Which technique involves voluntary partnerships between companies to manage product impacts?

The correct answer is rooted in the concept of product stewardship or Extended Producer Responsibility. This technique emphasizes the role of manufacturers in the entire lifecycle of their products, from design and production to disposal. It promotes the idea that companies should take responsibility for the environmental impacts of their products throughout each phase, encouraging manufacturers to consider the end-of-life effects while designing and producing goods.

The voluntary partnerships aspect is crucial here, as it allows different stakeholders, including manufacturers, consumers, and even governments, to collaborate and share best practices for reducing product impacts. Such partnerships aim to enhance sustainability practices by collectively addressing issues such as waste reduction and resource conservation.

In contrast, other techniques mentioned have different focuses. Design for Disassembly emphasizes ease of product recycling and repair, while cradle-to-cradle is a design philosophy aimed at creating products that can be perpetually cycled in closed loops without waste. Biomimicry draws inspiration from nature to create sustainable solutions but does not inherently involve partnerships between companies to manage product impacts. Thus, the unique emphasis of product stewardship on collective responsibility and voluntary collaboration makes it the correct choice in this context.