Search Results (39)

The effective adoption of quality assurance and traceability systems is increasingly recognised as a critical enabler of circular economy (CE) outcomes in the plastics sector. This study examines the factors that influence the implementation of such systems within Australia’s recycled plastics industry, with a focus on how these factors vary by company size, supply chain role, and adoption of CE strategy. Recycled plastics are defined here as post-consumer or post-industrial polymers that have been reprocessed for reintegration into manufacturing applications. A mixed-methods survey was conducted with 65 stakeholders across the Australian plastics value chain, comprising recyclers, compounders, converters, and end-users. Respondents assessed a structured set of regulatory, technical, economic, and systemic factors, identifying whether each currently operates as an enabler or barrier in their organisational context. The analysis employed a comparative framework adapted from a 2022 European study, enabling a cross-regional interpretation of patterns and a comparison between CE-aligned and non-CE firms. The results show that firms with CE strategies report greater alignment with innovation-oriented enablers such as digital traceability, standardisation, and closed-loop models. However, these firms also express heightened sensitivity to systemic weaknesses, particularly in areas such as infrastructure limitations, inconsistent material quality, and data fragmentation. Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) highlighted compliance costs and operational uncertainty as primary barriers, while larger firms frequently cited frustration with regulatory inconsistency and infrastructure underperformance. These findings underscore the need for differentiated policy mechanisms that account for sectoral and organisational disparities in capacity, scale, and readiness for traceability. The study also cautions against the direct transfer of European circular economy models into the Australian context without consideration of local structural, regulatory, and geographic complexities. Full article

Tobacco control policies have aimed to reduce the global prevalence of smoking. Unfortunately, the recent survey data shows that about 24% of Europeans still smoke. Although combustible cigarettes remain the most used tobacco product, the tendency made evident in the prevalence of smoking-alternative nicotine-containing products increases. Studies that can objectively assess the long-term health effects of the latter products are lacking, so assessing toxic substances associated with smoking-alternative products and comparing them to substances from combustible cigarettes could inform future public health efforts. The manufacturers of these alternative products claim that the use of alternatives to combustible cigarettes reduces exposure to toxic compounds, but the reality is unclear. This study compares the concentrations of toxic substances in generated aerosols and performs calculations based on mainstream cigarette smoke and aerosols from smoking-alternative products. It summarizes the amounts of harmful and potentially harmful constituents per single puff. Alternative smoking products are undoubtedly harmful to non-smokers. Still, based on the analysis of the latest independent studies’ empirical data, the concentrations of inhaled HPHCs using heated tobacco products or e-cigarettes are reduced up to 91–98%, respectively; therefore, for those who cannot quit, these could provide a less harmful alternative. However, more well-designed studies of alternative product emissions are needed, including an analysis of the compounds that are not present in conventional tobacco products (e.g., thermal degradation products of propylene glycol, glycerol, or flavorings) to evaluate possible future health effects objectively. Full article

Sustainability is a key focus for the machinery manufacturing industry, aiming to align innovation with environmental and economic goals. This research proposes an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)-based framework to evaluate and rank sustainability-focused innovation criteria. The model was validated using 54,054 projects from CORDIS and TÜBİTAK and a survey of 46 experts from academia, industry, and the public sector. According to AHP results, Economic Criteria ranked highest (46%), followed by Product-Related Environmental (18%), Market (16%), Process-Related Environmental (13%), and Social Criteria (7%). Product Cost (45%), Elimination of Hazardous Substances (30%), and Occupational Health and Safety (29%) ranked highest among sub-criteria, reflecting the dominance of financial and regulatory priorities. Social and process-related criteria were less prioritized unless linked to regulatory compliance. The framework provides a practical tool for innovation leaders and policymakers aiming to embed sustainability in strategic planning. It aligns with global initiatives like the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal, contributing to both theory and practice in industrial sustainability. Full article

The rising interest in organic products aligns with a global push for sustainable development, notably through initiatives like the European Green Deal introduced by the European Commission. In Romania, although organic farming and product consumption are increasing, they remain well below the EU averages. This study explores Romanian consumers’ and non-consumers’ perceptions and attitudes toward organic products in a contemporary context shaped by post-COVID-19 adjustments and geopolitical tensions. By developing consumer profiles, the study provides insights to help manufacturers and sellers diversify their strategies such as to meet the EU Green Deal targets. Data were collected from 833 respondents using an online survey and then analyzed with SPSS 23.0. The sample is more representative of young, well-educated, urban residents and, therefore, not fully representative of the entire Romanian population. Descriptive statistics revealed socio-demographic profiles and means for variables reflecting consumer attitudes toward organic products. Exploratory factor analysis with Varimax rotation identified core dimensions among variables and cluster analysis was used to identify different consumer groups. Findings show that typical organic product consumers are younger, well educated, and value quality, reflecting a commitment to sustainable choices. However, high prices are the main barrier to market growth, deterring many potential consumers. Additionally, there is considerable skepticism about organic foods, with doubts about their advantages over conventional products, and a lack of information limits consumer understanding of organic product benefits. These obstacles hinder broader adoption of organic foods in Romania. Future public policies should better support organic market chains to promote the positive externalities of such products such as to meet the ambitious EU Green Deal targets. Full article

This study explores the effects of offshoring and backshoring on value creation per employee within the manufacturing sector by investigating the difference between firms that did and those that did not engage in corresponding relocation activities. Historically, offshoring has been a strategy to reduce costs and increase efficiency. However, the rise of advanced digital technologies and changing market dynamics have sparked a countertrend toward backshoring. Using data from the European Manufacturing Survey, this research examines how these strategies impact value creation, also taking into account the roles of sales growth and export intensity as potential moderators. The results of hierarchical regression analysis indicate that neither firms that have engaged in offshoring of production nor firms that have engaged in offshoring of R&D have significantly higher or lower value creation per employee than those that did not. In contrast, firms that have engaged in backshoring of production realize higher value creation when coupled with high sales growth. Firms that have engaged in backshoring of R&D, on the other hand, realize higher value creation when combined with high export intensity. These findings highlight the importance of aligning strategic decisions with both technological capabilities and market conditions to enhance productivity. The study suggests that a balanced and holistic approach, integrating both offshoring and backshoring strategies tailored to specific business contexts, can optimize value creation and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Full article

Industrial robots are slowly finding their way into manufacturing companies. This paper examines the impact of robots on productivity, exports, quality, sustainability and labor in European manufacturing companies. There is little research on the use of industrial robots and their impact in developed countries. Most research relates to Chinese companies, and often, the data are outdated. The data in this paper come from the European Manufacturing Survey project, which was conducted in 2022 and includes 476 manufacturing companies. The results of the impact of industrial robots on quality, labor productivity, exports and green technologies are determined using a T-test between companies that use industrial robots and those that do not. However, the impact of higher investment in environmental technologies by industrial robot users was examined by a two-stage OLS regression analysis with control variables representing the contextual characteristics of the companies. The results show positive effects on all of the variables. The results show that the greater use of robots occurs in industries with low-to-medium technology intensity, that robots contribute to labor productivity and exports and that companies that use robots also tend to use environmentally friendly technologies. Full article

This study investigates the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) software in manufacturing companies in Slovenia, Slovakia and Croatia, and across six production areas. This research ad-dresses a gap in the literature regarding AI software implementation in relation to company size, technology intensity and supply chain role, and examines whether Industry 4.0 (I4.0) readiness influences AI adoption. Data from the European Manufacturing Survey 2022 were analyzed, and showed that the use of AI is still relatively low. On average only 18.4% of companies use AI software in at least one production area. Logistic regression analysis revealed that neither company size nor role in the supply chain or technology intensity are statistically significantly related to AI usage. However, a significant positive relationship was found between I4.0 readiness and AI adoption, suggesting that companies with advanced digital infrastructures and integrated cyber-physical systems are more likely to adopt AI. This finding underlines the importance of digital transformation for the integration of AI software. The study concludes that while company characteristics such as size and the role of the company in the supply chain are not statistically significantly related to the use of AI, the level of digital readiness is crucial. Full article

Despite the spread of novel-generation cochlear-implant (CI) magnetic systems, access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for CI recipients is still limited due to safety concerns. The aim of this study is to assess and record the experiences of Hires Ultra 3D (Advanced Bionics) recipients who underwent an MRI examination. A multicentric European survey about this topic was conducted focusing on safety issues, and the results were compared with the current literature. We collected a total of 65 MRI scans performed in 9 otologic referral centers for a total of 47 Hires Ultra 3D recipients, including, for the first time, 2 children and 3 teenagers. Preventive measures were represented by scanning time and sedation for children. Head wrapping was used in eight cases, and six of the eight cases received local anesthesia, even if both measures were not needed. Only three patients complained of pain (3/65 examinations, 4.6%) due to the tight head bandage, and one of the three cases required MRI scan interruption. No other adverse events were reported. We believe that these results should encourage MRI execution in accordance with manufacturer recommendations for Ultra 3D recipients. Full article

During 2022 and 2023, Industry 5.0 attracted a lot of attention. Many articles and papers regarding the basics of Industry 5.0, its pillars, and a comparison of Industry 5.0 and Industry 4.0, Society 5.0, and Operator 5.0 have been published. Although the concept of Industry 5.0 is relatively new, companies from developed countries that have a high level of implementation of Industry 4.0 have already started the transition to Industry 5.0. Even though Industry 5.0 enables developing countries to become a part of developed countries’ value chains, it is not known which path to Industry 5.0 developing countries are taking. To fill this gap, the authors proposed research questions regarding the key indicators for measuring the levels of implementation of Industry 5.0 approaches in the manufacturing sector of the Republic of Serbia. This research includes insights from 146 manufacturing companies, gathered in 2022 as a part of the European Manufacturing Survey. The main findings of this study show that the most important indicator when it comes to human-centricity is training and competence development of production employees with a task-specific focus; the implementation of measures for improving efficiency in material consumption is significant for achieving sustainability; and the use of standardized and detailed work instructions is crucial in order to become resilient. Full article

Assessing the authenticity of PDO cheeses is an important task because it allows consumer expectations to be fulfilled and guarantees fair competition for manufacturers. A 3-year survey was carried out, analyzing 271 samples of grated Grana Padano (GP) PDO cheese collected on the European market. Previously developed analytical methods based on proteomics approaches were adopted to evaluate the compliance of market samples with selected legal requirements provided by the specification for this cheese. Proteolysis follows highly repeatable pathways in GP cheese due to the usage of raw milk, natural whey starter, and consistent manufacturing and ripening conditions. From selected casein breakdown products, it is possible to calculate the actual cheese age (should be >9 months) and detect the presence of excess rind (should be <18%). Furthermore, due to the characteristic pattern of free amino acids established for GP, distinguishing it from closely related cheese varieties is feasible. Cheese age ranged from 9 to 25 months and was correctly claimed on the label. Based on the amino acid pattern, three samples probably contained defective cheese and there was only one imitation cheese. Few samples (9%) were proven to contain some excess rind. Overall, this survey highlighted that the adopted control parameters can assure the quality of grated GP. Full article

The diffusion of technologies within an economic system is an intricate process, influenced by a variety of factors, including governmental policies, the characteristics of adopting companies, and the technologies that can be adopted. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the implementation of environmental management systems (EMSs), such as ISO 14001, or energy management systems (EnMSs), such as ISO 50001, and the adoption of energy recuperation technologies (ERTs), which are a subset of energy efficient technologies (EETs). To achieve this, our research leveraged data from the 2018 European Manufacturing Survey, specifically a subsample of 798 companies across five European countries: Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia, and Lithuania. Due to the investigation of relationships and the type of variables used, we employed a two-step ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis. Our analysis uncovered that the current utilization of EMSs and EnMSs within companies is significantly linked to the current use of ERTs. However, upon further examination of the implementation timeline, it became improbable that EMSs or EnMSs have a substantial impact on enhancing the adoption of these technologies in the short term. Moreover, our results show that technological intensity and product complexity does not play a determining role in the adoption of ERTs, but they did show that larger companies tend to invest more in ERTs, which is in line with the findings of previous studies. Full article

This paper presents an overview of EREMI, a two-year project funded under ERASMUS+ KA203, and its results. The project team’s main objective was to develop and validate an advanced interdisciplinary higher education curriculum, which includes lifelong learning components. The curriculum focuses on enhancing resource efficiency in the manufacturing industry and optimising poorly or non-digitised industrial physical infrastructure systems. The paper also discusses the results of the project, highlighting the successful achievement of its goals. EREMI effectively supports the transition to Industry 5.0 by preparing a common European pool of future experts. Through comprehensive research and collaboration, the project team has designed a curriculum that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the evolving manufacturing landscape. Furthermore, the paper explores the significance of EREMI’s contributions to the field, emphasising the importance of resource efficiency and system optimisation in industrial settings. By addressing the challenges posed by under-digitised infrastructure, the project aims to drive sustainable and innovative practices in manufacturing. All five project partner organisations have been actively engaged in offering relevant educational content and framework for decentralised sustainable economic development in regional and national contexts through capacity building at a local level. A crucial element of the added value is the new channel for obtaining feedback from students. The survey results, which are outlined in the paper, offer valuable insights gathered from students, contributing to the continuous improvement of the project. Full article

European manufacturing companies are currently in a very difficult situation. On the one hand, they have to strive for sustainable development. On the other hand, they have to face problems related to the geopolitical situation and the pursuit of cleaner production (including restrictive regulations on emissions). A significant increase in electricity prices means that companies have to take steps to use electricity rationally without reducing the level of production or incurring other additional costs. In this study, attention was paid to the influence of quality tools (QTs) in production process (PP) management on increasing energy efficiency (EE). Based on the literature review, it was found that the most frequently described QTs, i.e., SMED, TPM, Six Sigma, SPC, FMEA, 5S, or Poka-Yoke, used to improve PP did not take into account their impact on the EE of the enterprises. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to examine this correlation and show that QTs can be helpful in shaping the energy management system (EMS). Achieving the research goal was possible thanks to surveys carried out among manufacturing companies. Using statistical tests, the existence of a statistically significant correlation was proved between QTs and EMS elements. Full article

This paper presents the use of digital technologies and industrial robots in manufacturing firms. More importantly, we look at the relationship between the use of digital technologies and industrial robots within the Industry 4.0 concept. We also use a specific Industry 4.0 Readiness index to assess manufacturing firms’ Industry 4.0 readiness level and analyze the relationship between the achieved readiness level and the use of industrial robots. The research is based on data from 118 manufacturing firms from a European Manufacturing Survey. Based on statistical analysis, we present the results that show a significant correlation between the use of specific digital technologies and two types of industrial robots. Our study also points out that manufacturing firms with a higher Industry 4.0 readiness level tend to use industrial robots more frequently. Full article

The reuse and recycling of critical raw materials is limited, as waste electrical and electronic recycling focuses on base and precious metals, and device component reuse is in its infancy. To help to address this issue this paper provides the conceptual design of a Digital Product Passport based circular supply management system. To enable the recovery of critical raw materials at component and material levels for reuse and recycling. The works include an assessment of existing critical raw materials information management and an information needs identification survey, with 10 manufacturers, producer responsibility organisations, collectors and recyclers. The needs were used to generate 14 key product information management processes and exchanges that when implemented form a Digital Product Passport based circular supply management system. Information managed via a physical-digital linkage through individual product tags includes product registrations, materials declarations, life cycle status updates, the sorting of products at collection points based on critical raw material contents, and flagging of products for critical raw materials component extraction. A dataspace-based IT systems architecture is proposed for the implementation of the supply management system taking into account global and European information standards. Finally, key challenges to implement such an IT architecture are discussed. Full article