The push to economize and make the most of our resources is an ongoing concern in the manufacturing world – in every business, really. The more we can create with less, the more profit we can generate and the less worry we really have to have about a disrupted supply chain. Really scrutinizing the sustainability of things like solid waste, energy and carbon emissions can help find great reduction solutions.

Sometimes, though, the solutions aren’t as complex as one might think. Reusable packaging, for example, can both improve a company’s carbon footprint and solve real problems. Reusables such as packing material, bins, pallets and other materials are an easy source of improvement. But how can you identify other sustainable practices?

While recycling probably pops to mind immediately, there are a few key ways to discover other sustainable opportunities. Looking at the production process, uncover what processes have longevity or improve product flow. This doesn’t mean keeping an ancient piece of machinery around. Rather, will a newer, simpler design replace an outmoded way of operating? Komax static mixers are a great example. The parts are simply, brilliantly engineered to create uniform mixing and consistent results – customized to already existing pipeline and using only gravity for energy. Many customers not only discover improved product flow but also significant energy cost savings as well. Better engineering can also mean less downtime for cleaning tanks or removing sludge from the pipeline, reducing disposal costs and labor.

Reduction solutions are on everyone’s mind; nearly 81% of companies represented on the S&P 500 are interested in hard solutions to demonstrate corporate social responsibility, and typically that responsibility is centered on environmental impact.
In today’s fast paced manufacturing culture, supply chains must be both flexible and sustainable. New trends in technology, automation and visibility can help generate new ways to both cut costs and reduce environmental impact!