Making the business case for eco-design and sustainable manufacturing

Abstract

The results of a survey conducted among more than 150 UK manufacturing companies identify key drivers, barriers and alternative strategies for managing eco product design and sustainable manufacturing - developing a stronger business case for the move towards more sustainable design and manufacturing. The survey results showed that while high implementation costs, weak justification for investment, lack of stakeholder awareness and weak customer demand are major barriers; compliance with future legislation, risk reduction, improved company reputation and long term financial benefits are the main drivers for manufacturers - making the case to more widely adopt eco design and more sustainable manufacturing.