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Sustainable innovation: Case studies from product development

Author

Listed:
  • Walter Leal Filho
  • Tiago F. A. C. Sigahi
  • Rosley Anholon
  • Izabela Simon Rampasso
  • Johannes (Joost) Platje
  • Luis Velazquez
  • Amanda Lange Salvia

Abstract

Attempts to implement sustainable development in industry are hampered by the fact that production processes are often not environmentally sound. Therefore, there is a need for innovation processes that are sustainable. This means that they need to be durable on the one hand, but also with reduced materials consumption and a low carbon footprint, on the other. Current trends suggest that much could be gained, by undertaking research that may lead to more sustainable industrial production and processes. Against this background, this paper describes the characteristics of sustainable innovation, discusses what makes innovation sustainable, and introduces a set of case studies where different types of innovation in product development are described, drawing the lessons learned. The paper concludes by describing the items, which need to be considered in the future, to make a greater use of sustainable innovation principles in product development, as part of a systemic transformation.

Suggested Citation

  • Walter Leal Filho & Tiago F. A. C. Sigahi & Rosley Anholon & Izabela Simon Rampasso & Johannes (Joost) Platje & Luis Velazquez & Amanda Lange Salvia, 2025. "Sustainable innovation: Case studies from product development," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(2), pages 3086-3098, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:2:p:3086-3098
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.3269
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    References listed on IDEAS

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