Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies: A Systematic Review of Latest Trends and Themes

Meeting current needs while not sacrificing the future ability to do so as a key sustainability concept is becoming more challenging than ever, with the increasing population rate, energy poverty, global warming, and surging demand for products and services. Manufacturing is in a prime position to address this challenge, with its significant economic contribution to the global GDP and its high influence over the environment and humanity. Sustainable manufacturing technologies research is growing to support our journey towards sustainable development. This article undertook the systematic review of state-of-the-art sustainable manufacturing technologies literature, evidencing the latest themes and trends in this important research avenue. Descriptive and thematic analyses were performed, synthesising the latest advancements in the field. Sustainable manufacturing processes, especially sustainable machining, was established as a key theme, including research endeavours of elimination of lubricants. Various manufacturing systems and process sustainability assessment technologies were noted. Sustainability indicators addressed were critically evaluated. As an outcome, a conceptual framework of sustainable manufacturing technology research was constructed to structure the knowledge acquired and to provoke future thinking. Finally, challenges and future directions were provided for both industrial and academic reader base, stimulating growth in this fruitful research stream.

Automated summary

This article conducted a systematic review of sustainable manufacturing technologies literature, highlighting sustainable machining as a key theme with research efforts focused on the elimination of lubricants. Various manufacturing systems and process sustainability assessment technologies were identified, and sustainability indicators were critically evaluated. A conceptual framework for sustainable manufacturing technology research was constructed to drive future thinking and growth in this research stream.