The production of a Quantum Dots-Light Emitting Diode by Direct Laser Patterning is a new strategy to draw luminous patterns on Organic Light Emitting Diodes. The laser patterned Quantum Dots-Light Emitting Diode improves the optical performances of Organic Light Emitting Diodes introducing Quantum Dots as luminophores and avoids the use of photolithography to draw patterns, thus simplifying the manufacturing process. The purpose of this study is to describe the production of a Quantum Dots-Light Emitting Diode prototype using Direct Laser Patterning technology and to assess its environmental performance, by means of Life Cycle Assessment method, with the aim to identify the hotspots in the production chain and to support a more environmentally-friendly product design. The goal of the Life Cycle Assessment study is to evaluate the environmental impacts of the production of one Quantum Dots-Light Emitting Diode with a surface of 4 cm2 and a laser patterning surface of 25 mm2. The system boundaries were from cradle to gate and included the production of the following elements: the cadmium sulphide precursor for Quantum Dots, the organic electroluminescent polymer, the anode and cathode as well as laser patterning. Primary data were collected at laboratory scale and IMPACT 2002+ impact assessment method was used. Results show that the main hotspots are the production of the electroluminescent polymer and the indium tin oxide glass used as anode. Therefore, other materials could be used as anode and polymer with the aim to improve the environmental performances of the device. Moreover, a comparative analysis between the environmental impacts of the new patterning technology and that of the traditional photolithography shows that their environmental performances are quite similar. However, the use of the new Quantum Dots-Light Emitting Diode technology is advisable because of its better technological performance, lower costs and processing time. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd

cited By 2