Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

DesignTalks paper cuts through sustainable design

SolidWorks-backed online community provides voice for UK designers and manufacturers

DesignTalks (http://www.design-talks.com), the online community and discussion forum for UK design and manufacturing businesses, has released a new whitepaper that cuts through the issues surrounding design and sustainability and delivers clear advice to manufacturers about how design can be used to shape both greener products and more sustainable working practices. Design and sustainability – how making a difference through design also makes good business sense is the second in a series of DesignTalks whitepapers, and includes expert commentary and examples of companies that have tackled sustainability head-on – and are prospering as a result. DesignTalks whitepapers are available for download at www.design-talks.com.

“A key issue is for product designers to be exposed to applied sustainable thinking, and at present this provision is only patchy among the global design curriculum,” says Professor Martin Charter of the Centre of Sustainable Design (CfSD). “Within the UK, design organisations need to take a committed strategic position on sustainability.”

Nigel Stansfield, Senior Director of Product, Design and Innovation at InterfaceFlor, the award-winning global manufacturer of carpet tiles and flooring, says: “Companies must remain open to every possibility, not just about the types of products they bring to market, but the processes and techniques used in their manufacture, the way users respond to them and what happens when consumers have finished with them.”

“In a climate where green credentials can represent a real competitive advantage, manufacturers are recognising that a sustainable business model is both a responsible stance and a commercial opportunity,” says Ben Bush, Director of DesignTalks. “It also turns out that many so-called ‘green’ initiatives are in themselves commercially advantageous. But ‘sustainability’ covers a broad range of potential business decisions, and the plethora of buzzwords and new initiatives in this field can make the move towards sustainability a daunting one for manufacturers of all sizes. It isn’t easy being green.

“Our new whitepaper is meant as a guide for designers and manufacturers looking to introduce greener aspects to their products, services and businesses,” he adds. “It combines the latest theory with examples from industry and lists some practical steps businesses can take in moving towards a more sustainable way of life.”

DesignTalks was established towards the end of 2007 in response to a demand from UK manufacturers for a source of practical advice on design-related issues. As well a regular series of whitepapers, DesignTalks also hosts roundtable discussions and an online debating forum. DesignTalks is sponsored by leading CAD software vendor SolidWorks but independently hosted and managed. DesignTalks members are entitled to download whitepapers, transcripts and other material for free and encouraged to initiate and participate in online forum debates.

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About DesignTalks

DesignTalks is the ideal place for UK designers and manufacturers to debate the hottest topics of the moment. As well as providing an online debating environment DesignTalks will also be producing whitepapers and other resources designed to help manufacturers get the best from design.

The focal point for DesignTalks will be a regular series of roundtable debates. These live events will allow leading figures from UK design and manufacturing to discuss the topics and issues the industry must face if it is to remain competitive in today's shrinking global market.

DesignTalks is presented by SolidWorks UK, provider of intuitive 3D CAD tools. SolidWorks is committed to supporting UK designers and manufacturers with fresh thinking and useful resources, and DesignTalks is the latest demonstration of that commitment.

DesignTalks is independently edited, hosted and managed by The Crocodile (www.thecroc.com).

For further info please contact:

Ben Bush ( Ben.Bush@thecroc.com ) or [Lindsay Back ( lindsay.back@thecroc.com )
The Crocodile
020 7749 4400