A key question to ask in the context of sustainability is: How does manufacturing affect sustainability? Manufacturers have many options when it comes to reducing energy and waste. Some methods include optimizing energy loads and adjusting waste streams. Others involve using renewable resources and lowering costs. Some manufacturers are even required by licensing authorities to improve their energy efficiency.
OECD Sustainable Manufacturing Toolkit
The OECD Sustainable Manufacturing Toolkit is an extensive collection of resources for manufacturers who wish to improve sustainability in their manufacturing operations. These resources include international indicators and seven action steps for achieving sustainability in manufacturing. Using the OECD’s toolkit will help manufacturers better understand their processes’ impact on the environment and society.
The OECD Sustainable Manufacturing Toolkit has been developed in response to a two-year consultation process. It is intended to be a starting point for evaluating environmental performance at the facility level. It is available as a booklet and website. The booklet contains start-up guidance, while the website has more detailed explanations of sustainable manufacturing principles and practices.
The indicators developed by the toolkit are well-established methods for defining performance. Many companies use these methods to track sales, costs, employee performance, and customer satisfaction. However, the toolkit also includes 18 environmental performance indicators for manufacturers. These indicators are widely applicable to all manufacturing types and can be extended to include the impact of a company’s supply chain.
Environmental impact
Manufacturing is one of the most significant contributors to climate change due to its use of energy and resources during production and transportation. As such, more organizations and consumers are placing a premium on sustainable business practices. The use of 3D printing, for example, reduces carbon emissions. We look at how two organizations use Markforged 3D printers to build a sustainable future.
Manufacturing has an enormous environmental impact and is the second largest contributor to greenhouse gases in the EU after the energy sector. Carbon dioxide emissions are the most significant component of the industrial sector’s total emissions, so measuring the impact of manufacturing on carbon dioxide emissions is essential. This review aims to illustrate how manufacturing affects carbon emissions and what factors are most important in determining these emissions.
Manufacturing can be classified into three primary levels: process, machine, and system. Other procedures are related to the industry and factory levels. The inputs at each station are materials, tools, and energy, and the outputs are products. The carbon footprint of these products can be measured in qualitative and quantitative parameters.
Cost savings
Cost savings in manufacturing are an essential component of sustainability. Manufacturers can reduce costs in many ways, from energy storage to upgrades to machinery and equipment. Some of these methods require initial funding but can lead to long-term cost savings. The best way to decrease costs is to switch to newer, more energy-efficient systems. These methods are also more environmentally friendly.
Many companies have found cost savings to be one of the most effective ways to reduce their environmental footprint. For example, a consumer goods company that switched to recyclable packaging saw an 11 percent cost reduction. It also lowered its materials requirements. Other companies have moved to 3-D printing, which eliminates the need for scrapping and allows for more flexible messaging on labels.
Using non-toxic chemicals can reduce the water required for production and waste disposal. Another way to reduce water use is to recycle water. Recycled water can be used to wash equipment and water lawns. In addition, companies can reduce their expenditure by using energy-efficient lighting. These lights last longer and use less electricity. Additionally, solar panels can help reduce energy costs.
Improved workplace
Incorporating sustainability into the workplace is critical to a business’s strategy. It will increase productivity and engagement, enhance a company’s brand reputation, attract talent, and improve production and work processes. It can also reduce costs and waste.
Manufacturers realize sustainability’s economic and environmental benefits, and employees seek to identify with brands committed to the environment. This is an especially critical manufacturing issue, accounting for 14.5% of the world’s GDP. This industry requires employees to integrate cognitive, social, behavioral, and functional skills to ensure a productive, happy, and sustainable workplace.
With the emergence of advanced manufacturing technology, manufacturers can use cloud-based automation to optimize production processes and reduce costs. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can be used to automate processes and minimize downtime. With these tools, manufacturers can optimize equipment and techniques for productivity and energy efficiency. For example, Jabil uses cloud-based analytics to increase yields and reduce cycle times, and Unilever uses digital technology to gain insights and increase efficiency.
