Multi-Criteria Assessment: A Case Study Integrating Eco-design Principles in Sustainable Manufacturing

This study integrates Eco-design principles and the Life Cycle approach in an MCA to evaluate the sustainability performance of manufacturing routes. The assessment is applied to conventional production across five use cases involving complex geometry parts. The aim is to evaluate areas of material criticality, environmental impacts, chemical risks, as well as social aspects, including gender dimensions (C-MET-ESG). Outcomes are synthesised into colour-coded hotspot tables and Eco-design recommendations. Key findings highlight opportunities such as substituting high-criticality alloys, increasing material efficiency, and promoting gender inclusive workplace practices. Technological transitions from CNC machining and hazardous post-processing to laser and additive manufacturing further enhance safety, resource efficiency, and resilience. The novelty of this study lies in the integration of LCA principles, the C-MET-ESG matrix, and CRA-SSbD guidelines within an MCA, establishing a hazard-aware, socially inclusive, and technically robust framework. This approach provides life cycle linked evidence that connects early design choices to sustainability outcomes. Furthermore, the study offers a transferable methodology for sustainable manufacturing in both established and emerging technologies.