Cross-functional approach towards product sustainability implementation in the household appliances sector: an Italian case study. Drivers, limitations and insights from field research interviews

A research project conducted in collaboration between Politecnico di Milano and a major Italian appliance manufacturer aims to define a cross-functional and participatory approach to advance product sustainability within this industrial sector. The paper outlines the overall research protocol and focuses on findings from preliminary interviews conducted during an extended field research period within the company. These interviews involved staff responsible for product-related decisions. Results include current materials and design choices’ driver e.g., regulatory compliance and competitiveness. Perceived barriers to the implementation of sustainability-related actions are also presented, mainly related to operational and cultural aspects, such as the lack of a shared corporate sustainability background, ecotools, and structured processes. Accordingly, recommendations include fostering a sustainability culture, formalising internal guidelines, and defining clear objectives and KPIs. Methodological steps for subsequent validation and generalisation of the findings are described to ensure broader applicability of the approach. The study, still ongoing, confirms the potential of academia-industry collaboration for generating actionable insights, guiding organisational change, and supporting the integration of sustainability strategies in industrial contexts.