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Design and Management of Sustainable Products, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems—2nd Edition

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Products and Services".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 14780

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Yoshiki Shimomura

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Systems Design, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo 191-0065, Japan
Interests: design theory; design methodology; service engineering; manufacturing servitization; value creation; value cocreation; innovation; innovative design; innovation design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Shigeru Hosono

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Computer Science, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1 Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0982, Japan
Interests: service design; service engineering; systems engineering; service computing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

While the pursuit of productivity and efficiency in industry has resulted in the development of infrastructure, our social interests have shifted to sustainability, which respects environmental issues, people’s fundamental rights, cultural diversity, human well-being, and the equality of human life. Manufacturers need to expand their views, from competitive product development to systemic transformation, in a way that can satisfy these new interests and demands. To achieve this, manufacturers should contribute to realizing sustainable socio-technical systems, which are dynamic and self-organizing relationships on personal, organizational, and social levels.

For this Special Issue, entitled “Design and Management of Sustainable Products, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems—2nd Edition”, we invite the submission of articles that foster discussion regarding the design and development of products, product–service systems, and manufacturing systems that will contribute to a sustainable society, management strategies for sustainable development, and the design and innovation of resilient socio-technical systems. This area of interest also includes servitization using smart technologies, such as cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), and cyber-physical systems (CPS).

Articles selected for this Special Issue will be subject to a rigorous peer-review procedure, with the aim of achieving the rapid and wide dissemination of research results, developments, and applications.

Prof. Dr. Yoshiki Shimomura
Dr. Shigeru Hosono
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable development
  • sustainable product design
  • design for sustainability
  • product–service systems
  • manufacturing systems
  • servitization
  • smart technology and cyber-physical systems
  • socio-technical system design
  • sustainable system innovation
  • well-being

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 18266 KiB  
Article
Advancing Sustainability in Alloy Production: The Role of Recycled Materials and Barbotage in Enhancing EN AC-46000 Castings
by Patryk Korban, Anna Wąsik and Beata Leszczyńska-Madej
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4755; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114755 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 176
Abstract
Aluminum recycling is a key pillar of sustainable metallurgy, protecting natural resources, reducing energy consumption by up to 15 times compared with primary aluminum production and significantly lowering the demand for raw materials. This article presents a comprehensive study on the impact of [...] Read more.
Aluminum recycling is a key pillar of sustainable metallurgy, protecting natural resources, reducing energy consumption by up to 15 times compared with primary aluminum production and significantly lowering the demand for raw materials. This article presents a comprehensive study on the impact of barbotage refining time and recycled scrap content on EN AC-46000 (AlSi9Cu3) alloy, covering the entire process from the initial ingot to the final casting, contributing to a circular economy. The input material consisted of varying proportions of pure ingots and scrap, with scrap content set at 80%, 70%, and 60%, respectively. Each material batch underwent different refining times: 0, 7, 9, and 15 min. Microstructural studies were conducted using light and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Additionally, pore distribution and their proportions within the material volume were analyzed using X-ray computed tomography. This study also examined hardness and gas content relative to the refining time. It was demonstrated that the refining process promoted microstructural homogenization and reduced porosity throughout the production process. Furthermore, extending the refining time positively impacted the reduction of porosity in thin-walled castings and lowered the gas emission level from the alloy, resulting in improved final product quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Management of Sustainable Products, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems—2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 2036 KiB  
Article
Switch-Off Policy in Flow Lines with Dynamic Fractional Task Assignation
by Paolo Renna
Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4096; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094096 - 1 May 2025
Viewed by 251
Abstract
Switch-off policies are widely used in manufacturing to reduce energy consumption during machine idle times without interfering with production. However, they can negatively impact productivity and customer performance. This study introduces a method that integrates switch-off policies with the dynamic allocation of fractional [...] Read more.
Switch-off policies are widely used in manufacturing to reduce energy consumption during machine idle times without interfering with production. However, they can negatively impact productivity and customer performance. This study introduces a method that integrates switch-off policies with the dynamic allocation of fractional tasks between adjacent stations in a production line. Simulation models were developed to assess performance against two benchmark scenarios: “always on” and “no fractional tasks”. Results show that the proposed approach significantly reduces energy consumption while mitigating the adverse effects on customer performance. The integration of real-time data processing and adaptive task allocation maintains production efficiency under fluctuating demand and operational disturbances, supporting more sustainable manufacturing operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Management of Sustainable Products, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems—2nd Edition)
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34 pages, 2230 KiB  
Article
A Scenario-Based Approach to Using Electric Vehicle Batteries in Virtual Power Plants: Insights from Environmental, Social, and Governance and Monte Carlo Simulations
by Seungryong Choi and Keuntae Cho
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 3224; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073224 - 4 Apr 2025
Viewed by 551
Abstract
The intensified global focus on the energy transition and sustainability has increased the drive to leverage electric vehicle (EV) batteries as virtual power plant (VPP) resources. However, uncertainties and governance factors associated with this integration have not been systematically researched. This study aimed [...] Read more.
The intensified global focus on the energy transition and sustainability has increased the drive to leverage electric vehicle (EV) batteries as virtual power plant (VPP) resources. However, uncertainties and governance factors associated with this integration have not been systematically researched. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the key uncertainties surrounding the deployment of EV batteries in VPPs and propose strategic responses from an ESG perspective. We adopted a mixed-methods approach using scenario planning to identify critical uncertainties. The approach included quantitative assessments using Monte Carlo simulations and a scenario matrix to incorporate ESG elements into future projections. The findings highlighted economic value volatility (E: 13.37%), employment creation potential and sustainability (S: 10.68%), and increased transparency requirements (G: 8.60%) as the most influential uncertainty factors based on the simulation results. These variables formed the basis for selecting three core drivers for scenario construction. Four distinct scenarios were identified. By proposing tailored response strategies for each scenario, this study suggests that the long-term sustainability of EV batteries and VPP industries can be bolstered in various potential future environments. Integrating ESG factors into a scenario analysis helps decision-making in industries characterized by high uncertainty. The study offers strategies that embed ESG considerations to support the sustainability of EV batteries and VPP sectors and provides valuable insights for shaping policies, industrial strategies, and corporate ESG initiatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Management of Sustainable Products, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems—2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 1708 KiB  
Article
Sustainability in Industry 4.0: Edge Computing Microservices as a New Approach
by Leandro Colevati dos Santos, Maria Lucia Pereira da Silva and Sebastião Gomes dos Santos Filho
Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11052; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411052 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 4846
Abstract
The importance of the electronics sector in the modern world is unquestionable, as it demonstrates clean technology, dry processes, and efficient design, which favor Industry 4.0 and sustainability. Nonetheless, the large number of instruments developed, and their correspondent quick obsolescence, imply an increment [...] Read more.
The importance of the electronics sector in the modern world is unquestionable, as it demonstrates clean technology, dry processes, and efficient design, which favor Industry 4.0 and sustainability. Nonetheless, the large number of instruments developed, and their correspondent quick obsolescence, imply an increment in electronic waste. Therefore, in this work, with the aim of diminishing obsolescence, we developed and customized one application that runs independently of systems and takes advantage of the existing computing structures. The application is a new edge computing structure (the AIFC) that is based on an enterprise service bus (ESB) developed in decentralized microservices. In this study, we conducted action research involving the collaboration of researchers and practitioners, and the tests involved six different scenarios; they used existing low-cost, basic computing environments and ranged from the proof of concept, prototype, minimum viable product, and scalability to the roadmap for the structure implementation. The six scenarios emulated sections of a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), and all the developed microservices communicate with each other to perform data filtering, processing, storage, query, and sensor data acquisition. The results show that it is possible to carry out these functions with low latency and without any decrement or even increase in performance when compared with more conventional cloud computing structures, and it is also possible to manipulate different products that do not have single, consolidated structures. Moreover, there is no need to update machines or communication structures, which are the main factors of rapid obsolescence. Therefore, following the steps of the AIFC development, the results from the proof of concept to the minimum viable product and scalability tests correspond to a roadmap for a sustainable solution and are an important tool for both Industry 4.0 and SMEs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Management of Sustainable Products, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems—2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 2252 KiB  
Article
Resilient Sustainability Assessment Framework from a Transdisciplinary System-of-Systems Perspective
by Ali Asghar Bataleblu, Erwin Rauch and David S. Cochran
Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9400; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219400 - 29 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2348
Abstract
The vital role of extensive information exchange among stakeholders across diverse sectors and the interconnection of various scientific fields with nonhomogeneous technology readiness levels has created a new form of a complex engineering problem in the climate change era. Comprehensive sustainability assessment to [...] Read more.
The vital role of extensive information exchange among stakeholders across diverse sectors and the interconnection of various scientific fields with nonhomogeneous technology readiness levels has created a new form of a complex engineering problem in the climate change era. Comprehensive sustainability assessment to enable the realization of needs requires transdisciplinary thinking to achieve systematic solutions that bridge the gap between multiple collaborative systems in a portfolio. Although the principal aim of dedicated sustainability regulations is to force companies to move toward sustainability development, general and non-engineered metrics that have not defined clear thresholds for evaluation have encountered severe challenges regarding implementation and economic viability. Therefore, adopting a transdisciplinary systems engineering approach can address multifaceted challenges like sustainability by overcoming collaboration barriers, and traditional disciplinary limits. This paper systematically reviews sustainability-dictated regulations from a transdisciplinary perspective. Different standards are compared, raised opportunities and challenges are discussed, and future remarks are highlighted. The sustainability problem is analyzed from a transdisciplinary systems engineering lens. Finally, a two-level resilient system sustainability assessment framework is proposed to effectively handle and enhance the resilience of companies’ sustainability development roadmaps by enabling decision makers to find robust and highly reliable solutions regarding sustainable system design. The impact of this research is to create a new insight into addressing climate change which not only assesses the current situation but also considers uncertainty sources that affect decision making for the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Management of Sustainable Products, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems—2nd Edition)
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Review

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22 pages, 1409 KiB  
Review
Technologies Applied to Artificial Lighting in Indoor Agriculture: A Review
by Luisa F. Lozano-Castellanos, Luis Manuel Navas-Gracia, Isabel C. Lozano-Castellanos and Adriana Correa-Guimaraes
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 3196; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073196 - 3 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 781
Abstract
Artificial lighting is essential in indoor agriculture, directly influencing plant growth and productivity. Optimizing its use requires advanced technologies that improve light management and adaptation to crop needs. This systematic review, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, [...] Read more.
Artificial lighting is essential in indoor agriculture, directly influencing plant growth and productivity. Optimizing its use requires advanced technologies that improve light management and adaptation to crop needs. This systematic review, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, examines recent advancements in artificial lighting technologies, focusing on their applications, challenges, and future directions. A systematic search in Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus identified 70 relevant studies published between 2019 and 2024. The analysis highlights five major technology groups: (i) lighting control systems, with Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) as the dominant solution; (ii) Internet of Things (IoT) incorporating sensors, deep neural networks, Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital twins, and machine learning (ML) for real-time optimization, as well as communication technologies, enabling remote control and data-driven adjustments; (iii) simulation and modeling tools, refining lighting strategies to enhance plant responses and system performance; and (iv) complementary energy sources, improving lighting sustainability. IoT-driven automation has significantly improved artificial lighting efficiency, optimizing adaptation and plant-specific management. However, challenges such as system complexity, high energy demands, and scalability limitations persist. Future research should focus on refining IoT-driven adaptive lighting, improving sensor calibration for precise real-time adjustments, and developing cost-effective modular systems to enhance widespread adoption and optimize resource use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Management of Sustainable Products, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems—2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 2525 KiB  
Review
Combating Greenwashing of Construction Products in New Zealand and Australia: A Critical Analysis of Environmental Product Declarations
by Taofeeq Durojaye Moshood, James Olabode Bamidele Rotimi and Funmilayo Ebun Rotimi
Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9671; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229671 - 6 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1633
Abstract
The construction industry’s increasing environmental impact has led to the widespread adoption of sustainability claims, yet the prevalence of greenwashing—where organizations make misleading environmental claims—threatens genuine sustainable development efforts. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have emerged as a potential solution, particularly in the New [...] Read more.
The construction industry’s increasing environmental impact has led to the widespread adoption of sustainability claims, yet the prevalence of greenwashing—where organizations make misleading environmental claims—threatens genuine sustainable development efforts. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have emerged as a potential solution, particularly in the New Zealand and Australia construction sectors, where recent government climate regulations have accelerated their adoption. However, the effectiveness of EPDs in combating greenwashing and their practical implementation remain understudied. This research addresses this gap through a comprehensive analysis of EPDs in construction, employing a systematic literature review of 82 articles from 2010 to 2024 across major databases. Using ATLAS.ti 9 software, this study makes three key contributions: (1) develops a novel framework for evaluating EPD programs and their effectiveness in preventing greenwashing, (2) establishes a standardized methodology for assessing the completeness and accuracy of life cycle assessment information in EPDs, and (3) provides evidence-based recommendations for improving EPD implementation in the construction industry. The findings reveal critical shortcomings in current EPD practices, including inconsistent assessment methodologies and incomplete life cycle data. This study proposes specific reforms to enhance EPD reliability and transparency, offering practical guidelines for industry stakeholders to verify environmental claims. These contributions advance both the theoretical understanding of environmental certification systems and practical implementation of sustainable construction practices by developing regulatory frameworks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Management of Sustainable Products, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems—2nd Edition)
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Other

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31 pages, 1255 KiB  
Systematic Review
Systematic Review of Battery Life Cycle Management: A Framework for European Regulation Compliance
by Mattia Gianvincenzi, Marco Marconi, Enrico Maria Mosconi, Claudio Favi and Francesco Tola
Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 10026; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162210026 - 17 Nov 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3194
Abstract
Batteries are fundamental to the sustainable energy transition, playing a key role in both powering devices and storing renewable energy. They are also essential in the shift towards greener automotive solutions. However, battery life cycles face significant environmental challenges, including the harmful impacts [...] Read more.
Batteries are fundamental to the sustainable energy transition, playing a key role in both powering devices and storing renewable energy. They are also essential in the shift towards greener automotive solutions. However, battery life cycles face significant environmental challenges, including the harmful impacts of extraction and refining processes and inefficiencies in recycling. Both researchers and policymakers are striving to improve battery technologies through a combination of bottom–up innovations and top–down regulations. This study aims to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and policy frameworks by conducting a Systematic Literature Review of 177 papers. The review identifies innovative solutions to mitigate challenges across the battery life cycle, from production to disposal. A key outcome of this work is the creation of the life cycle management framework, designed to align scientific developments with regulatory strategies, providing an integrated approach to address life cycle challenges. This framework offers a comprehensive tool to guide stakeholders in fostering a sustainable battery ecosystem, contributing to the objectives set by the European Commission’s battery regulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Management of Sustainable Products, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems—2nd Edition)
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