A design for life [WEEE directive on business-to-business producers]

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) which will be transposed into UK regulations early in 2005, will have a significant impact on the UK electrical and electronics industry. It includes a requirement for the UK government to encourage eco-design of products to facilitate dismantling for recovery and recycling of components and materials. However, very few companies have taken the opportunity to apply eco-design to reduce their WEEE compliance costs and demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility.