Did you know that about 40% of the world's 54,6 billion tons of CO2 eq. emissions are attributable to the industry when energy and heat use are taken into account, and a significant amount of that has to do with the production of basic materials such as aluminum, polymers (plastic), cement, and steel?
These industries also consume enormous amounts of energy and other resources. Furthermore, it is estimated that by 2050, the demand for and use of these materials will increase by up to four times on a global scale.
This raises the question as to whether our planet can support this trend in the long term.
While researchers and think tanks debate the potential outcome of intensive resource use, industries are trying to adapt to the changing environment and the regulatory frameworks that require increased sustainability within worldwide economies.
Let’s delve into current and future sustainability practices in the manufacture of industrial products and materials.
At the moment, the world is witnessing a shift in industrial production which is leading to numerous opportunities to establish sustainable solutions. The most salient triggers of this shift include:
Change in customer expectations — this accelerates innovation and creates a need for innovative production techniques, i.e., recyclable packaging.
Digitization and automation — this helps to build interconnected factories that are able to conserve resources without affecting production levels.
Operational excellence and cost efficiency – these aspects can increase a business’s capacity to compete and support sustainability by, for instance, using more efficient machinery.
Experts consider that environmental consciousness will continue to rise, and, over time, more investors and customers will shift their focus to sustainability.
Key sustainability practices transforming the industry
Carbon neutrality
Some manufacturers invest in sustainable energy sources such as wind and solar and employ smart technologies, including sensor-controlled lighting and heating systems. The goal is to produce cheaper electricity and reduce the carbon footprint since carbon dioxide is one of the causes of global warming.
Schneider's smart factories use their own power management approaches which combine solar energy with smart technology such as IoT-powered lighting, heating, and cooling systems to improve efficiency and sustainability.
Circular economy and waste reduction
Manufacturers are shifting their product development to a more circular design, devising products that can be reused and/or recycled which means less waste and more conserved resources.
For instance, Siemens Gamesa is working on the development of recyclable wind turbine blades. The company has set the goal of creating these by the end of the decade and 100% fully recyclable turbines by 2040. These can then be broken down and reused in other industries more easily and with less energy compared to current challenges being faced in this area.
Technology intelligence for sustainability
With the help of big data and AI-powered insights (information businesses gain through AI technologies such as machine learning, predictive analytics, or natural language processing), companies can come up with opportunities that can help to reduce emissions and optimize the use of resources.
For instance, Hitachi's IoT Platform, Lumada combines AI and analytics to provide predictive maintenance in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and energy.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The business school, HEC Paris, describes CSR as a business strategy whereby organizations incorporate social and environmental concerns into their business activities rather than focusing solely on financial gains.
Aside from considering environmental issues, CSR also focuses on:
Equitable hiring practices
Fair wages
Workplace safety
By incorporating CSR into their operations, companies can improve employee satisfaction, attract the best talent, and increase customer loyalty.
Honeywell is a company that, among other activities, produces aerospace and automotive products and industrial control systems. The Honeywell Hometown Solutions India Foundation (HHSIF) is a non-profit organization that implements Honeywell's CSR initiatives in three crucial fields: 1. education, skill, and research; 2. sustainability community development; and 3. humanitarian relief activities.
Creating a sustainable workforce
If companies are willing to embrace sustainable manufacturing, they need skilled workers who are proficient in modern technologies.
This being the case, HR leaders should focus on hiring and keeping talent, while CEOs should encourage practices and values that prioritize environmental responsibility, long-term growth, and social well-being, thus inspiring employees and stakeholders to embrace the following values in their daily work and decision-making:
● Setting goals to reduce waste
● More efficient use of resources
● Eco-friendly innovations support.
RightAngle case study: Consumer tire manufacturing
The goal:
One of our clients was seeking in-depth insights into the European consumer tire manufacturing industry, focusing on passenger and light truck tires. The company aimed to:
Understand the strategies and market dynamics influencing manufacturers in Europe and Asia.
Explore how manufacturers achieve market access, including distribution channels and target markets, and assess future growth trajectories and potential challenges.
Identify manufacturers specializing in high-value tires, Original Equipment (OE)-capable tires, and Electric Vehicle (EV)-capable tires, as well as insights into their innovation pipelines.
Learn how decarbonization goals influence factory capacity utilization and operational approaches.
The process:
At RightAngle, we tapped into our robust network of tire industry experts who have recent and relevant experience, prioritizing leaders with first-hand knowledge of manufacturing strategies, innovation, and market dynamics.
The outcome:
We connected the client with experts who provided actionable insights into market strategies, regulatory impacts, and innovation trends. This enabled the client to refine its analysis and strategy to navigate the European tire manufacturing landscape.
Partnering with RightAngle
RightAngle is your trusted partner in adopting sustainable practices.
We are dedicated to addressing our clients' needs anytime and anywhere by connecting them with subject-matter experts who can provide valuable insights and guidance on:
Implementing waste reduction strategies
Assessing supply chains for inefficiencies
Developing eco-friendly products that resonate with today’s conscious consumers.
Whether it’s about energy use optimization, decreasing emissions, or improving supply chain efficiency, RightAngle can deliver measurable results that align with your business goals.
Partner with RightAngle and transform your operations into a model of efficiency, innovation, and environmental responsibility.