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Application of axiomatic design (AD) for the purpose of enhancing end-of-life recovery potential of a product has been the main focus of this paper. To demonstrate the usage of AD in this particular area, a case study that involves keypad assemblies of mobile phones is presented. The functional requirements (FR) of the two assemblies were defined differently (only Handset 2 involves refurbishment-related FRs). Using evaluation approach presented by Kwak and Kim (2010), it can be observed that when recovery-related requirements are omitted, application of AD produces a keypad assembly that fulfills the FRs derived from customer needs with more complicated product architecture. In contrast, when recovery-related FRs are included during problem definition using axiomatic approach, the disassemblability of the resulted keypad is improved and thus increasing recovery potential in the event of replacing defective keypad, while satisfying product-related FRs.

To achieve sustainable product realization, three essential areas namely end-of-line management, green supply chain and sustainable manufacturing have to be considered during the design/development phase. A framework for product realization (presented as objective-mean hierarchy) is proposed in this paper with the help of decomposition-based approach to serve as a guideline for product development companies/firms to improve their environmental strategies by prescribing the key areas and necessary considerations to be scrutinized.

Despite being a manufacturing technique that consumes energy and material, machining is often regarded as an important process due to the fact that it is flexible and is able to produce economic parts. However, to gain more cost-saving and enhanced environmental performance, sustainability principles have to be incorporated into machining technologies. This paper presents a case study that applies both crisp and fuzzy axiomatic design approach to construct a hybrid model with the purpose of facilitating the selection of sustainable manufacturing process. By converting numerical terms and linguistic factors into quantifiable score (in the form of information content), the proposed approach is able to produce indicative results and is capable of identifying the most sustainable process among three alternatives. Potentially, such information can be helpful for product development companies which strive to achieve sustainable product realization.

Owing to mounting environmental issues, coupled with public pressure and stringent regulations, firms and companies have to alter their ways of developing new products. Three key areas i.e. end-of-life (EOL) management, green supply chain and sustainable manufacturing have to be considered during design stage. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework based on axiomatic design (AD) principles to facilitate sustainable product development by aiding the decision making process in the abovementioned key areas. Several examples have been provided in this paper to demonstrate the application of crisp and fuzzy AD approaches with the aim of assisting analysis and/or decision making process. Results show that axiomatic design principles are able to guide designer/engineer in selecting functional embodiment that facilitates product recovery and fuzzy axiomatic design approach can be effective when dealing with problems concerning green supplier selection and optimization of manufacturing solution. Hence, a framework for sustainable product realization is proposed in the last section of this paper with a vision of providing guideline for companies in designing and developing products that are less harmful to the environment.

Legal and public pressures have urged companies and firms to practice good environmental policy. Apart from that, growing environmental consciousness among consumers has also evolved into a potential marketing opportunity that many companies deem valuable. In order to effectively manage a companys environmental policy, linking it closely to purchasing activities can potentially be a helpful way. In this paper, fuzzy axiomatic design (AD) approach is used to address the issue of green supplier selection. A case study is presented to demonstrate the utilization of fuzzy AD principles in analyzing qualitative environmental performances of suppliers with the consideration of all sub-criteria. The proposed approach is able to produce indicative results in terms of information content and is capable of identifying the most eligible supplier among three alternatives. This signifies that the application of fuzzy AD approach in the area of green supplier selection is feasible and is worth further exploration.

This paper aims to provide an insight to later researchers on the application of axiomatic design in the area of design for end-of-life (EOL) management. Among all life cycle stages of a product, design and development stage is the one that influences the later stages the most in terms of environmental impacts. In order to achieve sustainable product development, one of the considerations to be taken during the design stage is EOL management. EOL management process can be enhanced by utilizing a robust design method as well as an effective method for evaluating product design. Recent researches show that application of axiomatic design in the field of eco-design (especially design for EOL management) is still in a premature stage despite having a vast application area that covers the aspect of product design, manufacturing and supply chain management. Nonetheless, a case study published recently on eco-design using axiomatic approach has shown adequate feasibility and effectiveness. Therefore, design for sustainable EOL using axiomatic approach is worth further exploration.