Energy-Efficient Manufacturing: Enhancing Productivity and Sustainability

There is no doubt that large manufacturers are leaving a big carbon footprint on our planet. So, as a manufacturer have you looked at how you could improve processes and policies to reflect a desire for more sustainability in your productivity? Here are a few things to look at so that you can reduce a negative impact on our environment and improve your overall processes:

Revisit Packaging and Shipping

When it comes to manufacturing products that will be shipped to businesses elsewhere, a sustainable company will look at how much packaging they’re using, as well as the way that they transport the items, so they can be confident that they’re doing everything possible to practice more sustainability.

If there’s a way to package your product so that you are reducing waste, it’s wise to consider it. With a drop test, you can better understand how the packaging can hold up to the shipment process, which could also help you determine if there’s a shipment process that helps you reduce your carbon footprint.

Look at The Manufacturing Process Itself

Apart from shipping and the huge impact that it can have on the environment, what about the way that you manufacture your products? You may be a big participant in emissions and using huge energy resources, impacting the environment more than you know.

While there may have been “ways things are done” that you’ve followed for years, it’s time for your company to reconsider how you’re impacting the environment. Consider looking into renewable energy processes for your manufacturing.  Whether that’s through green hydrogen or through solar power, many companies who are looking to improve sustainability practices are looking for better energy sources for manufacturing.

The End Result (Recycling)

A lot of large-scale manufacturers won’t do this practice because of how much planning and preparation it takes. However, if you’re looking to incorporate more sustainability practices into your company’s efforts, it is a worthwhile endeavor.

Recycling your product when it’s finished being used to be recycled into new products or used in your company in some way is a process that several large companies are considering when seeking to reduce the amount of waste that results from their manufacturing.

Minimize Your External Impact

Besides the way that you can improve things within the processes that happen at your factory or manufacturing plant, there are other things to consider. For example, if you have company executives who have to travel for work purposes, revisit how they travel. If there’s a way to cut back on your travel carbon footprint, do it.

Additionally, how are your local employees getting to work? Encourage car-pooling or other methods for getting to work. If you use company vehicles for transportation or corporate travel, invest in hybrid vehicles. Create initiatives that motivate your employees to make more sustainable choices in their work environment but also at home.

More AI

AI and automated smart systems can ensure that there is less waste on the job and allow for a reduction in the number of employees that you’ll need to show up to manufacturing. This cuts down on travel emissions as well as energy consumption needed to heat or cool a large plant. These kinds of systems can also more easily alert your team to areas where there is an excess of energy being used due to leaks or other issues in your processes.

In some cases, using automation and AI for your manufacturing process can help your company save money, as well as avoid dangerous situations that can happen with some processes.

In Conclusion

As global warming becomes more apparent, more brands are looking for better ways of doing things. Even in the world of manufacturing, there are new alternatives to how things have always been done. If you’d like to improve your sustainability practices, think about these above mentioned ideas and see if they’re possible for your company.