As the world faces growing environmental challenges, the manufacturing industry is at a turning point.
Environmentally friendly processes and sustainability are becoming a necessity in the industry.
As a Sage Business Partner working with many manufacturing businesses across the UK, we’ve seen first-hand how manufactures are adopting sustainable practices, no longer just to meet regulations, but to unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation in the sector.
For manufacturers, sustainability goes beyond reducing waste or cutting carbon emissions. It’s about creating a business that thrives in a world where resources are limited. At the core of this transformation is the goal to use energy more efficiently, reduce waste, and work towards net-zero emissions.
Sustainability in Manufacturing
The UK Government has announced plans of making the UK net-zero by 2025. At the recent National Manufacturing Summit, industry experts discussed sustainable manufacturing practices and trends that achieve this goal of reaching net-zero emissions. Here are the key sustainable manufacturing practices and trends happening in 2025:
Investing in energy saving machinery
Manufacturers are switching to energy-efficient machinery, such as high-efficiency motors, intelligent control systems, and automated power management, along with renewable energy sources like solar or wind power. Although this may appear to be an expensive investment at first, the long-term advantages are presumed to surpass the initial expenditures.
Integrating AI in manufacturing
The manufacturing industry is typically at the frontline of innovation and has already begun to see heavy investment in artificial intelligence (AI). The development of AI has lead to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved product quality within supply chains.
Waste reduction
For the last few years, manufacturing businesses have been adopting new ways to reduce waste. Some ways include:
- Reusing packaging materials by reducing unnecessary material use, and prioritising renewable and easily recyclable materials.
- Repurposing materials when possible by designing products with disassembly in mind, making it easier to recycle and reuse components at the end of their lifespan.
- Practising effective inventory control, including accurate demand forecasting and just-in-time inventory management, to minimize overstocking and waste.
Moving forward, reducing waste should remain a key focus for manufacturers.
Adoption of a circular economy
Manufacturers today are shifting their existing ‘take, make and throw away’ model for a circular economy alternative. A circular economy is an economic model that aims to minimise waste and make the most of available resources.
It focuses on designing products for longevity, reuse and recycling. In the context of the manufacturing industry, the circular economy encourages businesses to adopt sustainable practices by using renewable materials, reducing energy consumption, and minimising waste.
The overall goal of adopting a circular economy is to create a closed-loop system where products and materials are continually reused, ultimately reducing environmental impact, conserving resources, and promoting economic growth.
Increased digital manufacturing
Digital manufacturing is another key trend for manufacturers to optimise production while being sustainable. For example, implementing digital design tools can help designers make stronger, lighter parts that use less material and fewer resources.
Example of digital manufacturing in the UK: Rolls-Royce and the use of Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) and digital design tools to create more sustainable components for its aircraft engines.
Rolls-Royce has invested heavily in digital design technologies, including 3D printing, to produce lightweight parts with complex geometries that are not possible using traditional manufacturing methods. One of the standout examples is the use of 3D-printed titanium for the production of engine parts. These components are not only lighter and more durable but also require less material compared to conventional manufacturing processes, which results in reduced waste and lower energy consumption.
This helps in reducing material waste, enhancing fuel efficiency, and ultimately contributing to more sustainable manufacturing practices.
Sustainable logistics
Sustainable shipping is becoming increasingly popular. Manufacturing companies are now working towards reducing transportation emissions that are harmful to the environment. Examples of how manufacturers can do this include:
- Using eco-friendly packaging, such as recycled or plant-based materials.
- Optimising travel routes by grouping deliveries within similar time slots or geographic areas or using advanced software (AI) that incorporates real-time data to help choose the most efficient routes.
- Reducing transit times by placing distribution centres and warehouses closer to key markets or production sites minimises the distance goods need to travel.
- Making use of electric vehicles (EVs) instead of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Manufacturers could also ensure that the energy used to charge their EVs comes from renewable sources, such as solar or wind power.
What can my business do?
For manufacturers aiming to support the UK’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2025, transitioning to more sustainable practices and enhancing environmental friendliness requires a fundamental shift in business operations. Manufacturers in 2025 are encouraged to explore key sustainable manufacturing trends and gradually incorporate these practices into their business strategies.
In conclusion, for those committed to contributing to a greener future, taking these steps towards sustainability can significantly impact the UK’s environmental goals.
If you would like to learn more about how we work with manufacturers, you can read our manufacturing industry page here.
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