A step towards closing the loop: implementing WE criteria to invent product-specific de-manufacturing capability

From the inception of its Product Stewardship program in 1992, HP continues to empower a small group of dedicated enthusiasts, culled from the technical disciplines within the company, to push DFE principles into product design. One such success story is the topic of this paper; how HP's Product Stewardship group partnered with R&D, manufacturing and supply chain and, by using established environmental design criteria, helped invent a product-specific de-manufacturing line that increased the overall recycling rate of the product line. The paper will also cover the knowledge transfer back into R&D, which influenced the design of new products. Former barriers to current recycling processes are discussed, as well as issues associated with tooling, process flow, logistics and contractor management. The topic is covered in detail from the trials and successes to a final result that is changing the way HP designs and recycles inkjet printing supplies.