Sustainability in manufacturing

It’s no secret that manufacturing plays a crucial role in our society. People and businesses alike rely on you transforming raw materials into the products they use day in and day out. However, the intensive processes behind production can come at the expense of the environment and ethical standards. But it doesn't have to be that way.

There are simple ways you can manage your facility even more responsibly — reducing impact on people and the planet while boosting efficiency. We’ll walk you through how you can step up your sustainability efforts to achieve this win-win outcome.

What are the benefits of sustainability for your business?

While manufacturing brings great benefits to the economy, accounting for 16% of global GDP, it also produces 20% of the world's carbon emissions [1], contributing to global warming and climate change. Taking further action against that impact doesn’t just make a difference for our planet and the people living in it — it’s also crucial for your business. 

For a long time, there’s been a clear trend towards recognizing environmental impact and finding ways to make this industry eco-friendly. In fact, 68% of manufacturing executives are implementing sustainable strategies. [2] This means that embracing this movement could be an effective way for you to stay ahead of competitors. 

Manufacturing and sustainability can work hand-in-hand to take your business to the next level. Here are some of the advantages:

• “Green” manufacturing can lift your company's revenue, since more than 50% of consumers are willing to pay more for a product or service if the business prioritizes sustainability. [3] 
• 61% of investors consider corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a sign of reduced investment risk, which means that committing to sustainability efforts could make your business more attractive to stakeholders. [3]
• Eco-friendly manufacturing is often more cost-effective as it reduces waste and optimizes energy consumption. By lowering expenses and improving operational performance, your company can boost profit margins. [4]
• Prioritizing sustainability helps your business proactively meet the growing number of governmental and industrial policies, preventing regulatory compliance costs in the long run.

What does sustainability mean in manufacturing?

Sustainable manufacturing starts with spending resources thoughtfully and efficiently to reduce environmental impact. [5] In other words, minimizing resource and energy use in your operations is key to create a sustainable business. In addition to streamlining production processes, eco-conscious manufacturing also involves responsible supply chains. That’s because the sourcing and transportation of materials releases harmful emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming. And indirect emissions, particularly through the supply chain, can account for up to 90% of a business's total emissions. [6] This means it’s crucial to consider where your materials are coming from and how they're transported to your facility, as well as how your final products get to customers and clients.

At Tork, our sustainability approach looks at the entire product lifecycle, from materials and packaging to use and disposal, all with the aim of lowering carbon impact. This means you can rest assured that partnering up with us is a sustainable decision. Making your facility more environmentally and ethically conscious doesn’t have to mean a lot of big changes — a few small adjustments can add up to a big impact. Here’s our advice to help you build a more sustainable future for your company, people, and the planet: Lean manufacturing is all about eliminating any part of a process that doesn’t contribute to the final product. With that in mind, let’s dig deeper into two of the main types of waste to avoid in your business. [7]

Motion waste includes any unnecessary movement by your employees that doesn't add value. [8] Reducing it enables you to streamline production lines and make your team’s job easier. 

A simple way to cut motion waste down is to position cleaning supplies close to where they are used. The reason this can have a big impact is 74% of machine operators agree that if wipers aren’t placed conveniently, they take more than they need for the task.* In other words, convenience translates into efficiency. To help you figure out strategic dispenser placement in your facility, we’ve got you covered with some expert tips.

You can also schedule a free Tork Worflow™ consultation — our experts are ready to guide you through customized improvements that go beyond dispenser placement. .

Inventory waste refers to excessive use of not only production resources but also any materials needed by your employees, including cleaning and hygiene supplies. 

A simple way to reduce this kind of overconsumption is to choose one-at-a-time dispensers, which are specially designed to consistently provide just what your workforce needs for the task. Combined with the right industrial cleaning cloths, this can make your operations much more efficient.

The restroom is another area where subtle adjustments can keep your inventory waste low — for instance, by choosing dose-control hand soap dispensers.

With Tork Product Finder, you can discover even more products that minimize waste and improve sustainability in your facility.

Because making the most of resources is a core part of sustainability, using energy purposefully is crucial too. Consider how mastering efficiency in this area not only makes your factory more sustainable but can also lead to cost savings. 

At the end of the day, every decision you make towards operating more efficiently and responsibly counts. Not only does prioritizing sustainability protect people and the environment, but it also makes your processes more cost-efficient and less wasteful — simply put, everybody benefits. Making even a couple of the changes we've suggested can have a bigger impact than you might imagine! 

To take another step on your sustainability journey, dive deeper into how Tork products can reduce your environmental impact or discover how our industrial solutions can improve hygiene and efficiency in your facility.

*Tork machine operator research (July 2019)

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