Some aspects on the sustainable process design in a timber mill using the design for manufacturability/sustainability

ABSTRACT

Process sustainability indicates the proper utilisation of technology to improve productivity, reduce cost as well as environmental impact in the industry. These attributes are vital for an industry to be continuously monitored in order to stand in the market for the long run. In this context, a timber mill has been chosen for a case study in the present investigation. The most produced product is targeted, and a complete audit is made from the product start to end in order to compile the data, which are then used for sustainability study. The sustainable analysis is made with respect to carbon footprint, energy consumption, water, and air impact. This study enables to know the target area to address; accordingly, the process design has been modified using the principles of design for manufacturability/sustainability. The proposed process model ensures production not only for the target product but also versatile for other different products that are produced in the industry. In addition, the proposed model reduces the energy required to produce the target product thereby reduces environmental impact and cost; on the other hand, it improves productivity as well.

KEYWORDS:

• Timber mill
• sustainability study
• design for manufacturability/sustainability
• energy reduction
• productivity improvement

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the management and staffs of the sawmill for accepting the proposal of carrying out the sustainability analysis on their product, as well as for rendering full cooperation in obtaining the required data throughout the phase of the project work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jaishneel Krishant Sharma

Jaishneel Krishant Sharma is an MSc engineering student in the mechanical engineering division of The University of the South Pacific. His research interest include sustainable development in the manufacturing industries, operations management, lean system and process improvement.

Ananthanarayanan Rajeshkannan

Ananthanarayanan Rajeshkannan is an associate professor in mechanical engineering, FSTE at The University of the South Pacific. His research interest includes metal forming, operations management and tool design. He earned PhD, M.Tech and BE in Mechanical Engineering and put up vast research and academic experience in the tertiary institution.

Arnit Avinesh Sharma

Arnit Avinesh Sharma has completed his Professional B.E in Mechanical Engineering from The University of the South Pacific. His interest lies with operations management, particularly in the field of Environment Conscious product design, process design, MCDM.

Devi Rengamani Seenivasagam

Devi Rengamani Seenivasagam, earned her M.Com, M.Phil and PhD in General Management. She had put the vast experience in academic as well as in industry. Her research interest is in Marketing Management, Retail Management, Lean Management, Total Quality Management, MCDM, Supply Chain Management.