Sustainable Material Substitution in Nigerian Consumer Product Manufacturing: A Design Management Perspective

The adoption of sustainable materials in Nigerian consumer product manufacturing is constrained by cost premiums, supply chain immaturity, and limited design management capacity to integrate sustainability criteria into product development processes. This study examines sustainable material substitution strategies adopted by consumer product manufacturers in Aba, Abia State and Onitsha, Anambra State, focusing on the role of design management in facilitating or impeding transitions toward more environmentally responsible material choices. A qualitative case study methodology is applied to six manufacturing enterprises across plasticware, packaging, and household goods sectors. Data collection combines product lifecycle analysis, supply chain mapping interviews, and focus groups with product designers and production managers. Findings reveal that material substitution decisions are predominantly reactive, triggered by regulatory pressure or material cost spikes rather than proactive design strategy. Enterprises that have successfully transitioned to partially bio-based or recycled content materials consistently report the presence of a dedicated product development function with design management authority. The study proposes a Sustainable Material Integration Framework that positions material substitution as a design decision embedded within the product development process rather than a procurement afterthought. The framework is piloted in two enterprises and assessed through expert review. Recommendations include the development of a Nigerian Sustainable Design Procurement Guide and incentive structures through the Industrial Training Fund to support manufacturer adoption of design-led sustainability practices. Keywords: sustainable materials, product manufacturing, design management, South East Nigeria, material substitution.