Track: Masters Thesis Competition

Abstract

Waste management is a challenge, especially in developing countries. The rapid economic and population growth has further exacerbated the consumption rate, which is the main driver behind massive waste generation. Therefore, to counteract the impact and consequences of the spiraling waste generation; it is essential to do away with unsuitable and flawed means of production and adopt sustainable manufacturing. The emerging concept of 6R- based sustainable manufacturing with its technological elements has given light to new ways of production that can be adopted to achieve environmental protection.

Material efficiency contributes to reducing industrial waste volumes, reduced extraction and consumption of virgin raw materials, increased waste segregation, decreased energy demand, and reduced carbon emissions. Thereby reducing the environmental impact of waste generated by the manufacturing industry. However, the concept of 6R and material efficiency are poorly researched with very limited information on their role in waste minimization especially at manufacturing levels. Waste generation can only be reduced if material consumption and material flow is monitored at the early stages of production, and this can be done through emphasis on material efficiency in the industrial level. There is a gap in literature and industrial practice regarding material efficiency in manufacturing hence, the need for evaluation of existing manufacturing practices to find ways to integrate material efficiency at manufacturing level.