Sustainability concerns in the life cycle of bonded grinding tools

•Sustainability in grinding technology needs to include comprehensive studies on the life cycle of grinding tools.•This paper addresses the most important economic, environmental and social issues throughout all life stages of a grinding tool and therefore sets the stage for future quantitative evaluations.•This study highlights where more research and transparency in the supply chain is needed to achieve more sustainable grinding tools.

Manufacturing technologies need to become more sustainable, as do the tools used. Grinding is one of the most important finishing processes and grinding tools are complex products with a large variety of grit types, bond materials, and manufacturing routes. This study discusses the tool life stages from raw material production and tool manufacturing to tool use and end of life. The most important economic, environmental and social concerns are pointed out. This study highlights where more research and transparency in the supply chain is needed to achieve more sustainable grinding tools.