Refocusing the barriers to sustainability for small and medium-sized manufacturers

Sustainable manufacturing practices are a necessary component of sustainable development. Current in linear economy—produce, consume, discard—will not be sufficient to sustain humanity over the long term. At same time is support world's ever-growing population. The efficiencies scale that brings bear on global economy allow greater sharing services and resources. Research supporting control impacts environment. From an engineering perspective, however, those their infancy.Small medium-sized manufacturers (SMM) make up majority firms globally, but many still unsure whether how embrace sustainability as driving business imperative. In this study, we explore two interconnected approaches address sustainability: benefits investing initiatives for SMM use standards such initiatives. so doing, analyze reported barriers pursuing sustainability, value gained from sustainability-focused operational improvements within SMM, grounding standards. results indicate 1) beliefs surrounding goals should refocused light data performance 2) developments foundational objectives. This study examines multiple sources reach these conclusions, including open literature, expert interviews, corporate reports, across years programs improving performance. reviews role different fill highlights instrumental While several world have emerged establish industry-specific disclosures, little guidance available implement show practices. Recently, Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) produced target specific industrial sectors. Other bodies, ASTM International's E60 Committee Subcommittee Manufacturing (E60.13), specifically practical operations form intent setting bodies more sustainable, yet organizations evolved independently. Consequently, respective reflect types measures based distinct users' perspectives. These other efforts highlighted integration into organizations. findings demonstrate (1) integrating imperative, particularly by can result opportunities (2) leveraging reduces risk introducing changes. Future towards development furthered through voluntary implementing new approaches. Such help engage reducing changes existing