6 Ways the Manufacturing Sector Can Reduce Carbon Emissions

The UK has a net-zero carbon emissions to hit by 2050. To help them hit that target, all businesses across every sector must reduce their CO₂ output. According to the March 2021 Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy, the manufacturing sector accounts for a sixth of all greenhouse gas emissions within the UK, indicating that there is a lot of work needed in the sector to reduce emissions.

There’s no suprise why the manufacturing sector is one of the biggest carbon emissions contributors in the UK, due to its energy-intensive processes. So with that  it’s not possible for the sector to completely eliminate those emissions however, there are ways in which it can reduce them and balance them out to reach a level of carbon neutrality.

In this article, we’ll look at how at how the sector, if it uses the right machinery and components can accelerate the route for not only reducing its greenhouse gas emissions but also save money in the long run.

Invest in quality machine components

A lot of manufacturers tend to invest in cheaper machinery and parts that help them minimise the hefty upfront cost, but this can lead to more expensive route in the long run. In many cases, cheaper machinery and parts are made with cheaper materials. This means that they’ll have a shorter shelf-life than higher-quality items, so you’ll be required to replace these parts more frequently. This also creates more waste, which has a serious impact on the environment.

Switch to renewable energy sourcing equipment

There are some machinery and components that run on fossil fuels, which are one of the biggest contributors to climate change. Switching to equipment that runs on renewable energy will save you money in the long run and allow you to dramatically reduce your carbon emissions.

The production of certain materials can also require a lot of energy being sourced such liquid silicone rubber, which requires temperatures of 179–198^oC. Other materials, like most plastics, are well-known for their reliance on fossil fuels. By reviewing the raw materials you work with and the products you create, you can further cut down your energy requirements and move to renewable sources.

Opting to multi-tasking equipment

One key way that manufacturers can cut down on their energy costs and therefore their carbon emissions is to make use of multi-tasking equipment. These machines combine several processes – for example, cutting processes – which would have traditionally been carried out by multiple machines in one solution. This would help companies reduce setup and manufacturing time dramatically by getting more processes done in one go.

Having fewer machines on the go for one project will reduce the amount of energy required to produce materials or items, which has the double benefit of reducing business’ energy costs and carbon emissions. It also means that manufacturers will require fewer component parts for multiple machines. Fewer machines will free up factory space and increase business’ output efficiency.

Effectively maintain your equipment

There are significant ways to extend the life of manufacturing equipment it maintain it effectively. Equipment maintenance will vary based on the machinery itself, but generally speaking, maintenance is straightforward. Setting up processes for qualified technicians to regularly review your machinery is essential, but there are steps you can take yourself.

Cleaning your equipment and its component and keeping them free from debris is an essential step, because this can heavily impact their efficiency. In the shipping industry, energy-efficiency regulations have come into place that include keeping the propellors and other underwater parts of the ships clean, reducing waste heat production and the need for frequent new replacement parts.

Stop energy-wasting leaks

Leakages are one of the most common energy-wasting problems with manufacturing equipment. While checking your equipment is essential for general maintenance, including leak checks is recommended. This will allow you to spot and fix any leaks before they become a bigger problem. Using the right type of seal on your cylinder parts will help prevent leakages in the long run.

Seek sustainability into your supply chain

Its not just business practices that need to be switched for a more sustainable outlook, which would ultimately reduce your carbon emissions. The same can be said about your suppliers? If the businesses you’re sourcing your machinery and raw materials from aren’t sustainable, you may still be indirectly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainability is a key requirement in tender process, for many businesses, with others reviewing their suppliers based on their green credentials. A brand’s sustainability credentials are more important than ever, with research showing customers are seeking companies that are environmentally friendly. But large businesses including Nike and Adidas have come under scrutiny for poor practices in their supply chains. The fashion giants were found to use suppliers that discarded toxic waste in rivers in China, but the backlash was primarily aimed at those brands.

For the UK to meet its net-zero target, sustainability and reducing carbon emissions is essential for all business. As one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases in the UK, the manufacturing sector has a large role to play. By addressing the machinery and component parts your business uses, including how and where you source them, how you use them, and how you maintain them, you can reduce your emissions to support important environmental causes.