Ecodesign as a catalyst for circular innovation: A knowledge-based framework to sustainable product development

Small Domestic Appliances face increasing scrutiny for their environmental impact, driven by short lifespans, low recyclability and high resource consumption. This study explores the application of a company-specific Ecodesign tool to support the transition toward circular product innovation. The Handbook of Guidelines to Design Low-Environmental Impact Products provides a structured framework encompassing 7 Eco-design strategies, 27 sub-strategies, and 157 detailed checklists. These guidelines address sustainability across all phases of a product’s life cycle: from material sourcing to end-of-life recovery. Ten pilot projects applied the tool during early development stages, engaging cross-functional teams in structured workshops. The systematic use of checklists enabled the identification of specific circular design improvements while highlighting knowledge gaps across the product organization. The results highlight the Ecodesign tool’s effectiveness in embedding design for sustainability principles in all types of company appliances.