Manufacturer Websites and Product Packaging
- Visit the websites of the leading manufacturers for each product. They usually have material safety data sheets, FAQs, product descriptions, and sustainability reports that provide insight into materials and production.
- Check the packaging if you have access to physical products. It may include information on the material composition, place of manufacture, and recycling instructions.
Industry Reports and Market Research
- Look for industry analysis reports. Databases like Statista or IBISWorld often contain data on production details including current trends and locations.
- Research market research reports for specific products. These reports can provide insights into production methods, leading companies, and market shares.
Patents and Scientific Literature
- Use Google Patents or the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to find patents related to these materials. Patents may provide detailed information about composition and manufacturing processes.
- Search academic databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, or journal databases for research papers. This could provide detailed scientific perspectives on materials and their uses.
Regulatory Bodies and Standards
- Check for regulations relevant to the products from bodies like the FDA or EPA (for environmental impact considerations).
- Look at standards organizations like ASTM or ISO which may have standards related to the production or composition of these products.
- If you’re interested in the environmental aspect, organizations such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) may provide information regarding the sustainability of these products.
- Search for life cycle assessments (LCA) studies that analyze the environmental impact of products throughout their life span.
News Articles and Documentaries
- Media outlets often cover stories related to large-scale manufacturing and its impact, as well as the introduction of new materials and technologies.
- Documentaries on sustainability or specific industries can also be a source of information about manufacturing practices.
- Try searching our News Databases.