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Design to Last
Internal Training Module and a Supplier On boarding Checklist
{Part 3 of 3}
Below is a concise Internal Training Module and a Supplier On boarding Checklist based on the 'Design to Last' policy. These tools are designed to help your internal teams and suppliers align with your sustainability and circular economy goals.
🎓 Internal Training Module: “Design to Last – Building Sustainable Products”
Module Title:
Design to Last – Circular Economy Design Principles for [Company Name]
Target Audience:
Product Design Team, R&D Engineers, QA, Procurement, After-Sales, Sustainability Team
Duration:
2 hours (can be adapted to 45 min capsule sessions)
Session 1: Introduction to Circular Economy
- Objective: Understand the need for a shift from linear to circular design.
- Topics:
- What is Circular Economy?
- India’s E-Waste Rules & Global Trends (EU Green Deal, right to Repair)
- The role of electronics/electrical design in sustainability
Session 2: What is “Design to Last”?
- Objective: Introduce core principles of durability, repairability, modularity, and recyclability.
- Topics:
- Case studies: Fairphone, Dell Modular Laptops, Bosch tools
- Product lifecycle thinking
- Internal policy summary
Session 3: Engineering for Longevity
- Objective: Learn to apply “Design to Last” in real product development.
- Topics:
- Durability: Material selection, reliability engineering
- Repairability: Tool-less design, replaceable components
- Modularity: Plug-and-play parts, firmware compatibility
- End-of-life recycling
Session 4: Role-Based Responsibilities
Function | Key Responsibility |
Design Engineers | Apply modular, durable design and reduce bonded parts |
Procurement | Source repairable parts, validate supplier compliance |
QA/Testing | Include lifecycle tests, repairability tests |
Service/Support | Create manuals, training for repair, reverse logistics |
Session 5: Hands-On Exercise
- Breakdown and analysis of an existing company product.
- Identify areas of improvement for longevity and modularity.
- Team to propose redesign suggestions.
Assessment & Certificate
- 10-question quiz on “Design to Last” principles
- Project team to submit a redesign proposal
- Certificate of completion for internal recognition
✅ Supplier Onboarding Checklist: “Design to Last Compliance”
Objective:
Ensure that all suppliers contributing to product development or assembly adhere to the company’s 'Design to Last' principles and sustainability commitments.
✅ General Information
- Supplier Name & Location
- Product Category or Part Supplied
- Key Point of Contact
✅ Policy Acknowledgement
- Signed copy of 'Design to Last' Supplier Compliance Agreement
- NDA and Sustainability Policy reviewed
✅ Durability Requirements
- Does the component meet lifecycle testing standards? (e.g., 10,000 cycles, 5-year lifespan)
- Provide certifications/test results for longevity or material endurance.
✅ Repairability & Modularity
- Is the part/tool replaceable without damaging the main product?
- Is the design modular? Can it be upgraded or disconnected easily?
- Does it require proprietary tools for disassembly?
✅ Recyclability & Materials
- Are all materials recyclable or biodegradable?
- Plastics marked with recycling codes?
- No banned materials (RoHS compliant, lead-free, etc.)
✅ Packaging & Logistics
- Sustainable or reusable packaging used?
- Reverse logistics support for returns/defects?
✅ Documentation & Support
- Repair guides, drawings, and part replacement manuals provided?
- Supplier training completed (where applicable)?
✅ Evaluation Summary
Category | Compliant? | Remarks |
Design Compliance | ☐ Yes ☐ No | |
Material Compliance | ☐ Yes ☐ No | |
Lifecycle Standards | ☐ Yes ☐ No | |
Documentation Provided | ☐ Yes ☐ No |
Final Status:
☐ Approved ☐ Conditional ☐ Rejected
Review Conducted By: ____________________
Date: ____________________