Sustainability Report 2022: Adoption of Sustainable Product Development Embraced but Opportunities Exist to Boost Momentum
11 Janeiro 2022 - 11:00AM
Business Wire
Survey finds nearly 90% of companies
incorporated sustainability goals into product design, but other
priorities continue to compete for organizational focus
A newly published report on sustainability in
product development has revealed how individuals tasked with
sustainability initiatives across multiple industries are
prioritizing their efforts and the challenges they face in doing
so. The report—informed through third-party research commissioned
by digital manufacturing leader, Protolabs—surveyed 200 engineers,
product designers, sustainability leaders, and corporate executives
to gather insight into their philosophies toward sustainability,
levels of involvement, and adjustments needed to make products more
sustainable. Respondents made clear that sustainability directly
influences product development, but focused direction and
measurable goals are essential to accelerate progress.
Nearly 90% of respondents reported notable corporate changes
that have led to incorporating sustainability into product design
and development over the past two years. Furthermore, nearly
80% of respondents said sustainability had a defined role in their
company as either part of the product development process or
integrated into everyday programs and activities.
But the push and pull between competing goals for sustainable
product development is evident. “We have to come up with innovative
designs, but they also have to meet specific sustainability
government regulations. And still meet certain costs for our
business to operate accordingly,” responded a medical
device/industrial engineer in the survey.
While the focus on sustainability is not new—nearly 70% of
respondents have been involved with sustainability for more than
six years—their overall attitude towards sustainability remains
lukewarm. For example, respondents agreed they are proud to
work at their company because of their sustainability initiatives,
but similarly agreed those initiatives are often driven by
regulations and trumped by fiscal concerns. Product designers and
engineers are only moderately confident in their understanding of
how sustainability aligns with overall company strategy, and nearly
one-third of respondents reported their company does not have
sustainability-related KPIs.
One way to tackle sustainability priorities is with today’s
digital capabilities, which have played a major role in working
towards objectives—the top-three design practices implemented to
advance sustainability objectives were artificial intelligence,
design for sustainability (DfS), and integration of electronics,
all cited by 68% of respondents. Physical actions also played a
prominent role with half of respondents identifying materials
engineering and sourcing/procurement as areas that would
benefit most from executing sustainability initiatives.
Sustainability practices under consideration for future
implementation include corporate social responsibility (54%),
closed-loop product development (47%), and additive manufacturing
(40%).
“Sustainability is influencing every stage of product
development today, and we have a tremendous opportunity to learn
from each other to further our environmental initiatives. We are
excited to shine a light on the progress made to date while also
identifying the opportunities that lie ahead in these key
industries,” explained Protolabs’ President and CEO, Rob Bodor. “It
is clear that collaboration is the key to sustainability success,
and we look forward to playing a role in the journey.”
Digital manufacturing will continue to serve as a partner in
sustainable product development. From automated design analysis to
on-demand production, learn more about Protolabs’ progress in
becoming a more sustainable manufacturing partner for its customers
here.
About Protolabs Protolabs is the world’s leading provider
of digital manufacturing services. The e-commerce-based company
offers injection molding, CNC machining, 3D printing, and sheet
metal fabrication to product developers, engineers, and supply
chain teams across the globe. Protolabs serves customers using
in-house production capabilities that bring unprecedented speed in
tandem with Hubs, a Protolabs Company, which serves customers
through its network of premium manufacturing partners. Together,
they help companies bring new ideas to market with the fastest and
most comprehensive digital manufacturing service in the world.
Visit protolabs.com for more information.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220111005299/en/
Protolabs Brent Renneke, 701-741-7292 PR and Media Strategist
brent.renneke@protolabs.com
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