Even products have a life cycle. This includes the extraction of the raw material, product design, production, distribution, sale, use and, finally, disposal as waste. Each phase impacts in a variety of ways on our natural and social environment. and each one is accompanied by range of players, such as those in design, industry, marketing, trade and consumption.

What is integrated product policy?

The integrated product policy (IPP) aims to minimise the negative effects a product can cause during its life cycle by incorporating all phases of a product and including all players, and by implementing measures in areas where they are most effective. To achieve these objectives, IPP principles first have to be integrated into other policy areas, such as trade policy and public procurement.

There are no generally accepted measures suited to the wide range of products and the numerous players. Instead, there is a vast selection of instruments - both voluntary and obligatory - that can help to achieve the goals. These include life cycle assessments, economic instruments, materials regulations, inter-trade agreements, labels, guidelines for product design or public purchasing.

Further information on the national and international strategies as well as the measures in the individual areas can be found on FOEN's web pages on IPP strategy, life cycle assessments, public purchasing and eco-labels.