Sustainable OM – OM in the News

Do Manufacturing Workers Benefit from Automation?

Advanced manufacturing technologies promise better jobs. Is it time to rejoice?

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is upon us, and it will transform work as we know it. This article delves into the benefits that automation could bring to deskless workers: safer jobs, higher pay, more opportunities for advancement, and so on. It is undeniable that automated technologies and artificial intelligence have the potential to enrich manufacturing jobs. However, their implementation will determine how workers are actually impacted.

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By Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D.|2023-05-12T03:13:01+00:00May 12, 2023|Tags: automation, carbon footprint, flexible-manufacturing, job design, productivity, respsonsive supply chain design, robots, sustainability, work force scheduling|

Betting on ‘Made in America’

FutureStitch is reshoring its operations.

It is moving its sock production from China to the West Coast. A host of factors have contributed to the decision, and the founder and CEO believes that the benefits will outweigh the costs. Specifically, the ‘Made in America’ label is expected to be aligned with current political, economic, and societal trends that enhance the company’s image in the US. Its workforce includes formerly incarcerated women who appreciate the second chance and empower each other.

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By Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D.|2023-04-07T19:22:19+00:00April 9, 2023|Tags: carbon footprint, productivity, reshoring, strategy, supply chain management, sustainability|

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Venture Takes Flight

United Airlines and five corporate partners have started a $100 million venture capital fund to invest in firms and technology to develop sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Using feedstocks such as cooking oil and agricultural waste as resources to produce aviation fuel, the venture will cut greenhouse gas emissions dramatically if its supply and cost challenges are addressed.

United is getting customers involved in this SAF initiative by inviting customers to donate to the fund. According to a February 21, 2023 press […]

By Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.|2023-02-26T08:58:02+00:00February 27, 2023|Tags: global warming, greenhouse gas emissions, service design, social and environmental responsibility, sustainability|

Wipe Away the Pain with Recycled Love Letters

While it may sound “cheeky,” toilet paper manufacturer Who Gives a Crap really does have a heart.

Its promise to recycle love letters from your ex into toilet paper is an attention-getting Valentine’s Day promotion which may draw new users to its sustainable and charitably-focused products.

Video Spotlight:

Who Gives A Crap – the best toilet paper EVER! Here’s why…| Kate Arnell | AD (Dec 14, 2017, ECO BOOST)
Good for your bum, great for […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2023-02-09T06:34:20+00:00February 9, 2023|Tags: core competency, ethics, product design, strategy, supply chain, sustainability|