Towards a framework for sustainability information in product development

Important, accessible and accurate sustainability information (SI) beyond product and process data is a prerequisite for making knowledge-based decisions in product development and for reducing the unsustainable impacts of products. This article introduces a definition of SI relevant to product development and synthesises existing literature from the period 2000-2010 with the purpose of identifying, collecting and compiling relevant SI into a framework. The aim has been to demonstrate the value of using more and other types of information in sustainable product development than is done through the current scope of existing tools and methodologies. The competent use and exploitation of SI in product development have the potential to lead to the development of more sustainable products and to enhance firms' competitiveness through adding value to products beyond functionality, quality and cost.