Navigating the digital frontier: challenges and opportunities in sustainable manufacturing through digitalization

Purpose This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of digital technologies on sustainable manufacturing performance. It focuses on key technologies such as Internet of Things, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, three-dimensional printing, robotics and digital twins, assessing their potential to enhance energy efficiency, reduce waste, optimize resources and improve product lifecycle management. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a systematic literature review combined with bibliometric analysis. Papers from leading databases were systematically reviewed to identify trends, patterns and gaps in the existing literature on digital technologies in sustainable manufacturing. Findings The findings indicate that digital technologies have significant potential to drive sustainable manufacturing performance, particularly in enabling real-time monitoring, analysis and optimization of processes. However, the study also highlights challenges such as high initial costs, data security concerns and the need for workforce upskilling. Originality/value This study contributes valuable insights by systematically analyzing the role of digital technologies in sustainable manufacturing. It offers recommendations for future research and practical implications for researchers, practitioners and policymakers, filling a critical gap in the existing literature.