Sustainability | Impact
It is lucid that existing systems of production and consumption are unsustainable. The accelerating rate of globalization and trade liberalization with technological advancement has altered the landscape of public and private sectors globally. Though companies through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are trying to attain sustainability goals regarding energy or water consumption, it is paramount to shift focus towards the products themselves. Changing these utilization patterns can benefit a lot from Design for Sustainability. It has scope for product efficiency, increased market opportunities, and decreased environmental input.
With purposive consumerism on the rise, sustainability is not just a consumer trend but a business imperative. More consumers are shifting their sentiments from mass-produced products to handmade products. According to the study- Yi & Anh (2016), characteristics like a status symbol, uniqueness, quality, creativity, customization, environment friendliness, artisan, and local community support affects a customer's intention to purchase a handmade product.
Fundamental changes must occur like Design for Sustainability, which encompasses solving consumer needs through sustainability systematically and systemically. The problems of the current scenario will depend on the ability of design professionals and engineers who must have a better understanding of materials to work with, which will create newer market opportunities.