Systematic analysis of comparative studies between additive and conventional manufacturing focusing on the environmental performance of logistics operations

Abstract

Based on the promise to revolutionize the entire supply chain, additive manufacturing is seen as an alternative to conventional manufacturing processes, since it simplifies the production of small batches, shortens the distances between production and consumption and generates new distribution models. Due to its huge potential to spread more sustainable environmental practices, investigations on the environmental assumptions, concerning the application of additive manufacturing technologies, are required. Therefore, based on a systematic literature review, this study aimed to analyze the studies that addressed the environmental performance of logistics operations in a comparison among conventional and additive manufacturing, using the Life Cycle Assessment technic (LCA). Although there are few available studies that quantitatively analyze and compare the environmental performance of the additive manufacturing process with traditional process from a transport perspective, it has been concluded that reducing the distances and the quantity of transported products, carbon dioxide emissions and the consumption of energy resources are reduced.

Carbon Emissions in Transportation: A Synthesis Framework

“…Figure 6 displays the SLR methods. A systematic literature review was the most common methodology adopted [43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54], followed by narrative literature reviews [55][56][57][58][59][60], critical reviews [61][62][63], and, finally, meta-analyses [64,65] and state-of-the-art reviews [66,67]. Interestingly, even though the systematic review is the most popular review approach, all systematic reviews were concentrated in the last seven years (i.e., 2016 to 2022), showing an increasing trend towards more rigour in the academic review of the subject.…”

“…From a comparative analysis of additive and conventional manufacturing, Pilz et al [50] conclude that additive manufacturing reduces the distances and quantity of products transported, thus reducing energy consumption and CO 2 emissions. However, Pilz et al [50] draw attention to the need for more studies in decentralised supply chains, particularly those based on the life-cycle assessment (LCA) approach, for a more comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts of additive manufacturing. Moreover, concerning technologies that indirectly impact transportation, Salvucci et al [63] identify carbon capture and storage as a strategy.…”

Carbon Emissions in Transportation: A Synthesis Framework

“…As illustrated in Figure 5, the systematic literature review was the most common methodology adopted [26,27,29,30,31,33,35,38,40,41,42,43], followed by narrative literature reviews [20,23,24,34,37,39,44], critical reviews [21,28,32], and, finally, meta-analyses [19,22] and state-of-the-art reviews [25,36]. Interestingly, even though the systematic review is the most popular review approach, all systematic reviews were concentrated in the last seven years (i.e., 2016 to 2022), showing an increasing trend towards more rigour in the academic review of the subject.…”

“…On a comparative analysis of additive and conventional manufacturing, Pilz et al [38] conclude that additive manufacturing reduces the distances and quantity of products transported, thus reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions. However, Pilz et al [38] draw attention to the need for more studies in decentralised supply chains, particularly those based on the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, for a more comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts of additive manufacturing. Also, concerning technologies that indirectly impact transportation, Salvucci et al [32] identify carbon capture and storage as a strategy.…”

Putting 3D printing to good use—Additive Manufacturing and the Sustainable Development Goals

“…• AM facilitates shorter delivery channels and shorter supply chains (Gebler et al, 2014;Ford and Despeisse, 2016;Freeman and McMahon, 2020). This increases logistic sustainability of parts or products made by AM (Pilz et al, 2020) as almost every kind of transport is accompanied by CO 2 emissions. • In contrast to conventional manufacturing techniques like milling or casting only as much raw material as needed is used and less material waste is produced (Gebler et al, 2014;Ford and Despeisse, 2016;Sauerwein et al, 2019).…”