Sustainable manufacturing is the process of creating goods in a way that does not damage or deplete natural resources. This means that instead of relying on harmful methods like deforestation, factories and manufacturers must find ways to create products without damaging the environment. By using sustainable methods, we can protect our planet and ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy its natural resources.
Table of Contents:
Sustainable Manufacturing: What Is It And Why Now?
Global manufacturing industries are major drivers of economic productivity, but they also have tremendous potential for waste. The sheer volume and complexity have drawn attention from government bodies who seek ways to improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact through regulation or fines when compliance isn't met.
The manufacturing sector is changing due to new environmental regulations, but it's not just legislation that drives these changes. Increasingly stakeholders - including employees and customers- prioritize businesses that have a positive impact on the environment; they're voting with their wallets by spending money elsewhere on those brands.
Sustainable Manufacturing Processes
Reducing negative environmental impacts starts with optimized and efficient processes. Revamping your process can be more impactful than you think. It's important to weigh all areas of optimization to figure out what's best for your business and the environment.
Gaining a perspective of the whole product cycle and optimizing the lifetime of manufacturing systems, goods, and services is the overarching objective of sustainable manufacturing.
Sustainable manufacturing boosts a company's overall social and environmental advantages through producing more sustainable goods as well as more sustainable manufacturing methods.
Closed-Loop Sustainable Manufacturing
1. Sustainable manufacturing
Negative environmental impacts are decreased, energy and resources are conserved. This also leads to better product safety and an improved work and community environment
2. Optimization of Production Processes and Techniques
Assessing and improving performance, to increase production efficiency and quality control eg. reducing manufacturing steps, more automation, and using 3D printing. This leads to lower production and labor costs and greater efficiency.
3. Increased Energy Efficiency
Decrease energy consumption and use sources that are clean and renewable. Use energy efficiently to avoid wasting it during production.
4. Producing less pollution, emission, and waste
More cost-effective waste management and disposal. A safer workplace overall.
5. Industrial symbioses
In industrial networks, industrial symbiosis mimics naturally occurring cycles that are sustainable, where all waste products from one are resources for others to utilize. Also “Industry 4.0”, uses smart digital technology in all production systems.
6. Design for Re-manufacturing
Products can be disassembled and the parts used to build or improve another product. Strive for ease of assembling, repairing, refurbishing, and disassembling of products.
Looking to implement sustainable manufacturing practices in your tool line? Get in touch
Sustainable Manufacturing In The Garden Tool Industry
Gairdín is the branded sustainable gardening tools division of Diversitech Global. An innovator in sustainable products enabling private label brands to be market leaders for eco-conscious consumers.
Incorporating recycled and renewable materials, such as Ocean-Bound Plastics, Algae-Blended Resin, and blends of plant-based materials with post-consumer plastics, they enable brands and retailers to minimize their environmental impact and make available the type of green products customers are now actively seeking.
Using reputable 3rd party certifications such as the Global Recycled Standard and clear sustainable product labeling avoids the issues of green-washing and provides transparency and strengthens public trust in brand reputation.
Other Sustainable Manufacturing Examples
Interest in sustainable manufacturing is on the rise. It's not just car makers and apparel companies who want to make green choices; even food producers need sustainable methods of production now more than ever before because their products are increasingly subject (and susceptible) to pressure from natural disasters or other global problems like pollution.
Sustainability in the Textile and Apparel Sector
Customers are increasingly looking for reassurance that clothing brands are supported by ethical production processes, that they are durable for long-term usage, and that they are manufactured from sustainable materials.
Many manufacturers have changed their business structures as a result and adopted more environmentally friendly procedures. Today, a number of important retailers and garment producers have committed to running their businesses in a more sustainable manner.
Industry-wide Sustainability in the Production of Food
Demand for foods produced responsibly has increased recently, and many customers are now willing to pay extra for businesses that use eco-friendly procedures.
The percentage increases to over three-quarters of customers among millennials. Major businesses like Nestlé, Coca-Cola, and Starbucks have made promises to sustainable operations as a result of increased awareness and shifting attitudes.
The Toy Industry's Commitment to Sustainability
Plastic toys utilize plastic more often than other consumer items and 80 percent of plastic toys end up in landfills, incinerators, or the ocean.
Nowadays, toys sold by Mattel come in packaging that is virtually completely comprised of recyclable materials. Additionally, LEGO is making a concerted effort to transition to a more sustainable business model. The company plans to utilize more plant-based plastic and to have 100% of its packaging recyclable by the year 2025. By the end of 2022, Hasbro wants to stop using plastic for any new product packaging.
Some Sustainable Manufacturing Trends
With more people becoming environmentally conscious, sustainable manufacturing trends are on their way to being an integral part of many companies looking into going green.
Making Use of AI in Manufacturing
The integration of AI into manufacturing is a hot topic. The push for automation and efficiency has led companies to invest heavily in artificial intelligence, which can be used from production planning all the way up until delivery logistics.
Bioplastics are Gaining More Popularity
The use of bioplastics in manufacturing is a step towards sustainability. These plastics do not contain any petroleum-based raw materials, making them more environmentally friendly than traditional plastic options.
Utilizing an Energy Management System
The manufacture of items such as automobiles, electronics, and petrochemical equipment uses a lot of electricity. As a result, manufacturers have begun using factory energy management systems to lower energy usage.
The Future of Sustainable Manufacturing
In 2020 alone, global plastics production was estimated to be 367 million metric tons, along with roughly 1.5 billion metric tons of steel being produced.
Industrial businesses have been around for centuries, but the way they operate is changing. The sustainable manufacturing movement isn't just a fad — it's here to stay and will become more important in coming decades as we face environmental challenges like climate change that can’t be met without innovation on an industrial level.
Businesses that want to stay ahead in this fast-paced, ever-changing world now need a strong environmental ethic. Customers are demanding eco-friendly products or services and will actively seek out those businesses with positive sustainable practices.
Those that care about the environment with sustainable practices have an opportunity to attract new customers and increase growth and profits.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at our guide to sustainable retail industry 2023
Looking to implement sustainable manufacturing practices in your tool line? Get in touch