Did you know that according to the EPA, American manufacturing accounts for nearly 23% of global carbon emissions? That is just one of the many statistics demonstrating the need for sustainable manufacturing practices.
What is sustainable manufacturing?
Sustainable manufacturing, commonly called green manufacturing, is a broad concept revolving around minimizing the industry's environmental impact across the entire supply chain, conserving natural resources, and creating more environmentally sound products.
Beyond being "the right thing to do," a growing number of manufacturers are embracing sustainability to fulfill their business needs and strategic objectives.
- Meet consumer demand for environmentally friendly products
- Adhere to industry or regulatory requirements
- Align with values of retailer or distribution partners
- Reduce costs and increase operational efficiency
- Enhance branding, marketing, and public relations initiatives
- Position for long-term profitability and success
Assessing your plan
Sustainable manufacturing is not a single step or "set it and forget it" process. Instead, it's a comprehensive set of principles that connect people and processes throughout the organization.
As you create or assess your company's sustainability plan, we encourage you to reflect on the following questions:
1. Does your organization have a sustainability strategy to reduce energy consumption, water usage, emission, and waste generation? Have specific goals been set and tracked?
2. Has the plan and policies been communicated to and adopted by all departments?
3. Does your company aim to achieve the triple bottom line of profits, planet, and people?
4. Do you work with your supply chain and manufacturing partners to align your sustainability efforts?
5. Are you familiar with the circular economy concept, and has your company taken steps to move away from products being designed for disposal after use?
6. Have you conducted a Life Cycle Assessment to determine the long-term impact of your products throughout the supply chain?
7. Have you eliminated or reduced plastics in your products or packaging? Is your team familiar with the recyclability of different plastics?
8. Do you incorporate paper or other sustainable materials whenever possible?
9. Do you follow best practices printing to improve paper's recyclability, such as maximizing de-inkability and switching to dry toner?
10. Are your manufacturing processes optimized to minimize waste, utilize alternative energy, and improve waste disposal through recycling, reuse, and composting?
Take a deeper look at sustainable manufacturing
To learn more about how your company can help make a better, greener future, we invite you to download Tapecon's Sustainability Guide for manufacturing, printing, and materials selection.
Let's make something great
With over 100 years of manufacturing experience, Tapecon works with product teams to solve challenges, create products, and enhance lives. Learn more about our sustainability initiatives.
