The European Community approach to waste management is based on two complementary strategies: avoiding waste by improving product design and increasing the recycling and re-use of waste. The following Directives emphasise the producers' responsibility for the environmental performance of their products:
In addition, the European Community has prepared a proposal for a framework Directive for setting eco-design requirements for energy-using products (EuP).
Finally, an international standard exists for ecodesign: ISO/TR 14062 on Environmental Management - Integrating Environmental Aspects into Product Design and Development. | 
