Return to Sender

An information booklet promoting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Product Take-Back initiatives has been published by the Centre for Design at RMIT University. "Return to Sender - An Introduction to Extended Producer Responsibility" highlights real-life case studies of how manufacturers are avoiding waste and recovering resources through product take-back.

The booklet aims to highlight that innovative waste minimisation approaches such as EPR, can successfully integrate environmental and commercial objectives. Indeed, the booklet shows that EPR is building a new competitive terrain and can be a catalyst for new business directions. "Return to Sender" features intelligent waste minimisation initiatives from local and international companies. The case-studies include:

• power tools by Robert Bosch
• office furniture by Herman Miller, Steelcase and Wilkhahn
• whitegoods by Whirlpool and Miele
• computers by IBM and Hewlett Packard
• photocopiers by Fuji Xerox
• mobile telephones by Ericsson, Alcatel, Nokia, Motorola, Panasonic and Philips
• rechargeable batteries by Saft Nife Power Systems
• automobiles by BMW, FIAT, Renault and Rover
• carpets by Milliken Carpet, Collins & Aikman