Sustainable manufacturing - Challenges and possibilities for research and industry from a Swedish perspective

The need for environmental sustainability and a globally increasing manufacturing, drive a gigantic need for technology and strategies that will reduce CO2 emissions globally. The paper reflects on the situation for Swedish research and industry, with a focus on technology for environmentally sustainable manufacturing. Sweden has competitive equipment and system suppliers to the manufacturing industry with potential of contributing to the development of a sustainable manufacturing industry globally. Environmentally conscious actions need no longer be seen as challenges and contrary to financial considerations. On the contrary, it can be the basis for successful companies. Enabling features includes manufacturing systems and supply chain structures for sustainability e.g. local manufacturing providers, high energy efficiency in manufacturing processes and techniques for replacing fossil based energy generation by CO2 neutral generation.