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Smart Technologies Toward Sustainable Eco-Friendly Industry
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Smart Technologies Toward Sustainable Eco-Friendly Industry

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Sustainability and Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 13 September 2026 | Viewed by 17502

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Christian Spreafico

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Management, Information and Production Engineering, University of Bergamo, 24044 Dalmine, Italy
Interests: sustainability; patent research; FMEA; eco-design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Baris Ördek

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland
Interests: sustainable design; machine learning; image processing; manufacturing process selection; additive manufacturing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Smart technologies boost efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support sustainability. However, challenges like high costs, energy consumption, data availability, and labelling issues hinder their implementation in eco-friendly industries.

The literature offers several applications, including machine learning, patent analysis, systematic innovation methods, life cycle assessment, generative artificial intelligence, and designs for additive manufacturing to address challenges and provide robust support for sustainable, eco-friendly industries. One of the significant limitations of these approaches is the integration and real-time applicability of smart technologies in sustainable manufacturing.

This Special Issue aims to collect theoretical and practical articles that establish connections between various eco-friendly support tools, creating a more integrated and structured approach to support sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. Thus, this collection invites research contributions focusing on, but not limited to, the following areas:

  • AI and machine learning applications for improving sustainability in manufacturing.
  • Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) to support sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing.
  • Life cycle assessment (LCA) and prospective LCA to assess the impacts of new and emerging technologies.
  • The use of artificial intelligence and sources of technical knowledge sources, such as patents, to support sustainable innovative design through technological forecasting.

Dr. Christian Spreafico
Dr. Baris Ördek
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • machine learning
  • FMEA
  • LCA
  • prospective LCA
  • patent analysis

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 1050 KB  
Article
Patent-Based Prospective Life Cycle Assessment and Eco-Design of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
by Baris Ördek and Christian Spreafico
Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020711 - 10 Jan 2026
Viewed by 534
Abstract
Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are a promising emerging technology due to their high energy density, low-cost materials, and safety. However, their environmental sustainability is not yet well understood. This study conducted a prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) on two patented LSB models, using data [...] Read more.
Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are a promising emerging technology due to their high energy density, low-cost materials, and safety. However, their environmental sustainability is not yet well understood. This study conducted a prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) on two patented LSB models, using data from patents as the inventory: one with a standard sulfur cathode and another with a graphene–sulfur composite (GSC). The assessment is conducted for a functional unit of 1 Wh of produced electricity, adopting a cradle-to-gate system boundary and a prospective time horizon set to 2035. The LSB GSC model battery showed significantly better performance in terms of climate change and fossil depletion, with a 42% lower impact, mainly due to a reduction in the lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) content from 1205 mg Wh−1 to 250 mg Wh−1. However, the GSC model also had significant drawbacks, showing a 93% higher metal depletion and 49% higher water depletion than the standard sulfur battery. Building on an established patent-based prospective LCA approach, this work applies patent-derived quantitative inventories and patent-informed eco-design analysis to support environmentally informed design decisions for emerging LSB technologies prior to large-scale commercialization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Technologies Toward Sustainable Eco-Friendly Industry)
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31 pages, 469 KB  
Article
Financial Performance and ESG Sustainability of the Electronics Industry in Europe: A Quantitative Approach
by Guido Migliaccio and Mirko Mozzillo
Sustainability 2025, 17(24), 10949; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172410949 - 8 Dec 2025
Viewed by 824
Abstract
Europe’s technological and sustainable transition will be possible, even and especially if the electronics industry adapts its production standards. This industry could become a testing ground because it raises serious environmental and social issues. This study critically evaluates the relationships between the economic [...] Read more.
Europe’s technological and sustainable transition will be possible, even and especially if the electronics industry adapts its production standards. This industry could become a testing ground because it raises serious environmental and social issues. This study critically evaluates the relationships between the economic and financial performance of NACE 26 companies and their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. It uses data from the financial statements of numerous companies over a decade to determine whether the sustainable activities adopted by these companies have impacted their profitability, operational efficiency, and qualitative and quantitative capital structure. The research is conducted through a multilevel quantitative analysis, combining descriptive approaches, multiple regression, and path analysis. The study’s findings indicate that the adoption of ESG strategies improves companies’ competitiveness and resilience in the medium to long term. In the short term, however, ESG strategies cause a slight reduction in profitability, primarily due to the costs associated with green investments. Effective governance is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and cultivating a mutually beneficial and positive relationship between sustainability, digital innovation, and value creation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Technologies Toward Sustainable Eco-Friendly Industry)
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31 pages, 10388 KB  
Article
Enhancing Concrete Durability and Resource Efficiency Through Rice Husk Ash Incorporation: A Data-Driven Approach
by Ece Öztürk, Ceren Ince, Yuri Borgianni, Shahram Derogar, Alan M. Forster and Richard James Ball
Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9382; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219382 - 22 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2306
Abstract
Cement production is responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, creating an urgent need for sustainable material alternatives. This study investigates the incorporation of rice husk ash as a partial replacement for cement and sand in concrete to enhance durability and [...] Read more.
Cement production is responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, creating an urgent need for sustainable material alternatives. This study investigates the incorporation of rice husk ash as a partial replacement for cement and sand in concrete to enhance durability and reduce environmental impact. A database-driven approach was applied, analyzing over 1000 data points from the literature published between 1996 and 2020. The analysis focused on correlations among key durability indicators, including chloride resistance, acid resistance, electrical resistivity, and porosity. Based on these relationships, optimal rice husk ash replacement levels were identified as 30% for cement and 20% for sand. Findings show that rice husk ash incorporation significantly improves durability and can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40%, particularly when combined with pozzolans such as fly ash and metakaolin. The study highlights that analyzing correlated durability factors is crucial for refining optimal replacement levels. This research provides a data-driven pathway for incorporating rice husk ash as an agricultural waste product into concrete and supports circular economy and resource conservation efforts. These contributions ultimately help attain the UN Sustainable Development Goals and wider sustainability targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Technologies Toward Sustainable Eco-Friendly Industry)
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33 pages, 877 KB  
Article
Sustainability Index in Apparel: A Multicriteria Model Covering Environmental Footprint, Social Impacts, and Durability
by Anabela Gonçalves, Bárbara R. Leite and Carla Silva
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 8004; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17178004 - 5 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2717
Abstract
Consumers are increasingly willing to choose more sustainable products, driven by affordability and sustainability considerations. However, they often face difficulties in understanding the multitude of product certifications and identifying “greenwashing” marketing claims. This highlights the need for a clear and harmonized sustainability scoring [...] Read more.
Consumers are increasingly willing to choose more sustainable products, driven by affordability and sustainability considerations. However, they often face difficulties in understanding the multitude of product certifications and identifying “greenwashing” marketing claims. This highlights the need for a clear and harmonized sustainability scoring system that allows consumers to benchmark products. Sustainability encompasses three key pillars: environmental, social, and economic. Accurately scoring a product’s sustainability requires addressing a wide range of criteria within these pillars, introducing significant complexity. This study proposes a multicriteria methodology for scoring the sustainability of apparel products into an A to E label. The approach combines a life cycle assessment covering environmental impacts from “farm-to-gate”, with a social evaluation based on country-level social key performance indicators (KPIs) and factory-specific data aligned with the International Labour Organization (ILO). Additionally, the sustainability score incorporates the impact of product durability, as longer-lasting products can reduce environmental footprint and costs for consumers. The methodology is defined and validated through a case study of a white T-shirt produced with 50% recycled cotton and 50% organic cotton. The results demonstrate the comprehensive assessment of the T-shirt’s environmental and social impacts, providing a detailed sustainability score, highlighting the role of recyclability. This comprehensive sustainability scoring system aims to provide consumers with a clear, harmonized, and reliable assessment of product sustainability, empowering everyone to make informed purchasing decisions aligned with their values. It will also enable brands and retailers to calculate the sustainability score of their products, including in the scope of digital product passport, provided they can ensure traceability and transparency along the supply chain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Technologies Toward Sustainable Eco-Friendly Industry)
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22 pages, 1268 KB  
Article
Wardrobe Management Apps and Their Unintended Benefits for Fashion Sustainability and Well-Being: Insights from User Reviews
by Gigi Jiang and Lisa Macintyre
Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4159; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094159 - 4 May 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 10127
Abstract
Global clothing production and waste continues to increase while garment utilisation is decreasing. Many consumers wear only a fraction of the clothing they own, often forgetting or overlooking items already in their wardrobes. This disconnection from existing garments encourages unnecessary purchases and contributes [...] Read more.
Global clothing production and waste continues to increase while garment utilisation is decreasing. Many consumers wear only a fraction of the clothing they own, often forgetting or overlooking items already in their wardrobes. This disconnection from existing garments encourages unnecessary purchases and contributes to the environmental and psychological burden of fashion overconsumption. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of wardrobe management apps (WMAs) and their potential for reducing fashion overconsumption. This paper has two core aims: first, to assess how WMAs contribute to sustainability through organisation, extended use, and behavioural change, and second, to examine their emotional and practical benefits for users. A content analysis of 27 WMAs was conducted alongside a thematic analysis of all 5953 user reviews from Apple and Google Play stores. Our analysis showed that 470 users reported behavioural shifts related to reduced overconsumption and increased garment utilisation, while a further 210 users described psychological benefits such as improved mental clarity and reduced anxiety. These results demonstrate the potential of WMAs to support more sustainable fashion habits and enhanced consumer well-being, offering a digital means to promote responsible consumption and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 12. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Technologies Toward Sustainable Eco-Friendly Industry)
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28 pages, 838 KB  
Review
Smart Technologies for Water Resources Management (WRM) in Semi-Arid Latin America: A Narrative Review and Adoption Agenda
by Eduardo Alonso Sánchez Ruiz, Lázaro V. Cremades and Stephanie Villanueva Benites
Sustainability 2026, 18(6), 3153; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18063153 - 23 Mar 2026
Viewed by 210
Abstract
Semi-arid territories in Latin America face chronic water stress; limited observability and fragmented institutions constrain effective water resources management (WRM). This narrative review synthesizes peer-reviewed evidence (2020–2026) on smart technologies that strengthen basin- and utility-level WRM, using Peru (Piura-like coastal semi-arid contexts) as [...] Read more.
Semi-arid territories in Latin America face chronic water stress; limited observability and fragmented institutions constrain effective water resources management (WRM). This narrative review synthesizes peer-reviewed evidence (2020–2026) on smart technologies that strengthen basin- and utility-level WRM, using Peru (Piura-like coastal semi-arid contexts) as an anchor and Latin America as a comparative lens. We used a structured, traceable database-based workflow and synthesized studies reporting measurable outcomes across five application categories: drought/flood early warning, hydrometeorological forecasting, water quality surveillance, non-revenue water (NRW)/leakage, and allocation and compliance. Findings were organized into an application-oriented taxonomy spanning remote sensing (RS) and GIS, Internet of Things (IoT)/telemetry, analytics/AI-enabled decision support, and hybrid approaches. Evidence most consistently reports operational gains (coverage, timeliness, predictive performance), while governance outcomes are less frequently measured and appear contingent on interoperability, digital capacity, and sustainable operations and maintenance (O&M) conditions. We conclude with a territorial adoption agenda specifying minimum enabling conditions and a phased pathway from pilots to scalable, eco-efficient smart WRM in Peru and comparable semi-arid settings across Latin America. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Technologies Toward Sustainable Eco-Friendly Industry)
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