There’s no arguing that the manufacturing industry makes a large impact on the environment. However, with consumers becoming more savvy than ever, some are keen to investigate the environmental damage that every aspect of their purchases may cause.
The manufacturing industry has been looking for ways to become more eco-friendly and to embrace more sustainable practices. Being a green business is on trend. Being an eco-friendly manufacturer makes a plant more attractive to potential clients and can help to future proof a business.
Reducing Waste
Recycling is a huge buzzword in the sustainable world. Many manufacturers are choosing to implement more sustainable and eco-friendly packaging directly into their manufacturing. Texas-based firm, Athyron, has chosen to use recycled materials to make Miura, an excellent alternative to wood in its packaging. Not only does it have its benefits of being strong without being sensitive to thermal expansion, pests, and more, but it’s made of recycled plastic to make it easier.
Other manufacturers have chosen to take the drastic step of limiting their carbon footprint by focusing on more local markets. The amount of shipping via plane, boat, or truck that is necessary for transporting goods internationally is hard on the environment, which is why there is a push for local transactions.
Time also plays a factor in how eco-friendly the business is, and there are ways of improving the level of downtime due to communication. Companies like VersaCall create methods of tracking the progress time, as well as methods for emergency communications to ensure the factory is running smoothly, and efficiently. It is the smart manufacturing technology that companies choose to invest in that makes this possible.
With over a billion people in the world living in environments where water is scarce, it can seem highly indulgent for the manufacturing industry to waste such a precious resource. Companies like Coca-Cola have focused on their water usage, and have set targets to be water-neutral by returning the same amount of water it uses in its manufacturing back to the environment. They have also chosen to work with water projects to help communities gain access to clean water.
Many companies, like a French automobile business Peugeo, are also choosing to fully recycle the water that they use, by cleaning it and returning it back to the environment. This cyclical approach to water conservation means there is much less waste as they are more self-sustaining.
E-Waste
E-waste is one of the fastest growing landfill disasters waiting to explode. More people than ever upgrade their smartphones every year, leading to a massive stockpile of old and used iPhones and their equivalents. E-waste is also a factor that needs addressing in the manufacturing world. Manufacturers are choosing to investigate e-waste recyclers, who specialize in providing key components and raw materials to manufacturers, once the hardware has been refined. This allows manufacturing plants to make more products in a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly way. This trend is only developing, but it’s a great way to market the sustainable nature of manufacturing in a public relations sense.
The manufacturing industry needs to shift its focus onto sustainable practices by creating a new culture of environmental awareness. A new greener industry can emerge on American soil as manufacturing plants become the beacons of sustainability.