Process engineers have for years evaluated the potential impact of their operations to the environment. They do this not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because governments around the world have continued to pass regulations requiring it. Thus, companies have become accustomed to environmental protection as a normal part of manufacturing operations. As our knowledge has increased, we have learned that to truly protect the environment, we must carry this protection beyond the manufacturing process and into the intended product's entire life cycle. Companies must include a careful analysis of a product's total impact to the environment from "cradle to grave". The authors describe the Environmental Impact Assessment tool, developed at IBM Austin, which is used to describe all new products. It is utilised to describe various details and aspects associated with the new product.
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