Framework to Support Digital and Sustainable Manufacturing: From Research Environments to Industrial Applications

This paper introduces a structured and replicable framework designed to support the transition towards digitally enabled sustainable manufacturing. Recognizing the persistent challenges faced by industrial stakeholders—such as lack of data integration, limited methodological guidance, and organizational resistance—the framework leverages controlled research environments, specifically Learning Factories, as experimental and validation platforms. These environments allow for the safe and iterative testing of digital solutions combined with sustainability assessment methodologies, bridging the gap between conceptual innovation and industrial applicability. The core innovation lies in the integration of real-time data acquisition systems with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools, enabling dynamic environmental performance evaluations embedded directly within operational contexts. The framework guides users through sequential phases: from the identification of enabling technologies and sustainability goals, to the co-design, implementation, and validation of integrated solutions. A case study demonstrates its applicability, highlighting how digital infrastructures can be harmonized with sustainability assessment practices to support data-driven, adaptive decision-making. The proposed approach contributes not only to advancing academic discourse but also to equipping companies with actionable strategies for navigating the complex path toward Industry 5.0. It fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and provides a scalable model for aligning technological innovation with long-term sustainability objectives.