SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Sustainability is now the most significant change agent in global business, and design is seen as an important value-adding input into export-oriented manufacturing. The Waikato is New Zealand's largest export region accounting for 20% of all NZ exports. Sustainable product design strategies could significantly enhance this region's export earnings, as well as having a transformative impact on product lifecycles resulting in a more positive impact on the environment. Product design and development is a problemsolving process that can incorporate multiple services from rapid prototyping, to materials testing, to growth. A key cause is the lack of innovative design in products, packaging ad processes. If the declining productivity trend is to turn around, New Zealand needs a significant focus and investment into innovative sustainable product and process design and development.

For more information contact Cheryl Reynolds: 07 838 6386 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it