The assessment of ecodesign applications using the Analytic Hierarchy Process: a case study in three furniture companies

This paper presents a triple case study in which the assessment of ecodesign concepts application was performed based on a multicriteria decision support method, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (ARP). The assessment took place in three furniture companies, which have established design procedures and methodologies. A research methodology was developed considering that the application in other industries is available. A theoretical framework about ecodesign concepts and practices were made. Then, a focus group with a multidisciplinary team of experts in eco-conception and furniture manufacturing established constructs able to represent the top term ecodesign. The constructs were: materials, components, products and process characteristics, use of energy, products distribution and stocks, packaging and scraps. Each construct was deployed in items. Using the AHP with a multidisciplinary team from each company, the ecodesign constructs were weighed and the relative importance for each company was defined. At the end, a questionnaire was answered by the team from each company in order to check the performance of each item. By comparing the assessed performance with the relative importance of each ecodesign constructs, it was possible to prioritize strategies for environmental improvement related from eco-conception.