Page 296 - Design for Environment A Guide to Sustainable Product Development

272 Cha pte r F o u r tee n

phase, in areas such as regulations and customer and other stake-
holder requirements.
The second step is a comprehensive review that identifies im -
provement opportunities across the life cycle. It includes life-cycle
impact assessment and computer modeling that details the environ-
mental impacts of possible products. This assessment can also com-
pare these impacts to those of existing products, assist with material
choices, and assess disposal options. Baxter uses these results to con-
firm product feasibility, help establish product requirements, and
influence design to minimize potential impacts to human health and
the environment.
Beginning in 2005, Baxter has used PSR to evaluate all new medi-
cal devices, ranging from intravenous bags to renal machines that
reach the concept stage of development. The PSR addresses both
products and packaging issues, aiming to eliminate hazardous sub-
stances wherever possible and maximize product reuse, recycling,
and service life. Several reviews have influenced materials selection;
for example, heavy metals were eliminated from a new machine
design, except for some that are exempt from the European Union
Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive. In one case, the assess-
ment led to redesigned, lighter product packaging.
One example of DFE accomplishments is Baxter’s AVIVA pre-
mium line of intravenous solutions containers, launched in 2006.
While providing similar functionality and benefits as the company’s
VIAFLEX flexible container systems, AVIVA containers are lighter in
weight, made of non-PVC (non-polyvinyl chloride) film, contain no
latex, and offer a DEHP-free fluid pathway to patients. AVIVA is
designed to better accommodate certain newer therapies that are
more complex and have the potential to be incompatible with exist-
ing container technology. The product also helps clinicians better
meet the needs of sensitive populations, such as neonatal, pediatric,
and oncology patients. Finally, Baxter purchased Green-e Certified
Renewable Energy Certificates to offset the electricity used to pro-
duce AVIVA.
Baxter is continuing to improve the PSR process through enhanced
life-cycle impact assessment computer modeling. In 2008, the com-
pany plans to align PSR with the external standard ISO 14040 (which
describes life-cycle assessment principles and frameworks). Baxter
is also piloting the international standard IEC 60601-1-9 (for environ-
mentally conscious design) with one of its devices. Effectively track-
ing the materials and chemical substances used in Baxter products
and manufacturing is complex, since a product may contain thou-
sands of components from hundreds of suppliers worldwide. To
better meet this challenge, Baxter is developing a new product stew-
ardship database to manage environmental and other information
related to all new products. This database will interface with other
company information systems related to products and allow Baxter