Eco Product Research Articles

Environmental innovations and sustainability practices of manufacturing firms in Uganda

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the pivotal role of environmental innovations in driving sustainability practices within medium and large manufacturing firms operating in Uganda. Design/methodology/approach Using a cross-sectional and quantitative methodology, data were collected through a questionnaire survey involving 208 manufacturing companies. The smart partial least squares path modelling technique was used for the analysis. Findings The analysis unveils significant and positive associations. Specifically, product innovation exhibits a robust and affirmative relationship with sustainability practices. Similarly, the correlation between process innovation and sustainability practices emerges as statistically significant. Moreover, the findings underscore the noteworthy and constructive predictive influence of environmental innovation on sustainability practices. Practical implications These empirical results present substantial implications for theoretical frameworks and practical applications. From a policy perspective, the findings emphasise the importance of incentivising eco product and eco process innovations as potential drivers of eco-friendly practices. On the managerial front, strategic resource allocation and the adoption of integrated environmental innovation strategies are advocated, with the ultimate goal of enhancing sustainable business approaches within Uganda’s manufacturing subsector. Originality/value To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study represents the inaugural attempt to investigate the role of environmental innovations in elucidating sustainability practices within a least developed country. Notably, while all dimensions demonstrate significance, it is noteworthy that product innovation emerges as the more substantial contributor to the promotion of sustainability practices.

Marketing Strategy For Getuk Eco Products To Msmes In Magelang City

Marketing strategy is important to measure the success of a business. This study aims to determine the strategies and constraints in marketing Getuk Eco. The type of research used is qualitative research with descriptive research. The results of this study indicate that Getuk Eco has implemented a marketing mix strategy that uses the 4P variables, namely Product, Price, Place and Promotion which can increase profits and sales of Getuk Eco products. In this study, there are supporting factors and inhibiting factors for the implementation of marketing strategies for Getuk Eco product sales, which are supporting factors, namely support from the co mmunity, good service and good management. Meanwhile, the factors that hinder the implementation of the marketing strategy for Getuk Eco products are that a good organizational structure has not been formed, the workforce or human resources are still low, and the stock of banknotes is limited.

Environmental Consciousness, Purchase Intention, and Actual Purchase Behavior of Eco-Friendly Products: The Moderating Impact of Situational Context

Recently, environmental issues have become major social concerns, and consumers are becoming increasingly aware of environmental matters; however, they remain hesitant to purchase eco-friendly products. This study examined consumers' environmental consciousness as a factor influencing the purchase of eco-friendly products, and investigated situational factors that induce hesitancy in purchasing eco-friendly products. We studied the moderating effects of these factors with regard to ease of purchase and eco label credibility. Our research model is validated using data from 220 consumers with experience in purchasing eco-friendly products in Korea. For the data analysis, we used SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 22.0 to perform confirmatory factor analysis and SEM. The specific verification results are as follows. First, environmental interest did not significantly impact the purchase intention of eco-friendly products. Second, consumers' environmental knowledge and consumer effectiveness perception both had a significant impact on the purchase intention of eco-friendly products. Third, the intention to purchase eco-friendly products significantly impacted the purchase behavior of eco-friendly products. In addition, the results of this study show that ease of purchase and eco label credibility have moderating effects on the relationship between purchase intention and purchase behavior. This study results contribute to the eco-friendly consumption literature by explaining the intention-behavior gap. This study also show that eco-friendly consumption can be stimulated through raising eco label credibility and ease of purchase. The findings have theoretical implications for understanding the factors that affect consumers' intentions of and behavior toward eco product purchases, and practical implications for how to stimulate environmental consumer behavior.

Effects on Lettuce Yield Parameters and Toxicological Safety Assessment of a Plant-Derived Formulation Based on Rosemary and Eucalyptus Essential Oils

Essential oils from medicinal and aromatic plants are increasingly recognized as a promising class of green molecules for use in crop production. In many cases, the beneficial aspects of a substance are not supported by sufficient toxicological safety testing, even though recent reports suggest that some compounds may be toxic to terrestrial or aquatic non-target species. It is, therefore, essential to investigate the possibility of adverse effects on non-target animals and humans exposed to these substances through the consumption of fruit and/or vegetables. The present study aims to examine the potential effects on yield and quality parameters and investigate the level of in vitro and in vivo toxicity of an Eco-product (EP) based on rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils, to provide a measure for safe use in the agricultural sector. The product was evaluated in lettuce crop production and indicated that one-time application of the EP formula increases yield, activating various secondary metabolism pathways of the plant to cope with oxidative stress. Cytotoxicity assays and in vivo acute oral and dermal toxicity studies suggest that the tested compound does not pose any significant health hazard, and the dissolved product can be classified in Category 5, according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) between standard gypsum ceiling tile and polyurethane gypsum ceiling tile

In this paper, the LCA of two gypsum ceiling tiles is compared, the first one is a traditional gypsum tile and the second is a new eco ceiling tile in which polyurethane foam waste has been incorporated. Both tiles were made at one of the largest gypsum tile factories in Europe. The life cycle assessment has been considered from cradle to grave for which the corresponding production stages have been defined. This includes the extraction and transportation of raw materials, the manufacturing process, transportation to the client, the use of the product and the end of its useful life. The results show that the tile with polyurethane has a better environmental performance than the standard commercial ceiling tile. This is quantified as a 14% reduction in energy consumption, a 14% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 25% reduction in water consumption compared with the standard tile, all the while maintaining the technical performance. An analysis of the results suggests that the new eco product has a competitive advantage on the market thanks to its environmental improvements and good technical performance.

Assessing the Biostimulant Effects of a Novel Plant-Based Formulation on Tomato Crop

The aim of this research was to evaluate the biostimulant effects of an eco-product (EP) containing essential oils of rosemary and eucalyptus on tomato crop. Experiments were conducted to evaluate EP effects on plant growth and physiological parameters (e.g., chlorophyll content), total phenols and antioxidant activity, enzyme activities (e.g., catalase), plant macronutrient content and fresh tomato fruit quality. The application of an EP once (EP-1x) increased tomato plant height by 19%, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content compared to the control (sprayed with water). EP triplicate (EP-3x) application significantly increased yield (0.79 kg plant−1) compared to the control (0.58 kg plant−1). However, application of EP-3x was associated with a higher percentage of fruit cracking in comparison to the control. Total phenols and antioxidant activity were affected from both the use of EP and application frequency. EP application decreased by 27.3% the leaf damage index in comparison to the control. Nutrient content in leaves (N, Mg) was significantly decreased in the case of EP-3x treatment. Fruit firmness was decreased by 19.9% in the case of EP-1x application. Fruit marketability and tomato-like aroma, fresh weight and soluble solids did not differ among the treatments. Further research is required to examine the potential use of essential oils as biostimulants.

Eco product development combining eco design and life cycle assessment

PurposeThe paper aims to propose the development of an eco product to replace the traditional cotton swab that meets the expected needs, besides having a bias based on sustainability and economic viability.Design/methodology/approachThe applied nature article opted for an exploratory and descriptive study, with the objective of seeking a solution to a real problem: to reduce the environmental impact in the disposal of cotton swabs. To test this hypothesis, the exploratory stage evaluated the literature on the principles of eco design and environmental marketing to understand market viability and environmental impacts. The descriptive phase presented a comparative analysis between the original product and the proposed one, in terms of production processes and impacts of the product life cycle. Thus, an alternative product was conceived and validated applying the life cycle analysis (LCA).FindingsThe paper provides a comparative analysis between the eco product and the traditional product in order to validate the hypothesis that the new proposal reduces the environmental impact. It was found that both productive processes have similar impacts; however, the raw material of the proposed eco product demonstrated a significant reduction in the impact caused on the environment, considering cradle to cradle analysis.Originality/valueThis paper conceives an eco product as an alternative to traditional cotton swab, presenting an innovative potential in line with worldwide sustainability trends.

Toward Eco Product Development with Qualitative and CAE Design Process - Case Study of Flame Guiding Module

Sustainable products become increasingly important for company in addressing eco-performance to satisfy global environmental regulations. Case study of flame guiding module reviewed design process and concerns related to the torch design. For enhancing flame height, the torch was embedded with an airflow guidance structure. The design process and design methodologies were investigated as an eco-design case study. Combine qualitative and CAE simulation were proposed to fulfil its main and auxiliary functions including reduction of impact during use. The design guidelines help prevent mistake arrangements, CAE helps understand combustion phenomenon. The flow field simulation enables fine tune of geometric design. Functional test and measurement are carried out to confirm the product features. On Eco-performance, we choose 5 items for evaluation the status of previous and redesign module, namely function need, low impact material, few manufacturing steps, low energy consumption, and safety. The radar diagram indicates that eco-performance of redesign module is better. Life cycle assessment calculated the carbon footprint of the manufacturing and processing stage with Eco-it. By using recycled steel in the flame module, it reduces raw material stage carbon footprint significantly.

친환경 제품 개발 방법 및 전략 조사

Since eco products need to be developed to better satisfy environmental regulations and customers’ concerns with environmentally friendly products, efforts are needed to establish better eco product development methods and strategies. The present study surveyed methods and strategies of eco product development through literature review and organized them based on the ISO TR 14062 eco product development process. The selected 20 papers (6 methods; 12 strategies; 2 methods and strategies) can be applied to each stage of the TR 14062 eco product development process as follows: 14 papers related to planning stage, 3 papers related to conceptual design stage, and 6 papers related to detailed design stage. The eco product development methods and strategies surveyed in this study can be used to identify considerations at each stage of eco product development process and analyzing features of products effectively.

State of the Art of Sustainable Development: An Empirical Evidence from Firm's Resource and Capabilities of Malaysian Automotive Industry

In the 21st century, sustainable development play a pivotal role since the commitment towards sustains competitive advantage broader to triple helix performance. Although manufacturing industry is recognized as the heart of nation development, but it's imposed to the causes of a natural disaster. Thus in the new millennium, eco product innovation became a buzz word to leverage firm's environmental performance, values creation and social development. Firm's resource and capabilities are recognized as a firm's strategic weapons to success on reducing carbon footprint. In a nutshell, Firm's capabilities relies on technology collaboration, green human resource (GHR) and, eco culture, meanwhile, at the heart of resource view, firms embraced formal EMS and top management support as a drivers to attain sustainable development as well as eco product innovation. Sample data was collected from 320 respondents comprised of a Small, Medium (SME) and Large Corporation which derived from an automotive industry in Malaysia due to a progressive commitment towards green initiatives. The proposed model and related hypotheses were tested by using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) techniques. To conclude, the proposed factors play an important role on crafting sustainability and eco product innovation efforts. Further, eco product innovation was crucial to mediate the relationship between Green human resource (GHR), technology collaboration and formal EMS to realised sustainable development

Eco Product Innovation in Search of Meaning: Incremental and Radical Practice for Sustainability Development

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of eco innovation in order to achieve sustainable development in manufacturing industries. The outcomes of this paper attempts to describe the main drivers of eco innovation among companies, core categories of eco innovation practices in manufacturing industry and framework of radical and incremental eco product innovation. The last part of the paper provides the insight of the new paradigm for eco innovation research in new millennium particularly in developing countries. Design/methodology/Approach: The selected papers that have been reviewed were retrieved from Google scholar database with high citation index. Findings: Manufacturing acknowledges eco innovation as a pivotal role to attain sustainability development in ecology, economy and society. There are three main drivers that able to boost the manufacturing sustainability namely regulation, responsibility and competition. Four types of eco innovation practices are product, process, marketing and organizations. However, among of them, eco product innovation is highly discussed among scholars in new millennium. Most of high cited literature describes the dimension of radical and incremental literature in four dimensions: modes of changes, economy values, design changes and eco innovation practices. The new research paradigm should discuss on eco innovation management in manufacturing industry. Originality/value: Most of scholars are confused with the correct concept of eco innovation and its relationship towards sustainability development. Therefore, this paper attempts to provide a clear direction on difference between the incremental and radical eco product innovation implementation in manufacturing industry en route for building the sustainable development echoes to economy, ecology and society.

적용 가능한 유니소재화 대상제품 발굴 및 사례 연구

A various methodologies like eco product design, recycling, remanufacturing have been proposed for the increase of resource recirculation and energy saving worldwide. Uni-materialization in this paper, one of measures is presented. Uni-materiali- zation is defined as the unification or simplification of material that is easy resource recycling and reduce waste generation at source during product design, manufacturing, delivery, use and disposal. This study developed calculates the qualitative and quantitative of assessment index for evaluating target products applicable uni-materialization. There are 9 assessment articles considered econo- mic performance, technological property and environmental property and a study on target product applied assessment indexes. As a result it is possible for 3 target products to apply uni-materialization product except for a window blind, and the concrete concept of uni-materialization for improving objectivity of assessment index and the consideration of industrial distinct character are needed.

에코티셔츠 디자인의 조형적 특성

The purpose of this research to look into formative characteristics of eco T-shirt design. Previous study researchers have mostly focused on overall eco fashion design, but on the other hand the research on eco product entity leaves much to be desired. We analyzed formative characteristics of eco T-shirt design that is easily accessible in real life and is easy to passing message. We selected 23 eco brands through internet and analyzed total 500 photos of eco T-shirt. Each photo was categorized by sex and the nations which belong to the eco fashion world associations. The content and statistical analysis was used for data analysis. The content of the research is as the following. First, it was found out that basic straight silhouette, achromatic color, human pattern, plant pattern, and eco-friendly organic material were used for the design of eco T-shirt. Second, it showed difference of silhouette, color, pattern according to nations. Third, it showed difference of silhouette, color, pattern according to sex. Fourth, symbolism of eco T-shirt was nature love, nature support, society ethicality, anti-sociality, and economics. This research aims for providing practical help and assistance to the development of eco T-shirt and its relevant industries.

Sustainable Supply Chain Management: A Case Study From Indian Automotive Industry

This study aims to investigate the sustainable supply chain management practices likely to be adopted by the manufacturing industry of automotive products in India. The approach of the present research includes a literature review, in depth interviews and questionnaire surveys. The relationship between sustainable supply chain management practices and environmental performance is studied. The industries in the automotive products industry in India were sampled for empirical study. The data were then analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences is used as a path analysis model to verify the hypothetical construction of the study. The results indicate that performance of automotive products industry regarding eco procurement, eco accounting, eco logistic design, eco product design, eco manufacturing practices, operational performance, vendor management etc in response to the current wave of national & international green issues and also environmental performance of the respective industries.

Evaluation of Tack Back System for Post-Consumed IT Equipments

This paper attempts to evaluate take back systems for post-consumed Information Technology (IT) equipment, especially personal computers. First, recent development and discussion about recycling product policies based on Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) are reviewed. Second, existed reverse logistics initiatives by major PC suppliers for private companies are focused on and several environmental performances in the forward and reverse logistics are examined. Third, preferable reverse logistics systems for household derived PCs are evaluated from the view point of 1) producer and material dispersion in material recycling, 2) creating values in reverse logistics together with eco product design such as up-gradable design etc. As a result of this study, the followings are emphasized: i) spatial allocation of recycling sectors and collection stations considerably give influences on the efficiency of reverse logistics; ii) up-gradable eco design requires maintenance oriented reverse distribution; and iii) third party logistics would be adapted in order to increase the efficiency with consideration of total recycling strategies.