As the global emphasis on environmental sustainability grows, the manufacturing sector stands at a pivotal crossroads. Globally, the industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, responsible for approximately a quarter of total emissions.
At the organisational level, taking action to reduce emissions is vital for meeting global climate goals, maintaining long-term competitiveness and sustainable growth, and ensuring compliance with current and future regulations. However, the complexities are considerable, and understanding the interrelationship between different types of emissions across the supply chain is key to driving meaningful, lasting change.
Thomas Guerriero, Group Customer CSR Manager at Domino Printing Sciences, highlights the connection between the environmental sustainability objectives of production machinery manufacturers and their manufacturing clients. He explores how organisations can collaborate to make a net-positive impact in reducing GHG emissions.
Aligning Sustainability Commitments
The environmental performance of a production machinery manufacturer ultimately influences the environmental performance of their manufacturing customers (such as FMCG or brand manufacturers), and vice versa. Therefore, improving environmental performance requires collaboration throughout the supply chain to align sustainability commitments.
What Steps Can Machinery Manufacturers Take to Align These Commitments and Foster a More Environmentally Sustainable Future?
Developing More Sustainable Machinery
Production machinery and equipment have a direct impact on the GHG emissions of FMCG manufacturers. Machinery manufacturers can adopt several strategies within their design processes to create more sustainable products and support their customers’ sustainability objectives:
- Responsible Material Sourcing: Design machinery to maximise the use of recycled and recyclable materials in both product development and packaging. With the forthcoming EU Deforestation Regulation, machinery manufacturers must play a role in responsible sourcing, particularly concerning packaging materials such as pulp and paper.
- Energy Efficiency: Identify ways to reduce energy consumption during machinery operation. For instance, designing equipment with modern electric drive systems instead of pneumatic systems, or creating machinery that does not require additional factory air for cooling, can significantly lower energy usage.
- Longevity in Design: Develop durable, robust machinery built to last. Extending the operational lifespan of products helps distribute embedded emissions over a longer period, thereby reducing the overall environmental impact.
- Data-Driven Design: Incorporate smart technology into production line machinery to provide FMCG manufacturers with detailed insights into energy consumption relative to production output. This data helps businesses identify inefficiencies and offers valuable information (for both machinery manufacturers and their FMCG customers) on optimising manufacturing operations for long-term sustainability.
Reducing Waste in the Factory and Beyond
Machinery manufacturers play a key role in minimising waste generated at FMCG manufacturing sites, from the packaging of original machinery and consumables to production line waste associated with product packaging materials. The following strategies can support waste reduction efforts:
- Innovative Packaging Solutions: Collaborate with FMCG manufacturers to develop machinery capable of processing recyclable, compostable, or refillable materials. This proactive approach helps FMCG brands meet growing consumer demand for sustainability—55% of consumers prioritise environmental responsibility when choosing brands—and supports the circular economy by reducing downstream waste.
- Efficient Manufacturing Processes: Design machinery that actively supports waste reduction during manufacturing. For example, late-stage customisation using coding and marking equipment can help reduce packaging waste caused by overproduction. Additionally, optimising material usage within product design can significantly cut down on excess waste.
- Reliability, Maintenance, and Integration: By designing machinery that is reliable, easy to maintain, and service-friendly, manufacturers can help customers maximise efficiency and uptime. Integrated and automated solutions also reduce the risk of waste caused by manual errors, particularly by minimising manual data entry and simplifying production line changeovers. In industries like dairy, where products have a short shelf life, preventing downtime and reducing errors is critical to minimising waste.
- Cloud Communications and Smart Systems: Equip production line machinery with intelligent systems such as sensors, machine vision, and cloud connectivity. These technologies enable FMCG manufacturers to identify and address production issues early—whether related to calibration, ink supply, or unplanned maintenance—thereby reducing waste caused by operational errors or malfunctions.
The Future of Manufacturing: Developing New Sustainable Business Models
As the demand for sustainability continues to grow, machinery manufacturers must adapt traditional business models to align more closely with their FMCG customers’ sustainability goals. The following innovative approaches can help support this shift:
- Support for Reuse and Refurbishment: Establish programmes that promote the reuse and refurbishment of older machinery. Extending the lifecycle of equipment reduces the need for new resources, thereby lowering environmental impact.
- Recycling and Refill Initiatives: Partner with FMCG manufacturers and supply chain stakeholders to design and implement programmes that encourage the recycling and refilling of consumable products. By actively supporting the circular economy, machinery manufacturers can help reduce waste and emissions linked to single-use materials.
- Design for Longevity and Modularity: Create durable equipment designed for longevity and ease of service. Modular designs enable upgrades and expansions without requiring full equipment replacement, conserving resources over time. Additionally, advanced remote monitoring services can enhance equipment performance and efficiency.
- Outcome-Based Manufacturing Models: Shift from traditional product-based sales towards outcome-based models focused on performance and operational efficiency. In this approach, machinery suppliers take responsibility for ensuring equipment operates at optimal capacity, fostering more sustainable operations as both manufacturers and brands prioritise machinery effectiveness over transactional sales.
Conclusion: A Collective Path Forward
The manufacturing industry stands at a pivotal point in its journey towards environmental sustainability. Machinery manufacturers have a crucial role to play in reducing GHG emissions across the supply chain by aligning their sustainability commitments with those of their FMCG-manufacturing customers. Key actions include developing more sustainable machinery, prioritising waste reduction, and innovating new business models to promote environmental responsibility.
Ultimately, environmental sustainability in manufacturing is not merely an operational challenge but a unique opportunity to drive innovation and lead in an evolving global landscape. Through collaboration with manufacturers, brands, and consumers, machinery manufacturers can create solutions that not only strengthen their own sustainability credentials but also contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.
