Informal Manufacturing and Environmental Sustainability

The informal manufacturing sector, characterized by activities such as handicrafts, cottage industries, micro-enterprises, and small-scale industries, contributes significantly to local economies. It provides livelihoods for millions, representing a substantial portion of the global workforce and GDP. Despite its economic importance, this sector often operates outside the formal regulatory framework and thus faces unique challenges, especially in terms of environmental sustainability. Informal Manufacturing and Environmental Sustainability is a timely and significant contribution to the understanding of the informal manufacturing sector, a crucial yet often overlooked component of the global economy. The chapters emerge against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving global landscape, where the informal sector plays a pivotal role in employment, income generation, and economic development, particularly in developing and emerging countries. This comprehensive, multidisciplinary analysis draws on theories and empirical perspectives from economics, Environmental Studies, management, sociology, and engineering, among others, making it a valuable resource for a broad audience. It is an indispensable resource for policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and students interested in the intersection of informal manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and global economic dynamics.