Eco-design is a field which has greatly evolved over the last few decades. As early as the 1960's, there has been a growing concern over the environmental crisis caused by mass consumption and industrial production. Therefore, research and development in Ecodesign has focused on the four R's - Reduction, Re-Use, Recuperation and Recycling. Slowly, we have seen "green" products appear, made from recycled and/or recyclable materials, objects made with more energy efficientand/or biodegradable materials.

Some examples of products designed with these strategies in mind are shoe soles made of rubber from old tires, a radio using human power instead of batteries or electricity, packaging of recycled cardboard, furniture made with recuperated parts and containers using recycled plastics.