Daniel Redfern, Director at Envirovue, an innovative waste management specialist, shares advice on how manufacturing companies can take a sustainable approach to managing waste that doesn’t inflate cost.
With governments worldwide implementing stricter regulations regarding emissions for large manufacturers, senior leaders in the sector are looking for more creative solutions to reduce negative environmental impact.
In total, the manufacturing sector produces around 40 million tonnes of waste each year1 in the UK, in turn generating 13.7 percent of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions2.
Across the industry, emissions can be traced back to multiple stages within the manufacturing process, however a significant challenge faced by many is a sustainable approach to manufacturing waste.
As the pressure on manufacturers to accurately measure carbon emission outputs continues to rise, Daniel Redfern from Envirovue shares advice.
- Reuse, reuse, reuse
Manufacturers must reuse materials, components, and products. Whether this be by creating products that can be easily disassembled, repaired or upgraded to extend their life, or returning packaging to the suppliers so they can reuse the material.
It’s also important to establish systems where materials are continually recycled through the manufacturing process, without becoming waste. Consider all aspects of the business and ask yourself if these materials could be utilised somewhere else within the company before disposal?
By reusing materials that would otherwise be discarded, manufacturers can both lower costs and contribute to a more sustainable operation.
- Effectively managing multiple waste streams
Recycling is a basic, but crucial, step in the battle in effectively managing manufacturing waste. A comprehensive recycling system that separates out multiple waste streams can support companies to reduce waste, cost, and ultimately reduce the environmental impact.
Manufacturers could invest in equipment to process and recycle waste materials directly on-site, or work with a specialist to support managing multiple waste streams. Separating waste at the source into different types also ensures more effective recycling.
- Invest in technology
Manufacturing companies should harness the support of technology to manage waste sustainably, reducing both the environmental impact and overall costs. Key technology investments can enhance efficiency, reduce material use and minimise waste throughout the production lifecycle and also support manufacturers to truly understand the costs and impact their business has on the environment.
By utilising technology, Envirovue is able to simulate the waste and carbon emissions from a production process before it even starts, allowing manufacturers to make informed, eco-conscious decisions and changes before production begins.
To find out more about Envirovue and its services, please visit: www.envirovue.io
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