Start the Week Manufacturing and sustainability
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Feb 3, 2025 Tim Minshall, Professor of Innovation at the University of Cambridge and author of "Your Life is Manufactured," discusses the hidden world of manufacturing and its crucial role in sustainability. Bernie Bulkin, former Chief Scientist of BP and author of "The Material Advantage," shares insights on innovative materials and their importance for economic competitiveness. Meanwhile, Fiona Dear, Co-director of the Restart Project, advocates for Right 2 Repair legislation, emphasizing the need for repairable products to combat waste and promote sustainability.
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Ventilator Production During COVID-19
- During COVID-19, Britain increased ventilator production from 5 to 400 units daily, demonstrating manufacturing adaptability.
- This rapid scaling involved complex machines and stringent quality requirements.
Material Innovation in Wartime
- During WWI, paper manufacturers' knowledge of liquid absorption led to the invention of super-absorbent bandages.
- Similarly, in WWII, nylon, initially used for stockings, became crucial for parachute production.
Raw vs. Manufactured Materials
- Raw materials often lead to exploitation, while manufactured materials offer value and competitive advantage.
- Economically, producing raw materials doesn't increase national wealth, unlike manufacturing.
