Redefining sustainability and sustainable manufacturing in the new age

Persistent inertia in global production and consumption systems continues to exacerbate environmental degradation, threatening planetary resilience. With ecosystems approaching their biophysical limits in resource, material, and energy provision, incremental change is no longer adequate. In an era of rapid socio-economic and technological transformations, there is a pressing need to re-conceptualize and operationalize sustainability principles across industrial and societal domains. This study undertakes a systematic and integrative review of peer-reviewed literature in the domains of sustainability and sustainable manufacturing, applying a thematic synthesis approach to consolidate theoretical, empirical, and practice-oriented insights. By critically examining the evolution, scope, and intersections of these concepts, the research develops updated, holistic definitions of “Sustainability” and “Sustainable Manufacturing” that reflect contemporary global challenges and opportunities. The proposed definitions aim to advance conceptual clarity, enhance cross-disciplinary coherence, and provide a robust foundation for both scholarly inquiry and policy-industry alignment toward a more regenerative and equitable future.