Life Cycle Impact Assessment of Mechatronic Products: Towards Engineering Eco-Design for Hobs Technologies

The EU has established specific design requirements for Energy-related Products (i.e., EU 2017/1369). This study aims to compare the environmental impact of two different technologies used in electric kitchen hobs through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Specifically, a comparison between a radiant hob and an induction hob is provided with a cradle-to-grave perspective in various use scenarios (i.e., Italy, France, Sweden, and Germany). This comparison provides valuable insights into the identification of environmental hot spots of these products. After the LCA interpretation, eco-design solutions have been proposed for hobs development oriented towards improved life cycle performances.