Emerging Advances in Sustainable Manufacturing

The present study undertakes a systematic review of the latest trends in sustainable manufacturing over the past five years, exploring future developments in technologies, methods, and strategies. Utilizing the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology, adapted to engineering, this research ensures transparency and reproducibility throughout the identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion stages of the review process. A review of the extant literature identified several key terms that were frequently incorporated into research inquiries, including Industry 4.0, circular economy, additive manufacturing (AM), and the use of sustainable materials. The study’s main findings highlight the transformative role of digital technologies in fostering closed-loop systems and resource efficiency. For industry professionals, this signifies concrete prospects for enhancing operational efficiency, mitigating waste, and shifting towards more robust production models. Nonetheless, this review discloses persistent challenges, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These challenges encompass elevated implementation costs and the intricacy of advanced digital solutions. The study’s findings indicate that while Industry 4.0 is a predominant catalyst for sustainable practices, its extensive adoption is impeded by substantial implementation costs and skill deficits. The study’s concluding remarks outline strategic directions for future research and policy, advocating for scalable, inclusive solutions to facilitate a global transition toward sustainable industrial systems.