Many producers of adhesives and sealants have already integrated into production important considerations regarding the environmental impact of their products. Some of these considerations were likely made necessary by governmental regulations; others were completed out of a deep respect for the environment, and yet others were possibly made because "greening" has become popular. However, many agree that even this is not enough to preserve the environment, and questions remain with regard to the next steps to be taken.
Emphasis is now being placed at the product development stage where decisions related to environmental impact can be more easily optimized and the resulting economic costs are less burdensome and more controllable. Some of the most important decisions with respect to environmental properties of a new product are taken during the product development phase. At this early juncture they can be efficiently integrated with more traditional standards such as product cost, functionality, and packaging.