Developing Effective Product Panel Methodology Through Practice

• Published in: Journal of industrial ecology Vol. 15; no. 4; pp. 629 - 637
• Main Authors: Watson, Jenna M., Gazulla, Cristina, Bala, Alba, Fullana-i-Palmer, Pere
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malden, USA Blackwell Publishing Inc 01.08.2011
• Subjects: industrial ecology; Integrated Product Policy (IPP); life cycle management (LCM); life cycle thinking (LCT); toys; waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE)
• ISSN: 1088-1980; 1530-9290
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-9290.2011.00352.x

Summary Product forums are a cooperative approach to integrated product policy. These forums, also referred to as product panels, are an effective platform for bringing together actors from all of the life cycle stages of a product. The Spanish experience in conducting a product panel for electrical and electronic toys identified key factors that are needed for ensuring success. Setting specific goals that are applicable to the actors involved was found to be vital, as were timing and the provision of adequate facilities. The chairperson also played an important role in facilitating discussion and opinion sharing among members.