Background Design for Recyclability’ (DFR) is an important concept for improving new products by making them more easily disposable when they reach the end of their life-cycles, particularly in the case of electronic products. Initial product design accounts for 80-90% of product cost because of material and process selection. The initial design stage is the most cost-effective point at which to address recyclability - an approach consistent with Total Quality Management (TQM) models. Recyclability can be enhanced by ease of disassembly, material identification, simplification and parts’ consolidation, and by material selection and compatibility. Objectives The IPP TEL project addressed eco-design and end-of-life management of telecommunications devices, with the following key objectives: the development of an eco-designed telecommunications device with minimal environmental impacts during its entire life cycle; the demonstration of an eco-efficient way to close the material and component loop, through reuse and recycling; and the development of a model for eco-design and end-of-life management of other electronic products. Results This project successfully achieved its objectives. Two products were selected for investigation of their environmental effects and possible eco-design: the netMod modem and the IRIS 6001 telephone device. Using the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) method, their environmental impacts were thoroughly examined throughout their life cycles. For both devices, it was concluded that the release of heavy metals into the environment and acidification constituted the major negative environmental effects of the production phase. Market research was carried out using questionnaires to investigate consumers’ attitudes towards the recycling of telecommunication devices and/or take-back practices, their behaviour concerning reuse and their awareness of eco-design. The survey revealed that consumers were generally willing to buy eco-designed products if they were available on the market, provided their price was no higher than that of other conventional devices. A technical/economic study of different end-of-life management options was carried out (covering reuse of devices, disassembly and reuse of components, and material recycling options). The economic efficiency of the devices was also examined. Following the results of the LCA study and the technical/economic analysis of the end-of-life management options, the netMod device was selected for further analysis. The eco-design options for the netMod were examined and evaluated based on two criteria: (i) minimisation of its environmental impacts throughout its life cycle and (ii) maintenance of its economic efficiency. After the netMod was redesigned in light of environmental criteria, the necessary equipment was purchased for the production of the eco-designed product. A pilot production of 200 netMod devices was carried out by the beneficiary. In addition, a pilot end-of-life management of 200 telephone appliances, 200 netMods and 200 computer towers (computer cases) was conducted. The pilot recycling programme contributed valuable information regarding the disassembly and management of electronic appliances at the end of their life cycle. This was significant for the eco-design of netMod. A list of proposed eco-label criteria for the netMod device, sorted by life cycle steps (manufacturing, use, and end-of-life management), was developed and submitted to the Greek Ministry of Environment. The Ministry evaluated the proposal and then submitted it to the EU Eco-label Board. Various dissemination activities were also carried out throughout the project's duration. The project is of inherent interest to the beneficiary helping guarantee sustainability. The regular production of the eco-designed netMods is already under way at the Romanian branch of INTRACOM. The beneficiary has furthermore adopted the project’s technology for the production of other similar products (such as Wibas). Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section). This project has been selected as one of the 17 "Best" LIFE Environment projects in 2008-2009.