Sustainability in product development: Scientists demand a rethink!

Sustainability in product development: Scientists demand a rethink!

On June 14, 2025, a research team from the Technical Universities of Chemnitz, Dresden and the Bergakademie Freiberg published a groundbreaking study in the “Journal of Cleaner Production”. The study entitled “Integrating sustainability facets into the early stages of new product development using multi-criteria tools – a critical review” deals with the integration of sustainability aspects in the early phases of product development. The authors, including Tom Hunger and professors Dr. Marlen Gabriele Arnold, Dr. Sven Engesser and Dr. K. Gerald van den Boogaart, criticize the limited use of existing methods such as multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) in these crucial phases.

The study highlights that despite the growing importance of sustainability in product development, social, cultural and political dimensions are often neglected. However, these aspects are crucial for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Against the backdrop of new legal frameworks, such as the EU Ecodesign Directive and the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, the need for transparent product data management is clearer than ever.

Practical recommendations for companies

The practical recommendations for action presented in the study aim to integrate sustainability into the development process at an early stage. The researchers propose, among other things, improvements in the selection of materials and the design of modular product concepts. This also includes the development of new, software-supported decision-making tools that make it possible to efficiently take sustainability criteria into account.

A central concern of the study is the stronger link between sustainability, innovation research and product development. With a clear research agenda and concrete steps, the study offers both science and industry a guide on how technological innovations can be directly linked to social responsibility. The emphasis is on the structured approach to sustainability and the need to consider future impacts at early stages of development.

Sustainability as a multidimensional concept

Sustainable development is more than just a buzzword. It is a multidimensional concept that includes socioeconomic, environmental, technical and ethical perspectives. The implementation of sustainability policies raises several questions: Sustainability of what and for whom? In this context, multiple criteria decision analysis plays a crucial role in managing sustainability conflicts, both at micro- and macro-analytical levels. These approaches provide theoretical arguments and empirical experiences that can be applied in practice to promote sustainable decision-making approaches.

In addition to developing tools and methods, understanding the basic principles of sustainability is also essential. It is a central responsibility for companies, society and future generations to find a balance between economic, ecological and social interests. The United Nations' Agenda 2030, which was adopted in 2015, defines a total of 17 global sustainability goals (Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs) that serve as a model for sustainable action. These goals are aimed at governments, companies and society and illustrate how sustainability can be applied in different areas of life.

The current research results and the associated recommendations are an important step towards more sustainable product development that not only meets legal requirements, but also creates added value for society. It is time for companies and scientists to work together to implement these findings to ensure a sustainable future for future generations.