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Reviewing Environmental Benefits of Urban Manufacturing: Arguments and Evidence for Carbon, Resource, and Space Efficiency

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  • Marius Angstmann

    (Institute for Work and Technology, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences, Germany / Institute of Geography, Osnabrück University, Germany)

  • Kerstin Meyer

    (Institute for Work and Technology, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences, Germany / TU Dortmund University, Germany)

  • Stefan Gärtner

    (Institute for Work and Technology, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences, Germany)

  • Leonard Can Stratmann

    (Institute for Work and Technology, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences, Germany)

Abstract

Urban manufacturing has emerged as a key concept in the discourse on sustainable urban development, yet its precise contributions to sustainability remain incompletely understood. This article presents a systematic literature review that examines the role of urban manufacturing in promoting low‐carbon, energy‐, resource‐, and space‐efficient urban economies. By analysing 163 relevant articles on urban manufacturing identified in the Web of Science and Scopus databases, this review synthesises key sustainability arguments and empirical evidence with a focus on environmental impacts. Findings are structured along three key dimensions of efficiency: carbon, resource, and space. These are subdivided into two underlying logics that emerged as central themes in the scientific literature: sustainability by proximity and sustainability through urban synergies, which are possible when urban manufacturing is functionally integrated into the city. While theoretical and anecdotal claims of environmental benefits abound, empirical validations across different contexts are lacking and require further research. In conclusion, the positive impact of urban manufacturing on the environment depends on integrating advanced technologies into specific spatial, environmental, and socio‐economic contexts. This does not mean that we lack confidence in the arguments regarding urban manufacturing’s positive environmental impact. Rather, it is a call for more empirical research. Future research should prioritise the analysis of technologies and their implementation in different urban environments to engage with this discrepancy between the large number of arguments and the limited and only partially transferable evidence.

Suggested Citation

  • Marius Angstmann & Kerstin Meyer & Stefan Gärtner & Leonard Can Stratmann, 2025. "Reviewing Environmental Benefits of Urban Manufacturing: Arguments and Evidence for Carbon, Resource, and Space Efficiency," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 10.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:urbpla:v10:y:2025:a:10039
    DOI: 10.17645/up.10039
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Xiaoli Chen & Zhefeng Huang & Chaoguang Luo & Zhineng Hu, 2024. "Can Agricultural Industry Integration Reduce the Rural–Urban Income Gap? Evidence from County-Level Data in China," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-20, March.
    2. Andrea Barni & Donatella Corti & Paolo Pedrazzoli & Diego Rovere, 2018. "A Digital Fabrication Infrastructure Enabling Distributed Design and Production of Custom Furniture," Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics, in: Stephan Hankammer & Kjeld Nielsen & Frank T. Piller & Günther Schuh & Ning Wang (ed.), Customization 4.0, pages 173-190, Springer.
    3. Gärtner, Stefan & Stegmann, Tim, 2015. "Neue Arbeit und Produktion im Quartier: Beobachtungen und Wishful Thinking," Forschung Aktuell 7/2015, Institut Arbeit und Technik (IAT), Westfälische Hochschule, University of Applied Sciences.
    4. Eleonora Di Maria & Stefano Micelli & Luca Menesello & Selena Brocca, 2022. "GVC-Oriented Policies and Urban Manufacturing: The Role of Cities in Global Value Chains," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-28, January.
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