Abstract:

Although it is known that 99.8% of the enterprises in Turkey are SMEs, it is seen in the past studies that, systematic sustainable product design practices were mostly handled by large companies. In this study, it is aimed to examine the awareness of sustainable product design in SMEs, the benefits of sustainable product design practices for SMEs and the problems and needs encountered in the process. In order to follow a systematical method to be conducted on the axis of Turkey, firstly companies were separated in two main classes in terms of consumer products and then categorized on a sectoral basis using the NACE classification system. Finally, cosmetics and cleaning industry, food industry and pharmaceutical industry were identified among fast-moving consumer goods category and electrics-electronics industry and furniture industry were identified among durable consumer goods category. Detailed interviews were conducted with 24 SMEs. Consequently, it was seen that companies consider sustainable design practices as long as they allow economic advantages. They implement sustainability practices mostly if they have a positive impact on the company's image and when the legislation creates a driving force on companies.

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