Methodology for modelling the eco-efficiency of closed-loop product life cycles

Abstract

There are potential eco-efficiency benefits from 'closing the loop' in product life cycles. However, its implementation is not always straightforward especially for manufacturers of complex products such as electronic devices. They need to know how, where and when to close the loop in order to achieve the desired improvement in eco-efficiency. To help them do this, we propose a methodology that is specially developed for modelling the integrated systems of closed-loop product life cycles. This methodology revolves around a technique whereby product life cycles are deconstructed based on their product structures. Through this technique, life cycle processes and attributes associated with each component can modelled separately before being combined to form the integrated life cycle model of the whole product that includes the mainstream production stage, EoL stage, and any interdependence between the two stages as a result of closing the product life cycle loop. An LED dive torchlight is used as an example to illustrate the application of this methodology and demonstrate its capability as a tool for manufacturers to model their supply chain from an integrated life cycle perspective. © 2012 Fraunhofer IZM.