New Ecodesign Centre Project: Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Harman Becker

 April 2010

The Ecodesign Centre are delighted to announce the launch of a knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) (http://www.ktponline.org.uk/) with Harman Becker (http://www.harmanbecker.com/) in Bridgend, part of Harman International (http://www.harman.com/). The focus is on embedding ecodesign and life cycle thinking in their design and development process, with particular attention being given to the emerging standard, IEC 62430: Environmentally Conscious Design for Electrical and Electronic Products, along with the technical report ISO/TR 14062:2002; Environmental Management -- Integrating Environmental Aspects into Product Design and Development. (http://www.iso.org/iso/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=33020).

Dr Sohail Hajatdoost, Head of Business Development, Ecodesign Centre said “The KTP programme will give us a much better understanding of the limitations and capabilities of companies in the automotive industry for developing ecodesign products. It is very satisfying to be involved in the development of a technically challenging product and working with a company partner who has the vision to utilise ecodesign principles to develop sustainable products with lower environmental impact.”

Eoin Bailey, Mechanical Loudspeaker Design Engineering & KTP Associate said "the development of ecodesign practices within Harman's product development process is an exciting time which is already bringing many advantages. We are reducing our environmental impact by cutting our waste to landfill, minimising the quantity of materials used and eliminating our use of hazardous materials. In doing so we are reducing our waste management costs, the costs related to component loss along with making our production more efficient. The KTP provides a framework to develop these valuable practices and allows us to access organisations with the experience and knowledge to assist us in achieving our long-term goal of truly 'green' products."