The manufacturing sector is a huge industry encompassing the production of a whole host of products from cars, to clothing, to beauty products. Unsurprisingly, given its scope and scale, the manufacturing industry is responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions - one-fifth to be exact, and this is even higher in the United States, where it accounts for almost one-fourth of emissions.
Still, the manufacturing industry is essential for economic growth across the world. It brings jobs and money to communities while also endlessly improving the availability and quality of goods and products. As such, it’s an essential part of the world’s economy. However, manufacturing activities also present serious environmental risks and generally produce large quantities of greenhouse gasses. The manufacturing industry as a whole consumes a shocking 54 per cent of the world’s energy resources. Manufacturing companies are therefore integral to the fight against climate change, and the whole industry is going to have to urgently address the challenges of decarbonisation.
Let’s take a look at some of the practical steps manufacturing companies can employ to cut down on their carbon emissions.
1. Reduce energy consumption
We don’t often think about where our energy comes from, but every time we switch on a light or turn on a machine it’s consuming energy that - in the U.S. at least - predominantly comes from natural gas, coal, or nuclear energy. Manufacturing companies in particular tend to be very reliant on machinery and electrical equipment, which can be very carbon intensive. Reducing energy consumption is therefore essential if a manufacturing company wants to cut down on their carbon emissions.
Thankfully, many of the actions needed to do so are relatively simple to employ. For example, one of the easiest and most efficient ways that a business can reduce power consumption is to switch over to LED lightbulbs. Other actions include turning off lights, the heating/AC, and unnecessary machines and equipment when not in use. There are even smart technological options to help you do this - for example, sensor lights that automatically turn off when no one is in the room, or power strips that stop energy from being consumed by electrical equipment that's left in standby mode.
2. Change to green energy
As well as reducing the consumption of energy generally, manufacturers should also address where this energy is coming from. Most energy suppliers will have a green option which is supplied from renewable energy sources that minimize your carbon footprint - usually this will be solar and wind generated energy.
Manufacturers can even go one step further by installing their own sources of energy such as solar panels. Depending on the location of the company there may even be grants or financial incentives to help with the upfront costs. But renewable energy should be seen as a long term investment. Even though you may incur reasonable installation and setup costs, in the long term you’ll make savings on your utility bills while also cutting down on your carbon footprint.
3. Recycle
Of course manufacturing companies should try to minimize waste to begin with. However, this is not always possible, and the reality is that most companies will end up with some amount of waste. Where this is the case, everything should be done to ensure that it doesn’t end up in a landfill. Of course, the alternative is recycling.
Manufacturing companies should make it easy for employees to use their recycling system by clearly indicating what goes where and making recycling points easy to access. This system should be in place everywhere, from the factory floor where employees might deal with large cardboard and packaging to the office itself.
4. Reduce packaging
Manufacturers should aim to use as much recycled raw materials as possible across every stage of the manufacturing process. This means swapping out the usual materials for more environmentally friendly options. It also means reconsidering the raw materials used in the actual production process. Manufacturers should consider, can any of these raw materials be switched for a more sustainable alternative without sacrificing on the quality of the end product?
5. Use efficient equipment
Manufacturers should review the machinery and equipment that they use as part of their manufacturing process and assess whether it is energy efficient or not. The likelihood is that if the machines are dated, they’re probably responsible for consuming a lot of energy and producing higher levels of greenhouse gasses.
Where this is the case, manufacturers should consider investing in newer, more energy efficient machinery. Or even better, switch to machinery that runs on renewable energy altogether.
Another option is to invest in machines and equipment that are capable of carrying out multiple processes at the same time. This will reduce the number of machines needed and will therefore also cut down on carbon emissions.
6. Make sure suppliers are sustainable
Even if a manufacturing company addresses emissions and sustainability in their own businesses, unless they also address the sustainability of their supplier, the job will only be half done. An incredible portion of a product's carbon footprint comes from the supply chain. So how can manufacturing companies ensure that they’re purchasing sustainable raw materials?
Manufacturers need to shop around and speak to suppliers about their sustainability practices. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Climate change is something that is on everyone's mind, and a lot of companies will have already taken action to become more sustainable. Even if they’ve not taken any action to reduce their carbon footprint, if they know that it forms part of their clients decision-making process when choosing a supplier, they might just be incentivised to start their own journey to reduce their emissions.
Many businesses now also include sustainability as a key component of their tendering process, which means that contracts are awarded to suppliers who are taking actions to reduce their own carbon footprint. Manufacturing companies could look to officially adopt sustainability into their own procurement process.
Final thoughts
Decarbonisation is essential for all industries. However, where an industry is particularly carbon-intensive, such as the manufacturing industry, this is even more urgent. Manufacturing companies need to consider how sustainable their processes are and to take steps to reduce their carbon emissions. Winning the fight against climate change will only be possible when everyone plays their part.
Alexis Normand, Co-Founder and CEO of Greenly
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