What Does Sustainability Mean for Manufacturing Companies?
Manufacturing companies are often thought of as being one of the dirtiest industries when it comes to environmental sustainability.
The World Bank puts manufacturing and construction’s share of total fuel combustion globally at approximately 20%. Many manufacturing companies also use non-renewable resources and contribute to air, water and soil pollution and contamination through run-off of hazardous waste.
There are a number of manufacturing companies which are fighting against the stigma and creating brands centred around a commitment to economic, social and environmental sustainability. These brands include Dell, IBM, IKEA, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, Philips, Tupperware and Unilever, just to name a few. These companies demonstrate that it is not only possible but beneficial to brand reputation to invest in sustainability.
But what does that mean for a manufacturing company?
There are a number of ways in which manufacturing companies can become economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.
1. Sourcing renewable resources
Using renewable resources in production means that your business can continue operations into the future as your resources will not deplete over time.
2. Using clean energy
Using clean energy can drastically reduce the cost of your business energy bill in the future.
3. Recycling waste
Instead of putting any waste into landfill, it can be beneficial to research how to recycle waste. You may even find that you can sell some of your waste to other manufacturing companies. After all, one person’s trash is another’s treasure!
4. Reducing the use of hazardous chemicals
Run-off from hazardous chemicals is doing a great deal of damage to our environment and our society as it contaminates and pollutes our air, water and soil. By reducing use of hazardous chemicals, you will be reducing the damage this is doing to the health of not only people but also our floral and fauna.
5. Engaging with the community
By engaging in the local community and furthering community interests, your manufacturing business can make a stand towards social sustainability.
6. Committing to employee health and satisfaction
Investing in the health and satisfaction of employees is a crucial way your manufacturing business can commit to social sustainability and keep valued staff on your team.
Sustainability in manufacturing is a necessity for business longevity. By switching from non-renewable to renewable resources now, your manufacturing business will be ensuring its operations into the future. Additionally, by switching to clean energy and investing in the community and employee health and satisfaction, you will be lowering costs and increasing revenue, creating an economically sustainable business.
To find out more about how your manufacturing business can start its journey towards sustainability, contact us today!
This article was originally published on the Strategic Sustainability Consultants website.
