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New and Renewed Manufacturing Paradigms for Sustainable Production

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2021) | Viewed by 77537

Special Issue Editors

Development of Product and Production, SINTEF Manufacturing, 2830 Raufoss, Norway
Interests: lean manufacturing; digitalization
Advanced Manufacturing Research Group, Center for Innovation in Design and Technology, Tecnológico de Monterrey, 64849 Monterrey, N.L., Mexico
Interests: circular manufacturing; digital lean manufacturing; smart manufacturing; sustainability
Department of Management, Information and Production Engineering, University of Bergamo, 24129 Bergamo, Italy
Interests: lean manufacturing; smart manufacturing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Despite the difficulties created by the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 has continued to usher in a decade of ambitious action to deliver on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Though progress is being made in many places, unfortunately, such action is not advancing at the speed and scale required. At the same time, optimism concerning the potential of new manufacturing paradigms such as “digital manufacturing” and “smart manufacturing” continues to grow—primarily in terms of the economic bottomline, but also with an increasing focus on both environmental and social bottomlines, such as in the case of the “circular manufacturing” paradigm. The promise of digital connectivity, big data analytics, blockchain, cyberphysical systems, and the industrial Internet of Things in these areas remains significant and begs for more specific examples of how new and renewed manufacturing paradigms can indeed contribute toward a more sustainable future, particularly when it comes to more sustainable production and consumption patterns.

In this Special Issue, we invite scientific contributions addressing this challenge from various perspectives which provide innovative answers to this multidimensional problem. Guest Editors specifically welcome interdisciplinary work and encourage the submission of action-oriented case studies to provide empirical evidence.

Prof. Dr. Daryl Powell
Prof. Dr. David Romero
Prof. Dr. Paolo Gaiardelli
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Sustainability
  • Circular manufacturing
  • Digital manufacturing
  • Lean manufacturing
  • Smart manufacturing
  • Circular economy
  • Digitization
  • Digitalization
  • Digital transformation
  • Triple bottomline
  • Industry 4.0
  • Big data analytics
  • Industrial Internet of Things
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Machine learning
  • Digital supply networks
  • Zero defect manufacturing
  • Responsible consumption and production
  • Decent work and economic growth
  • Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
  • Partnerships for the goals

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

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6 pages, 204 KiB  
Editorial
New and Renewed Manufacturing Paradigms for Sustainable Production
by Daryl John Powell, David Romero and Paolo Gaiardelli
Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1279; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14031279 - 24 Jan 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2404
Abstract
Despite the difficulties created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the year 2020 ushered in a decade of ambitious actions aiming to deliver on the promises made in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New and Renewed Manufacturing Paradigms for Sustainable Production)

Research

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21 pages, 6351 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Application of Lean Best Practices in Remanufacturing: Empirical Insights into the Benefits and Barriers
by Elzbieta Pawlik, Winifred Ijomah, Jonathan Corney and Daryl Powell
Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 149; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14010149 - 23 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3321
Abstract
Remanufacturing processes have been widely identified as being important elements of a sustainable economy. However, the commercial viability of this product recovery route is significantly influenced by several operational challenges that are different from those that occur in conventional manufacturing. One of the [...] Read more.
Remanufacturing processes have been widely identified as being important elements of a sustainable economy. However, the commercial viability of this product recovery route is significantly influenced by several operational challenges that are different from those that occur in conventional manufacturing. One of the most widely used systematic process improvement methods in conventional manufacturing is lean production, which seeks to minimize all forms of waste throughout an operation. As the academic study of lean best practices in remanufacturing processes is relatively new, there is a lack of knowledge regarding implementation and impact. As such, this paper presents multiple case studies investigating the application of lean methods in industrial remanufacturing operations. These studies focus on the automotive industry, where both conventional and remanufacturing operations have been the leading adopters of lean thinking and practice. The results of the investigation identify specific lean methods that help manage the inherent complexity of the remanufacturing processes, and consequently improve the overall productivity of the process. Similarly, factors that limit the application of lean practices within remanufacturing are also identified and discussed. Matrices for opportunities and threats are developed to enable the simple adoption of these findings. Overall, the research provides a more holistic understanding of the application of lean within a remanufacturing environment, with benefits for both academia and industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New and Renewed Manufacturing Paradigms for Sustainable Production)
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21 pages, 960 KiB  
Article
Comparing and Identifying Influential Factors of Technological Innovation Efficiency in Manufacturing and Service Industries Using DEA: A Study of SMEs in South Korea
by Chae Hyun Im and Keun Tae Cho
Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 12945; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132312945 - 23 Nov 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2153
Abstract
Although technological innovation is critical for growth and future survival, small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) are at a disadvantage compared to larger organizations given the resources available. It is important to examine the possible methods for making research and development more efficient. [...] Read more.
Although technological innovation is critical for growth and future survival, small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) are at a disadvantage compared to larger organizations given the resources available. It is important to examine the possible methods for making research and development more efficient. This study analyzes the technological innovation efficiency of SMEs in the manufacturing and service industries in South Korea and determines the factors affecting efficiency. The models of data envelopment analysis and Tobit regression analysis were used. According to the analysis results, the technical and pure technical efficiencies were higher in the service industry than in the manufacturing industry. The factors affecting efficiency were also different between the two industries. This study is significant because it evaluates the innovation activity efficiency of small and medium manufacturing and service companies in South Korea and provides specific criteria and a rationale to improve the efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New and Renewed Manufacturing Paradigms for Sustainable Production)
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16 pages, 2212 KiB  
Article
Virtual Engineering Using Realistic Virtual Models in Brownfield Factory Layout Planning
by Daniel Nåfors and Björn Johansson
Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 11102; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su131911102 - 08 Oct 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2139
Abstract
As more pressure is put on manufacturing companies to increase productivity and reduce waste as a means to remain competitive due to increased globalization and digitalization, many companies find themselves investing in their production systems, leading to changes in their existing factories and [...] Read more.
As more pressure is put on manufacturing companies to increase productivity and reduce waste as a means to remain competitive due to increased globalization and digitalization, many companies find themselves investing in their production systems, leading to changes in their existing factories and production systems. This process is usually performed with 2D CAD drawings and data of varying quality, leading to several challenges along the way. This longitudinal research follows up on eight years of industrial studies where researchers have applied 3D laser scanning and immersive virtual reality to improve the brownfield factory layout planning processes in real industrial scenarios, a novel approach in the research field. By interviewing key stakeholders at each company and analyzing the findings, challenges in data availability and accuracy of existing data, grasping scale and perspective, and challenges gathering input and communicating around planned changes are identified and shown to be substantially alleviated by the application of the technological tools and allowing more people to be part of the factory layout planning process. By using virtual engineering, industries can improve their brownfield factory layout planning process and take well-informed decisions leading to sustainability benefits via fewer costly mistakes, improved employee engagement, and less need for travel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New and Renewed Manufacturing Paradigms for Sustainable Production)
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13 pages, 974 KiB  
Article
Life Cycle Assessment to Ensure Sustainability of Circular Business Models in Manufacturing
by Marit Moe Bjørnbet and Sigurd Sagen Vildåsen
Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 11014; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su131911014 - 04 Oct 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2850
Abstract
Circular business models (CBMs) represent a path for coordinating circular economy (CE) efforts. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool for quantifying environmental effects of a product or a service and can therefore evaluate the environmental sustainability of CBMs. This paper explores whether LCA [...] Read more.
Circular business models (CBMs) represent a path for coordinating circular economy (CE) efforts. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool for quantifying environmental effects of a product or a service and can therefore evaluate the environmental sustainability of CBMs. This paper explores whether LCA can act as an enabler for manufacturing companies who want to implement a CBM. Following a case-study approach, we draw on the experiences of a specific manufacturing company during the time period 2014–2021. The paper presents key lessons on the interaction between LCA and CE. The study finds that LCA—by providing quantified results on the environmental impacts of circular strategies—limits the risk of problem shifting and challenges the normative rule of closing the loop by including a set of multiple impact categories. LCA offers a common platform and encourages communication with stakeholders. These characteristics make LCA a well-suited tool for CBM development. However, the holistic perspective on environmental problems that LCA provides can also complicate CE’s clear message of ‘closing the loop’. Lastly, LCA is a tool for environmental evaluation, and with the main emphasis of CE also on environmental issues, there is high risk of neglecting social and economic aspects of sustainable development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New and Renewed Manufacturing Paradigms for Sustainable Production)
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23 pages, 612 KiB  
Article
Development of a Smart Manufacturing Execution System Architecture for SMEs: A Czech Case Study
by Marcel Rolf Pfeifer
Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10181; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su131810181 - 12 Sep 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3287
Abstract
This study investigates the application of a smart manufacturing execution system (SMES) based on the current controlling structure in a medium-sized company in the Czech Republic. Based on existing approaches on the architecture of SMESs, this paper develops a sample architecture grounded in [...] Read more.
This study investigates the application of a smart manufacturing execution system (SMES) based on the current controlling structure in a medium-sized company in the Czech Republic. Based on existing approaches on the architecture of SMESs, this paper develops a sample architecture grounded in the current controlling structure of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While only a few papers on approaches to the given topic exist, this approach makes use of operative production controlling data and uses a standardisation module to provide standardised data. The sample architecture was validated with a case study on a Czech SME. This case study was conducted on two different entities of one production company suggesting differences in the entities due to the nature of production. The research showed that simple tasks with intelligent welding equipment allow for a working SMES architecture, while complex assembly works with a high extent of human labour, and a high number of components still remain an obstacle. This research contributes to gathering more understanding of SMES architectures in SMEs by making use of a standardisation module. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New and Renewed Manufacturing Paradigms for Sustainable Production)
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19 pages, 3366 KiB  
Article
Positive and Negative Impacts of COVID-19 in Digital Transformation
by Radhakrishnan Subramaniam, Satya P. Singh, Parasuraman Padmanabhan, Balázs Gulyás, Prashobhan Palakkeel and Raja Sreedharan
Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9470; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13169470 - 23 Aug 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 54080
Abstract
This study was designed to research the impact of pandemic situations such as COVID-19 in digital transformation (DT). Our proposed study was designed to research whether COVID-19 is a driver of digital transformation and to look at the three most positive and negative [...] Read more.
This study was designed to research the impact of pandemic situations such as COVID-19 in digital transformation (DT). Our proposed study was designed to research whether COVID-19 is a driver of digital transformation and to look at the three most positive and negative DT disruptors. Our study suggests that COVID-19 is a driver of digital transformation, since 94 percent of respondents agreed that COVID-19 is a driver of DT. The second phase of our study shows that technology, automation, and collaboration (TAC) is the most positive significant factor which enables work from anywhere (WFA) (or work from home) arrangements and also leads to the third positive factor of a work-life balance (WLB). The top three negative factors are no work-life balance (NWL), social employment issues (SEI), and data security and technology issues (DST). The negative factors show a contradictory result since NWL is the most negative factor, even though WLB is the third most positive factor. While the pandemic situation is leading to a positive situation for economies and organizations at a micro level, the negative impacts, which will affect overall economic growth as well as social, health, and wealth wellbeing, need to be kept in mind. The motivation of this study was to research positive and negative effects of COVID-19 on DT, since COVID-19 is impacting everyone and everyday life, including businesses. Our study developed a unique framework to address both positive and negative adoption. Our study also highlights the need for organizations and the economy to establish mitigation plans, as the pandemic has already been disrupting the entire world for the past three quarters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New and Renewed Manufacturing Paradigms for Sustainable Production)
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17 pages, 2535 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Inclusion of Sustainability into Strategy and Management Control Systems in Peruvian Manufacturing Enterprises
by Luis Jesús Córdova-Aguirre and Juan Manuel Ramón-Jerónimo
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5127; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13095127 - 03 May 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2328
Abstract
The aim of this work is to explore the incorporation of sustainability into strategy and management control systems (MCSs) in Peruvian manufacturing enterprises in the plastics sector. The study focuses on identifying and analyzing the current way they incorporate and manage sustainability to [...] Read more.
The aim of this work is to explore the incorporation of sustainability into strategy and management control systems (MCSs) in Peruvian manufacturing enterprises in the plastics sector. The study focuses on identifying and analyzing the current way they incorporate and manage sustainability to determine the shortcomings that must be corrected in the future to design an effective performance management system (PMS) that includes sustainability to help companies achieve sustainable growth. The method of multiple case study analysis was used. Data was obtained from four Peruvian manufacturing firms in the plastics sector through seven semi-structured interviews. The findings suggest that sustainability is partially incorporated into the company’s strategy, and that especially in medium-sized enterprises, managers do not know how to implement sustainable management accurately. Concerning MCSs used, in medium-sized companies, short-term planning is carried out and they are limited to the control of the economic operational perspective and lack concrete measures regarding social and environmental aspects. Finally, we conclude that this study allowed us to know how sustainability is really managed in Peruvian manufacturing enterprises in the plastics industry and that it is necessary for these companies not only to incorporate sustainability into their strategy but also to implement a holistic PMS to be used as a broad-scope MCS to achieve sustainable growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New and Renewed Manufacturing Paradigms for Sustainable Production)
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16 pages, 559 KiB  
Article
A Fuzzy Network DEA Approach to the Selection of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
by Tim Lu
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4236; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13084236 - 11 Apr 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1307
Abstract
The selection of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) is an essential yet complex decision that requires careful consideration of various performance criteria. In real-world applications, there are cases that observations are difficult to measure precisely, observations are represented as linguistic terms, or the data [...] Read more.
The selection of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) is an essential yet complex decision that requires careful consideration of various performance criteria. In real-world applications, there are cases that observations are difficult to measure precisely, observations are represented as linguistic terms, or the data need to be estimated. Since the growth of engineering sciences has been the key reason for the increased utilization of AMTs, this paper develops a fuzzy network data envelopment analysis (DEA) to the selection of AMT alternatives considering multiple decision-makers (DMs) and weight restrictions when the input and output data are represented as fuzzy numbers. By viewing the multiple DMs as a network one, the data provided by each DM can then be taken into account in evaluating the overall performances of AMT alternatives. In the solution process, we obtain the overall and DMs efficiency scores of each AMT alternative at the same time, and a relationship in which the former is a weighted average of the latter is also derived. Since the final evaluation results of AMTs are fuzzy numbers, a ranking procedure is employed to determine the most preferred one. An example is used to illustrate the applicability of the proposed methodology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New and Renewed Manufacturing Paradigms for Sustainable Production)
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Review

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17 pages, 1439 KiB  
Review
The Application of Lean Methods in Corporate Sustainability—A Systematic Literature Review
by Frank Bertagnolli, Kerstin Herrmann, Isabel Rittmann and Tobias Viere
Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12786; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132212786 - 19 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2437
Abstract
This paper reviews the application of lean methods for corporate sustainability and highlights demands for future research. With the help of a systematic literature review, papers at the interface of lean and sustainability were identified and matched to a standardized list of lean [...] Read more.
This paper reviews the application of lean methods for corporate sustainability and highlights demands for future research. With the help of a systematic literature review, papers at the interface of lean and sustainability were identified and matched to a standardized list of lean methods to assess their frequency in the context of sustainability. In a further step, papers containing actual case studies were analyzed in more detail regarding specific application settings, sustainability dimensions, measurability of sustainability impact, and other criteria. The quantitative analysis of 363 publications shows frequent use of lean methods such as just in time and value stream mapping in the context of sustainability, and a surprisingly low use of other approaches such as karakuri, milk run, or chaku chaku. The in-depth analysis of 81 case studies reveals the primacy of intra-company and ecological assessments in the lean context, while social and inter-company aspects remain rather underexposed. This study complements existing research on lean and sustainability by systematically analyzing specific lean methods in the context of sustainability and by further exploring the sustainability characteristics of such lean applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New and Renewed Manufacturing Paradigms for Sustainable Production)
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