Short answer

Adopt a lifecycle perspective in design, considering resource inputs, manufacturing processes, product use, and disposal to identify and implement mitigation strategies across the entire value chain.

Field
Resource Management
Source
IIASA PURE (International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis) (2014)
Method
Literature review and synthesis of existing research and integrated model findings.
Evidence
Strong effect

Industrial activities encompass the entire product lifecycle, from raw material extraction and manufacturing to product use and end-of-life, presenting opportunities for mitigation at each stage. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2014 study published in IIASA PURE (International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis). Using Literature review and synthesis of existing research and integrated model findings., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Adopt a lifecycle perspective in design, considering resource inputs, manufacturing processes, product use, and disposal to identify and implement mitigation strategies across the entire value chain.

Study
Resource ManagementHigh ImpactStrong effect

Industrial Supply Chains: From Extraction to End-of-Life Mitigation

Industrial activities encompass the entire product lifecycle, from raw material extraction and manufacturing to product use and end-of-life, presenting opportunities for mitigation at each stage.

IIASA PURE (International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis) · 2014

01

Key Findings

  • 01Industrial activities span the entire product lifecycle: extraction, manufacturing, use, and end-of-life.
  • 02Mitigation opportunities exist at every stage of the supply chain.
  • 03Behavioral aspects and policy instruments are crucial for effective mitigation.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Adopt a lifecycle perspective in design, considering resource inputs, manufacturing processes, product use, and disposal to identify and implement mitigation strategies across the entire value chain.

How to apply

When designing a new product, map out its entire lifecycle, identifying potential environmental hotspots and opportunities for improvement at each stage, from raw material extraction to end-of-life.

Project actions

  • 01When analyzing a product, consider its entire supply chain and lifecycle.
  • 02Research the environmental impact of material extraction and end-of-life disposal for your chosen product.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo analyze mitigation strategies across the entire industrial supply chain, from material sourcing to product disposal.
MethodLiterature review and synthesis of existing research and integrated model findings.
ProcedureThe research synthesized developments in industrial mitigation since the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report, examining trends in activity and emissions, mitigation options (technological, practical, and behavioral), their potentials, costs, co-benefits, risks, and barriers. It also incorporated waste management hierarchies and integrated model findings on long-term mitigation pathways.
ContextIndustrial sector, supply chain analysis, climate change mitigation.

Variables

IVIndustrial activities across the supply chain (extraction, manufacturing, use, end-of-life).
DVMitigation potentials, costs, co-benefits, risks, and barriers.
CVTrends in activity and emissions, policy instruments, integrated model findings.
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Comprehensive scope covering the entire industrial supply chain.
  • +Integration of technological, behavioral, and policy aspects.

Limitations

It can be challenging to gather comprehensive data for every stage of a complex supply chain.

Reliability & validity

The findings are based on a synthesis of multiple studies and models, which can provide a robust overview but may also inherit the limitations of the individual sources. The validity relies on the accuracy and representativeness of the underlying data and models.

Think critically

How can a designer effectively influence stages of the supply chain that are outside of their direct control, such as raw material extraction or consumer disposal habits?

05

Design Principles

"Design for Sustainability: Integrate environmental considerations throughout the entire product lifecycle, from cradle to grave or cradle to cradle."

Understanding the full supply chain allows designers and engineers to identify critical points for resource optimization, waste reduction, and the implementation of sustainable practices. This holistic view is essential for developing products and systems that minimize environmental impact.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Think about the whole life of a product, not just how it's made. Where do the materials come from? What happens to it when it's thrown away? There are ways to make things better for the environment at every step.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use this research to justify the importance of a lifecycle assessment for your design project.
  • 2.Cite this work when discussing the broader environmental context of your design choices.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research emphasizes that industrial mitigation efforts must encompass the entire product lifecycle, from raw material extraction through manufacturing to product use and end-of-life. By analyzing the full supply chain, designers can identify critical points for resource optimization and waste reduction, leading to more sustainable product development.

09

Source

IIASA PURE (International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis)

Chapter 10 - Industry

journal · 2014

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about industrial supply chains: from extraction to end-of-life mitigation?
Adopt a lifecycle perspective in design, considering resource inputs, manufacturing processes, product use, and disposal to identify and implement mitigation strategies across the entire value chain. Evidence: IIASA PURE (International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis) (2014).
Why does "Industrial Supply Chains: From Extraction to End-of-Life Mitigation" matter for design?
Understanding the full supply chain allows designers and engineers to identify critical points for resource optimization, waste reduction, and the implementation of sustainable practices. This holistic view is essential for developing products and systems that minimize environmental impact.
How can designers apply this research?
Adopt a lifecycle perspective in design, considering resource inputs, manufacturing processes, product use, and disposal to identify and implement mitigation strategies across the entire value chain.
What were the main findings?
Industrial activities span the entire product lifecycle: extraction, manufacturing, use, and end-of-life.. Mitigation opportunities exist at every stage of the supply chain.. Behavioral aspects and policy instruments are crucial for effective mitigation.
What research method was used?
Literature review and synthesis of existing research and integrated model findings..
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2014 journal from IIASA PURE (International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis).
What should I do differently in my next project?
When designing a new product, map out its entire lifecycle, identifying potential environmental hotspots and opportunities for improvement at each stage, from raw material extraction to end-of-life.
What are the limitations?
The study relies on synthesized data and model outputs, which may have inherent uncertainties. Specific mitigation potentials and costs can vary significantly depending on the industry and region.