MT Magazine September/October 2023

LAMARKABLES

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023

31

environment but also involves social and economic factors. The plastic production industry does not significantly contribute to regional economies or provide many jobs compared to the renewable energy sector, for example. Plus, plastic pollution has devastating impacts on wildlife, ecosystems (there’s an island made of plastic trash swirling around in the Pacific that’s three times the size of France), and potentially human health (we ingest about five grams of microplastics every week without knowing it) – all indicators that plastic bottles are not a sustainable product. In fact, a growing number of cities and companies are taking steps to reduce or eliminate plastic in favor of more sustainable alternatives. So, while plastic bottles may seem convenient and economical due to their inexpensive production costs, their environmental, economic, and social impacts make them a far cry from sustainable. Subtractive manufacturing, which involves removing material to create a product, can indeed be more sustainable if all the waste produced in the process is effectively collected, filtered, recycled, and reused. Lean principles can also add to this sustainability by reducing waste, improving efficiency, and consuming less energy. However, it’s worth bearing in mind some caveats. The environmental impact can vary greatly depending on the specific materials and energy sources used. For example, if the material being worked on is non-renewable or if substantial energy (especially from non-renewable sources) is required, these factors can impact the overall sustainability of the production process. On the other hand, additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, uses the exact amount of material needed to create a product, thus producing less raw material waste. Both methods have potential advantages in terms of sustainability. The specific environmental impact of additive and subtractive manufacturing can depend on a range of factors, including the scale of production, the efficiency of the machines used, the recyclability of waste materials, and the life-cycle of the products made, among others. That being said, efforts toward recycling, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and lean manufacturing are always beneficial Sustainability in Manufacturing: Additive vs. Subtractive

steps toward sustainability. It's crucial to consider these factors holistically rather than focusing on single elements. Innovation and technology development in both sectors continue to push us toward more responsible and sustainable manufacturing practices across industries. Regardless of the methods used, striving for optimal efficiency, minimal waste, and recycling should always be at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing strategies. Conclusion Sustainability is not merely a trend or buzzword but a necessary shift in how we interact with our planet’s resources. It involves utilizing resources in a way that does not deplete them for future generations, refraining from harming the environment, contributing to social equity, and being economically viable. While some practices, like the production and recycling of plastic bottles, may seem sustainable, a more comprehensive look at plastic's life-cycle shows its overuse extracts a heavy toll on the environment and our health. Other technologies, like solar panels and additive and subtractive manufacturing, offer varying levels of success. Because sustainability requires emphasizing energy efficiency, environmental preservation, waste control, life-cycle management, social and economic impacts, and a web of other considerations, a holistic viewpoint must be employed to make the well-informed choices that will improve our systems and products for the overall benefit of our planet and future generations. TL;DR and Key Takeaway You better watch your mouth when you use “sustainable” around these parts, traveler! We need to take more time to assess what is in fact sustainable and what isn’t, and more importantly, we’ll call it out when something is falsely claimed as sustainable. If you have any questions about this information, please contact Stephen at slamarca@AMTonline.org. For more LaMarkable content, stream Seasons One and Two of “Road Trippin’ with Steve” now on IMTS.com/plus.

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