Industry

Welsh Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) need to introduce ecodesign if they are to remain competitive in an ever-expanding global market. SMEs face significant barriers when implementing ecodesign and existing market and policy mechanisms have been inadequate in increasing ecodesign implementation.

To address this challenge EDC designed and developed the Ecodesign Support Package involving a 12-month demonstration project (Sept 2007 – August 2008) with four Welsh SMEs. The demonstration phase has now been completed and this project is currently being evaluated. Read more about the Ecodesign Support Package.

Monitoring and Evaluating

Through this work EDC has learnt about the practical implementation of ecodesign. The initial evidence suggests that the ESP demonstration projects have significantly moved the companies forward on their ecodesign journeys – this is illustrated in their initial feedback and their practical outputs.

EDC recognise that a comprehensive evaluation of EDC activities is a long-term process. The next step is to do an in-depth evaluation of the Ecodesign Support Package process and demonstration projects. This will help us to understand the real lessons and to provide guidance and recommendations to help inform policy and ecodesign business support within Wales and beyond.

Case studies

In parallel with the evaluation process case studies are being generated to inspire the next generation of ecodesign-led companies.