This latest book in Rob Thompson's series of highly acclaimed reference guides for design students provides an understanding of the environmental impact of materials, manufacturing processes and product lifecycles, and a guide on how to select and use them in an intelligent way. Divided into three easily referenced parts - Materials, Processes and Lifecycle - the book is packed with practical information and in-depth analysis on 15 materials, 14 processes and six production lifecycles. Each material, process or production lifecycle features a full technical description, concise notes for the designer on its suitability, efficiency, cost-effectiveness and environmental impact, and fully illustrated, step-by-step case studies showing a product, component or material being manufactured by a leading international supplier.