# Sustainable Transformation: A Case Study of an Engineering-to-Order Additive Manufacturing Firm
## 5 Case Study Company
### Process Analysis through Sus-VSM
#### 5.1.1 Sus-VSM  
The Current State with Waste Identification and Environmental  
The primary objective of employing Sus-VSM was to thoroughly assess the production process, aiming to pinpoint areas that necessitate optimisation. The evaluation of waste within the process was categorised into three distinct areas, aligning with the TBL framework, encompassing environmental, societal, and economic evaluations. This analysis was performed concerning the production of a theoretical, simple component with a volume of 30 cm\({}^{3}\). The primary objective of this article is not to assess the properties of the part itself but rather to explore the potential applications of Sus-VSM and its utility in the context of the MJF process. The current state of Sus-VSM, illustrated in Figure 3, depicts the production process of the component, characterised by the following key attributes:  
Environmental evaluation  
The case study company has strategically partnered with sustainable material and machine suppliers, including industry leaders such as HP and Stratasys. Notably, both HP and Stratasys are active members of the Additive Manufacturing Green Trade Association (AMGTA), a collaborative platform dedicated to fostering best practices in AM and assisting local AM manufacturers in achieving SDGs [99]. HP and Stratasys are prominent providers of products, technologies, software, and services within the AM industry. Their commitment to innovation is evident through their focus on reducing waste, promoting the reuse of materials, and utilising recycled packaging, as highlighted on their respective websites [99]. By aligning with these eco-conscious industry leaders, the case study company has demonstrated its dedication to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. The company employs environmentally friendly transportation solutions, with 80% of its deliveries managed by the Norwegian Post Office, renowned as one of Norway's leading sustainable companies, as per the Sustainable Brand Index Report (2022). The remaining 20% of deliveries are expedited shipments handled by another reputable Norwegian firm, Bring, which also boasts a high rating in the Sustainable Brand Index. The company operates within an integrated facility where parts are both produced and stored, eliminating the generation of transportation waste. Components are manufactured within a compact space, optimising the use of equipment. Additionally, the packaging of parts is minimised, significantly reducing the environmental footprint. This study did not incorporate an analysis of the process's energy efficiency due to its high complexity, and the outcomes would not substantially influence the focus of this manuscript. However, a separate energy assessment for the HP MJF process was conducted by [100]. * Nylon polyamide (PA12) powder was chosen as the primary material for the production process due to its exceptional qualities. The operational waste generated was minimal since only the material necessary for constructing the part was utilised. Moreover, the leftover powders from one build were effectively repurposed, ensuring efficient resource utilisation. Consequently, each printing run incorporated 80% recycled powder and 20% fresh powder. This approach not only promotes sustainable material practices but also contributes to cost-effectiveness, maintaining fair economies of scale while significantly reducing material waste. * For an example element with a size of 30 cm\({}^{3}\), the consumption of materials was as follows: PA12 powder 62.4 g; fusing agent 3 mL; detailing agent 4.8 mL. * The volume of water generated is contingent upon the size of the part under production. For instance, the dyeing machine in this study can be fitted with a flexible loading system catering to small (8 L), medium (19 L), or large (31 L) batch sizes. It is important to note that machine capacity may vary based on the manufacturer's specifications.