Evaluating two approaches for sustainability criteria identification and assessment in support of early product development decisions

This study evaluates two approaches for sustainable product development and their complementarity through workshops and surveys in four companies. Findings show high perceived usefulness but lower usability, with applicability dependent on integration into existing processes. The study identifies value-carrying characteristics – clarity, adaptability, and process linkage – and highlights improvement needs. Results offer guidance for developing coherent methodological support to enable systemic, systematic, and strategic sustainability decisions in early design phases.