumers and from new legislation urging them to embrace 'cleaner' design principles and offer advice on waste management of electronic and electrical goods.
As the product lifespan of electrical and electronic goods becomes shorter, consumers are placing a higher level of importance on environmental impact when purchasing such items, a recent study conducted by Envirowise has shown. The 'Luxury to Landfill' research found that more than a third of those polled would favour an electronic or electrical product which has been designed with either a low environmental impact (35%), minimal packaging (39%), or recyclability (34%) in mind.
Encouragingly, 95% of individuals in Scotland would dispose of electrical items in an environmentally friendly way, if they were given more information on how to do so.
These findings are timely given the recent introduction of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive and the imminent Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. Both have prompted consumers to become more aware of the items they purchase and urge manufacturers to re-consider the way their products are designed.
Significantly, local businesses can profit from this shift in the public mood by embracing 'cleaner' design principles, says Envirowise Business Manager for Scotland, Alan Hendry:
"Businesses should be assessing the design and packaging of their products now, to meet consumer demand and identify a cleaner, more cost effective approach at all stages of the lifecycle.
"Envirowise can help companies identify significant cost savings in this area, as well as provide information and advice on legislative compliance, which they can then communicate to their clients and customers."
The study by Envirowise also highlighted the lack of communication from businesses on environmental issues. 70% of respondents in Scotland do not know how their workplace deals with electrical and electronic goods at the end of their life.
Alan Hendry commented:
"Improving environmental performance and helping to reduce our landfill sites can set companies apart from their competition. Making employees, customers and suppliers know you are taking action to reduce waste could help you win new contracts.
"More sustainable practices will allow cost efficiencies to be identified early on - as well as trigger innovations that could help companies compete in this increasingly environmentally-savvy marketplace."
For more information on cleaner design, businesses can visit www.envirowise.gov.uk or call the free, confidential Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794.
Notes to Editors
About the research
The survey was conducted for Envirowise by Tickbox.net, with a sample size of 2621 consumers.
About Envirowise
Envirowise delivers a valuable programme of confidential advice to Scottish businesses. This advice enables businesses to improve profitability and reduce environmental impact.
Independent, practical and proven guidance is available through the Envirowise Advice Line, information resources and on site visits (Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales only) delivered by a national team of expert advisors. Each solution is driven by the specific needs of individual firms, to genuinely improve their business practices, profitability and competitiveness. Since 1994, Envirowise has helped UK industry save over £1 billion.
The Envirowise programme is available to any Scottish business, completely free of charge. For more information visit Envirowise Scotland or call 0800 585 794.
About the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
More information is available at the DTI website.
About the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive
More information is available at the DTI website.