EcoDesign for ceramic tiles and sanitary ware

Concern for the global environment has become much more important and it is clear that no industry can be unconcerned for their products´ environmental impact. The authors composed “Life-Cycle Design Check Sheet” for ceramic tiles and sanitary wares which focus on 6 environmental assessment factors; product concept, material composition, durability, recyclability, packaging and LCA (life-cycle analysis). With this sheet our conventional products such as ceramic tiles, sanitary wares, and pre-fabricated bathroom modules are evaluated. The results show ceramic tiles are excellent in material composition, but poor in recyclability, and durability. In contrast, sanitary wares are superior in recyclability but poor in material. The check sheet has already been applied to newly coming EcoDesigned products. Septic tanks require less parts variation, toilets´ sophisticated material composition reduced LCCO₂ emissions, and bathrooms consume lower energy and water in actual use