Applicable methods for sustainable development for small and middle-size companies

Abstract

Small and middle-size companies have a limited availability of personnel and financial resources for environmental issues as well as a lack of know-how as compared to the larger enterprises. They need a more pragmatic methodology to utilize their potentials for sustainable products. Current literature and industry sources provide only incomplete or abstract approaches. The research project presented entitled Integrated Product Policy therefore has been formulated to investigate applicable methodologies to support the sustainable development for small and middle-sized companies. The methodology presented is a completely different approach towards this problem compared to the 'ecobalance' approach. We identify and focus on the main criteria of the respective company and product by checking all possibilities of IPP activity. Subsequently, effective methods are used to utilize the potentials. It is a practical approach for implementation of sustainable development in all phases of the lifecycle.