3 Product Development Challenges You Must Solve in 2025—And How to Overcome Them Sustainably

Problem: Overproduction of samples not only leads to financial loss but also contributes significantly to environmental waste. The carbon footprint from shipping physical samples, plus the resources required for packaging and labeling, makes this a serious sustainability issue.

Solution: To combat overproduction, forward-thinking brands are turning to 3D software tools like advanced product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions. These tools enable more accurate, data-driven sampling processes, reducing the need for physical prototypes and cutting down on waste. By leveraging digital product creation, brands can iterate on designs faster and more sustainably, minimizing environmental impact while also speeding up the product development cycle.

Real-World Example: ASICS reduced physical sample production and accelerated time-to-market while lowering their carbon footprint – Read how

Did you know? 70% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products!

Problem: Data silos across departments lead to inefficiencies, inaccurate sustainability reporting and fragmented product information. When crucial product data such as material costing, design iterations, tech packs and BOMS is isolated, it becomes challenging to ensure consistency, transparency and collaboration. Ultimately it slows down decision-making and hinders sustainability efforts.

Solution: A modern product lifecycle management solution can reduce these silos by creating a single source of truth for all product-related data. By centralizing information in one unified system, you can streamline sustainability tracking, ensure compliance with global regulations and significantly improve operational efficiency. From design to manufacturing, all departments in your business gain access to update the same data in real time. Teams can collaborate more effectively, leading to more cohesive and sustainable product development.

Actionable Tip: Consolidate your product data across departments by integrating all systems into one centralized platform. This ensures all teams have access to up-to-date information, making it easier to track sustainability metrics and improve decision-making across the product lifecycle.

Head of Product | Mystery Ranch

Problem: A lack of visibility across your entire product lifecycle makes it challenging to track materials and assess their environmental impact. Without complete transparency, you risk falling short of your sustainability goals and losing consumer trust, especially as demands for responsible business practices increase.

Solution: Implementing end-to-end tracking and reporting capabilities provides your business with full lifecycle transparency from design concept to product production. This ensures product development compliance with sustainability standards and fosters greater consumer trust by offering proof of your sustainability efforts.

Real-World Example: See how tentree enhanced lifecycle visibility, reduced waste and amplified communication of its sustainability efforts to consumers.

As sustainability challenges continue to grow, your business needs comprehensive tools to adeptly navigate the complexities of the modern product development world. Centric PLM equips brands with the visibility, tracking and collaboration necessary to overcome these challenges and meet sustainability targets.

Ready to tackle 2025’s product development hurdles with confidence?

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