Sustainable Making
Published at: September 19th 2024
What is sustainability?
In the broadest sense, sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time. In business and policy contexts, sustainability seeks to prevent the depletion of natural or physical resources, so that they will remain available for the long term.
Picture 1. Sustainable manufacturing (source: ruthtrumpold.id.au)
Sustainable making is the process of creating products with minimal environmental impact. It involves thoughtful selection of materials, efficient use of resources and designing products that have a prolonged lifecycle.
It involves considering the entire lifecycle of a product, from raw materials to disposal.
What is the importance of sustainability?
Sustainability is important for preserving our planet and natural resources like water and air. Building a sustainable future and cultivating sustainable ways of living will reduce pollution and protect the habitats of plants and animals.
In an era where resources are finite and environmental concerns are more important than anything else, sustainable making is not just a choice but a necessity.
What is the role of recycled materials?
Using recycled materials reduces the strain on natural resources, cuts down manufacturing costs and minimizes waste.
Examples of recycled materials in manufacturing
Recycled coffee ground in 3D printing
Picture 2. 3D printing with coffee ground (source:https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/09/dont-throw-out-those-used-coffee-grounds-use-them-for-3d-printing-instead/)
Recycled plastic in injection molding
Picture 3. Lego casting with 3D printed mould in resin (source: FabLab Sarajevo)
Recycled PET in 3D printing
Picture 4. Render of PET strips being recycled into filament for 3D printing (source: FabLab Sarajevo)
Designing for energy efficiency
Designing for energy efficiency means less energy consumption during a product’s use, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs.
This can be achieved through innovative design, such as LED lighting solutions or energy-saving appliances.
Circular economy approach
Circular economy manufacturing aims to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. It involves rethinking how products are designed, produced and shipped to enable reuse, repair, remanufacturing or recycling of materials.
The manufacturing industry is vital to creating a circular economy because it makes key decisions about, for example, how a product is designed, the materials used, how long that product will last, operations, the supply chains involved in the production process, and what happens to the product once it’s reached the end of its useful life.
Sources:
What Is Sustainability? (And Why Is It Important) | Coursera
Explainer: What Is Sustainability and Why Is It Important? | Earth.Org
What is Sustainability? How Sustainabilities Work, Benefits, and Example (investopedia.com)