Integrated Product Policy (IPP)

IPP consists in implementing the “life-cycle thinking” concept in the production process by analysing the environmental impacts of a product from the cradle to the grave. SMEs are, overall, not very familiar with the concepts of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). The application of IPP concepts by micro and small businesses requires, therefore, a profound cultural change in the way they conceive and manufacture their products, which cannot be immediate.

UEAPME believes that in order to implement IPP:

• (i) SMEs must be made aware of the concept;
• (ii) technical and financial assistance and training must be provided in order for businesses to change their production processes accordingly.

Energy Using Products

The first concrete proposal implementing IPP is the proposal for a Directive on eco-design requirements for Energy Using Products (EUP). UEAPME will only be able to support such a proposal if:

• (i) the impact on SMEs is better evaluated;
• (ii) practical awareness-raising and training programmes adapted to the size of the SME are available, allowing SMEs to operate according to the Directive.

Position Papers

• March 2004: Summary of the Commission's Communication on Integrated Product Policy (COM (2003) 302 final) and its links with EMAS and the EU Eco-label

• December 2002: UEAPME Position Paper on the Commission Draft Proposal for a Directive on establishing a Framework for Eco-design of End Use Equipment

• June 2001: UEAPME's opinion on the Green Paper on Integrated Product Policy - COM(2001) 68 final

• February 2001: UEAPME's opinion on the Working Paper for a Directive of the European Parliament and the Council on the impact on the environment of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE)

Press releases

• 12/04/05: Energy-using products Directive made more workable for SMEs
  
  
• 29/03/04: Energy Using Products: UEAPME calls for workable and pragmatic eco-design framework for SMEs
  
  
• 18/06/03: Integrated Product Policy: UEAPME welcomes approach of the new Communication but calls for preliminary SME focused measures

Projects & Links

• Awareness raising project