Sustainable Manufacturing: Benefits and Best Practises for Small Business

February 26, 2020 – There are growing concerns about how much the manufacturing sector contributes to negative environmental impacts. And although a number of large manufacturers have started the shift to eco-friendly delivery of supplies and materials, getting smaller businesses to go green is seen by many in this category as out of reach. But it is getting easier even for small businesses to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. The vast majority of these changes are low-cost and simply require a shift in thinking. It might seem daunting to consider company-wide changes, but if you want to begin implementing sustainability, here’s what you need to know.

What are the Benefits of Sustainable Manufacturing?

Companies and consumers are becoming far more aware of the going green movement. This awareness includes understanding environmental impacts and carbon footprints and is leading to a number of tangential benefits including:

• Lower Manufacturing Costs: Even the smallest of changes can lead to big savings. As the cost of green technologies falls, the upfront costs are now experiencing a much shorter payback time, and the improved efficiency is leading to cost reductions and further added value. Businesses in the U.S. can even apply for green tax breaks leading to even more savings.
• Customer Loyalty: Consumers are looking for more eco-friendly brands, and if your business is flagged as one doing little to tackle carbon emissions or to improve waste handling it can lead to public shaming. The corollary to shaming is the benefit that can be gained by being environmentally aware and launching new marketing strategies to let customers know what you are doing.
• New Audiences: Some people simply won’t spend money with brands that don’t prioritize an eco-friendly product or service. With the potential to crack entirely new markets, it simply makes sense to go greener to improve market share.

How Manufacturers Can Become Greener

There are a number of actions a manufacturer can take to improve sustainability. Some require more investment and time than others. Each of the following three can dramatically impact the company’s carbon footprint. 

1. Run Regular Energy Reviews: Do regular energy audits to spot those areas where you are using and spending too much on energy. Large companies are legally obligated to undertake these reviews, but even the smallest company can financially benefit from even a basic energy audit.
2. Go Small: Look at options like exchanging current light bulbs for more energy-efficient ones. Avoid the use of baling twine for waste cardboard. Instead, use more durable and renewable options like baling wires available from balingwiredirect.com. Small changes like this can have a far-reaching effect on your environmental impact.
3. Consider Heating: Insulating your premises, especially with natural insulation, can dramatically reduce a heating bill. Consider installing smart, programmable thermostats to make it easier to manage your internal environments and save on heating as a result.

By committing to these types of sustainable business practices, manufacturers are already seeing positive results within their own operations. And they can similarly request that suppliers align their sustainability practices as well impacting the entire supply chain. In this way, small manufacturers can make a significant impact in helping the transition to a low-carbon economic future.