In a world increasingly attuned to environmental concerns, innovative product design and sustainability is shaping the future of mechanical engineering. In part, greater consumer demand for products with positive environmental credentials drives the change. However, there is much disinformation, economic inconsistency and greenwashing. This clouds the judgement of producers and consumers alike. This article explores some of the key elements for achieving the best possible standards of sustainable product design for manufacturing, whilst attempting to meet the conflicting demands of planet and profit. 

Sustainability needs innovation 

It’s a challenging, and thrilling, time to be a design engineer. Small advances and minor shifts or updates to design and functionality will always play their part, but now is a time for the big thinkers. Like the vanguards of the Industrial Revolution, it will be the major shifts in engineering design that will shape our sustainable future. ‘Thinking outside the box’ may be a modern cliché, but it’s what’s demanded if we are to engineer for a greener tomorrow.  

Responsible manufacturing requires responsible product design 

We can improve standards of working and verify supply chains, reduce carbon footprints of production and transportation. However, if we continue to produce unsustainable products – to coin an old cliché – we’re simply robbing Peter to pay Paul. Truly responsible manufacturing is only achievable with a consistent movement towards product design with sustainability top of mind.  

Engineering design with the end in mind 

Starting a mechanical engineering design with the end in mind may seem obvious – but the end point needs moving. It’s no longer adequate to think of the end point as the primary use of a component or product post-production. The new end point relates to what happens next – once the primary use is exhausted. Sustainable product design carefully considers how best to balance environmental impact of raw material use, and transportation. Critically, it also puts reuse and recycling front and centre.  

Best material choice for sustainable design 

Material choice is fundamental to future sustainability, whether for re-use or recycling. However, to choose well requires a wider understanding of the harsh realities of recycling practice. There is little point, for example, in specifying a material which meets ‘greenwashing’ claims to be 100% recyclable, if 90% of local authorities have no resource to recycle the material and it goes to landfill anyway. We continue to be astounded by how few designs factor this in. It can be all too easy to buy in to the marketing hype that surrounds some materials (like plastic coated papers, for example). 

Real world sustainable design 

Here at Convert Design, we put sustainable design at the heart of every product and every project. It matters to the planet. It matters to us. It matters to your customers. Our first – and last – thought is “how can this be re-used or recycled?” But this doesn’t mean we overlook cost-effectiveness. On the contrary, we’re more aware than most of the ‘real’ costs of production when we design and specify. It’s why major brands, like Aston Martin, Dyson and Caudwell Marine rely on us to collaborate on producing prestige products where reputation is everything. It’s also why small businesses who want to be bigger businesses also choose us to be their engineering design partner. After all, end consumer satisfaction delivers measurable impact on the business bottom line.  

Sustainable design – for life, not just for the moment 

Sustainable design is not just a contemporary trend but a manifestation of evolving values in society. Historical parallels emphasise the role of mechanical engineers in steering product design and manufacturing towards responsible and sustainable practices. 

If you’d like a no-obligation conversation exploring how we might help you achieve your own sustainable objectives, why not message us?