12 marks
Define 'sustainable production'
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Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2025
First exams 2027
Sustainable Production of Goods and Services (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Business): Exam Questions
Exam code: 0450, 0986 & 0264, 0774
1 hour15 questions
22 marks
Identify two ways a business can make sure its packaging is sustainable.
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32 marks
Define 'renewable energy'
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44 marks
Case Study
GTM is a multinational company that produces electric vehicles using sustainable production methods. The company has implemented renewable energy sources across all its facilities and uses recycled materials in 80% of its components. GTM is planning to expand operations to country Y, which will create 5,000 new jobs. The government of country Y has offered a £60m incentive package to support the expansion. A company representative stated: 'Sustainable production is not just about environmental responsibility, but also about long-term business viability. Our commitment to green manufacturing processes has influenced our decision to establish operations in country Y, particularly given the region's focus on environmental regulations.'
Outline two advantages to GTM of producing goods sustainably.
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52 marks
Define 'greenwashing'
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64 marks
Case Study
EcoLoop Ltd is a UK-based manufacturing company that specialises in producing furniture from 100% recycled plastic waste. The company operates a closed-loop production system where all waste materials are collected, processed, and reused in manufacturing new products. EcoLoop has invested GBP2.5m in advanced sorting and processing equipment to ensure high-quality recycled materials. The company's production facility processes 500 tonnes of plastic waste monthly, converting it into durable outdoor furniture. A spokesperson commented: 'Our commitment to reusing and recycling materials has transformed waste streams into valuable resources, though it requires significant investment in specialised technology and quality control systems.'
Outline one advantage and one disadvantage to EcoLoop Ltd of focusing on reusing and recycling materials in production.
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72 marks
Identify two ways a business can reduce its resource use.
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16 marks
Case Study
GreenCycle Manufacturing is a UK-based company that produces garden furniture from 100% recycled aluminium and plastic materials. The company has developed an innovative circular production model where all manufacturing waste is collected, reprocessed, and integrated back into new products. GreenCycle has invested £3.2m in state-of-the-art recycling technology and quality assurance systems. The facility processes 750 tonnes of recycled materials annually, transforming them into premium outdoor furniture collections. The operations manager stated: 'Our focus on reusing and recycling materials has created significant operational benefits, though it demands substantial investment in advanced processing capabilities and stringent quality management.'
Explain two advantages to GreenCycle Manufacturing of reusing and recycling materials in production.
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26 marks
Case Study
EcoWrap Solutions is a UK company producing biodegradable packaging from recycled cardboard and plant-based polymers. It operates a sustainable system where production waste is composted and reused as raw material. The business has invested £2.8m in advanced processing equipment and environmental certification. Each year, its facility handles 650 tonnes of recycled material, turning it into eco-friendly packaging for retail and e-commerce. According to the sustainability director, the company’s green commitment brings operational benefits but also demands major investment in specialised technology and strict environmental standards.
Explain two advantages to EcoWrap Solutions of using environmentally friendly packaging materials in production.
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38 marks
Explain two advantages and two disadvantages to PPE of using sustainable materials such as wood in the production of play equipment.
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46 marks
Do you think sustainable production methods are the best approach for a manufacturing business to adopt? Justify your answer.
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56 marks
Do you think it is always possible for a manufacturing business to reduce its resource use? Justify your answer.
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68 marks
SSH is thinking of switching to recyclable cardboard packaging for online orders. Explain two advantages and two disadvantages of this change for SSH.
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112 marks
Consider the advantages and disadvantages to PPE of investing in the following three types of sustainable production technology to improve their manufacturing process:
Solar-powered machinery
Recycled material processing equipment
Energy-efficient LED lighting systems
Which sustainable technology investment should PPE prioritise? Justify your answer.
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212 marks
Consider the following three sustainable production methods FO could implement:
use renewable energy sources (solar panels) to power all manufacturing equipment
implement a zero-waste production system where all wood offcuts are recycled into smaller products
adopt lean manufacturing techniques to reduce material waste by 30%.
Which production method should FO choose to maximise profit? Justify your answer.
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