Kate Keedwell
Vodafone UK Head of Sales - Manufacturing, Energy and Logistics
5 minute read
22/09/2023
Find out how sustainable manufacturing is becoming the backbone of modern industry.
Sustainable manufacturing is turning into the backbone of modern industry, continuing to deliver tangible business benefits. 40% of businesses report increased profit margins, with 30% seeing a boost in their competitiveness1 when adopting sustainable processes.
At the heart of this transformative shift is the concept of the circular economy — a world where we continuously loop resources back into the production cycle, minimising waste and maximising usage. As the industry moves towards this model, digital technologies that connect people, places and processes have a vital part to play.
Start with sustainability in mind, right from the beginning of production.
Designing for a circular economy plays a critical role in promoting sustainable practices. Selecting the right products can help reduce environmental impact and often enhances the quality, durability and longevity of the product itself2.
Companies are increasingly recognising that sourcing responsibly not only protects the environment, but also protects their brand and profit margins. Plus, a data-driven understanding of the journey before, during and post-production are key vantage points for identifying efficiency savings.
Seeing waste as a resource reflects a mindset shift in production.
Input is just as valuable as output for the manufacturing industry today. This includes viewing waste not just as a by-product but also an opportunity. By integrating IoT sensors into production lines, surplus materials can be instantly detected and segregated. In addition to a connected logistical setup, you can also ensure there is efficient transport to facilities where materials can be reused or repurposed.
The technology involved is highly scalable, so it works for small and midsize businesses as well. For example, companies that manufacture construction materials are standardising their products to make waste and offcuts easier to recycle, instead of throwing them away and adding to the business’s disposal costs.3
In the era of smart and sustainable manufacturing, businesses like these can then integrate IoT sensors into their operations, which can be helpful to identify and segregate off-cuts. Guided by real-time data, these materials can be reused to create smaller items, formed into composite materials or packaged for recycling.
