The U.S. Department of Commerce defines sustainable manufacturing as the creation of manufactured products that use processes that minimize negative environmental impacts, conserve energy and natural resources, are safe for employees, communities, and consumers and are economically sound.

Sustainable manufacturing maximizes productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. Factors include the following:

• Employ sustainable product design principle
• Use renewable or recycled materials
• Minimize manufacturing energy consumption
• Utilize advanced manufacturing technologies
• Offset carbon footprint
• Expand sustainable policies to supply chain and distribution system
• Conduct regular sustainability audits

If your company is a manufacturer, your ESP should include all areas related to your product design and manufacturing process.