Innovation driven by new web tools for European SMEs

Science has significantly advanced tools for improving the environmental performance of products. One of the most innovative tools is the life-cycle assessment (LCA), but many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain reluctant to use them.

This was the conclusion of a survey conducted among SMEs in the European market by the EU-funded 'LCA TO GO' project. The reasons for this include the costs and expertise required to run the LCA studies. However, the project aims to tackle these issues and devise methods and tools for sectors such as bio-based plastics, industrial machinery, electronics, renewable energy, sensors and smart textiles. These sectors were chosen since manufacturers showed a keen interest in demonstrating to SMEs how they can reduce their environmental impact.

With access to free web tools (apps), SMEs will be able to see how their needs can be met and make full use of the technology available to them. These include key environmental performance indicators (KEPIs) for smart textiles and a product carbon footprint (PCF) based on technology parameters of printed circuit boards. The latter is regarded as the perfect entry point for SMEs to LCA strategies, so devising a compatible tool for SMEs will be a key element. These will be tested in seven case studies involving suppliers, end-product manufacturers and engineering companies.

The campaign will include a mentoring programme involving 100 SMEs, and is expected to have a direct impact on sectors representing nearly 500 000 SMEs.

More details can be found at the following link: http://cordis.europa.eu/fetch?CALLER=OFFR_TM_EN&ACTION=D&RCN=10988