Achieving Product Sustainability: Analyzing Key Factors Influencing Sustainable Product Design in Manufacturing Companies

Abstract

ABSTRACT Developing environmentally and socially responsible products through effective sustainable product design (SPD) is essential for addressing sustainability challenges. Successful implementation of SPD requires a comprehensive evaluation of various influencing factors. Although numerous SPD factors have been identified in existing research, further research is needed to investigate their interrelationships and identify those most relevant to SPD decision‐making. This study aims to explore and validate key SPD factors by organizing them into clearly defined dimensions, enhancing their interpretability and manageability. A structured methodology was employed, involving the identification of SPD factors from existing literature, questionnaire design and pretesting, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and net rating analysis. The research validated 20 key SPD factors: 8 economic factors grouped into product dependability, manufacturability, and costs; 6 environmental factors structured into resource utilization and end‐of‐life management; and 6 social factors organized into user‐centered design and stakeholder well‐being. By providing a comprehensive set of SPD factors, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable design. It also provides practical insights that enable manufacturing companies to conserve natural resources, enhance their environmental and social responsibilities, and improve stakeholder well‐being, thereby supporting sustainable development.