Product-Oriented Environmental Management Systems: Methodologies and Experiences

In this chapter, a literature review of previous methodological and applicative studies on Product-Orientation of Environmental Management Systems (POEMS) was performed, in order to bring order and clarity to the main issues concerning this new tool of environmental management. The review method employed, consisted of classifying and separately analysing the collected material on three different levels of document content: projects and programmes concerning POEMS application; technical standards suitable for the POEMS structure; methodological research on POEMS framework. The state-of-the-art and literature review allowed the authors to identify models and case studies on POEMS from which to extrapolate key topics for designing a complete theoretical framework of the tool. These key topics are useful starting points to drive future research and developments and successful implementation of POEMS.