By enabling manufacturers to incorporate sustainability best practices into the early upstream product development stages, engineers can advance innovation while helping to mitigate the industry’s environmental footprint.

ccording to the United States Census Bureau, data from the International Database puts the global population at about 8 billion and rising. With this growth comes an increased demand for products. Unfortunately, as manufacturing output intensifies, so does its effect on the environment.

Common significant environmental footprints in discrete manufacturing include:

• Material Consumption: The current demand alone exceeds 1.75 of Earth’s capacity.
• Energy Consumption: 54% of global energy consumption is by manufacturing and production sectors.
• Waste (Hazardous and Non-Hazardous): Only 18% of e-waste and 6% of discarded plastic is recycled. Although aluminum can be infinitely recycled, 7 million tons are not recycled each year.

In response, forward-thinking manufacturers are emphasizing a shift towards more sustainable practices. In addition to social awareness, such initiatives are generally driven by a confluence of business factors, including demand, regulatory requirements, economic benefits, and the broader shift towards a circular economy.

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