How high-tech manufacturers can contribute to the circular economy
In conditions of low growth and high inflation, it is common to see high-tech manufacturers prioritize profits over sustainable practices. While this may seem understandable on the surface, many people don’t realize that you can achieve both.
Replacing sustainable options with cheaper alternatives can lead to fast and dirty production processes, messy supply chains, unethical production conditions, and reduced product longevity. Not the standard we want to promote in times of economic uncertainty.
In addition to being ethically questionable, focusing on profit with minimal consideration for the planet has proven to be an unwise commercial strategy, with Epson research showing that 70% of consumers It has been revealed that they have boycotted brands they perceive to be ‘unsustainable’.
Adopting a business model based on the circular economy is a great way for businesses to achieve long-term profitability, but without the right guidance, understanding how to do this effectively can be difficult. It can be difficult.
Supply chain analysis
A product’s supply chain can have many unsustainable options embedded in it, so the first step to achieving a circular business model is understanding the lifecycle of the materials within it. . This means collecting information and data on the use and lifecycle of materials, energy and water usage levels.
Enabling this intelligence is tantamount to businesses putting their dirt on the table, allowing them to better understand what improvements can be made. Whether this means reusing and recycling materials, or reducing emissions through the use of renewable energy.
By understanding the supply chain, from raw materials to tools, spare parts, consumables, packaging and everything else, companies can start implementing sustainable measures. Each stage of the supply chain that is managed or operated by a third party may not be immediately controllable, but a complete supply chain analysis can help determine what external cooperation and accountability will be required. Help you understand.
Boris Manev is Head of Sustainability and Government at Epson Europe.
Control your carbon footprint
Manufacturers should also take a closer look at office energy consumption. A closer look at this intelligence will inevitably reveal that the areas where your business is consuming too much energy are also the areas where it is costing you more than it should. Not all solutions disclose their energy consumption, but for brands that do consciously do so, upgrades must be easy to find, from PCs and printers to refrigerators, display technology, and more. not.
Simple efforts such as reducing single-use materials, using water and light sensors to save energy, sourcing from local suppliers, using renewable energy, and updating technology hardware to more efficient models can add to the It also saves you money and time.
Printers are a technology found in nearly every office around the world, but the majority are still high-maintenance laser devices that consume large amounts of energy and have low ink yields. By easily switching to more modern inkjet alternatives, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and save significant amounts of money.
A simple technology change may sound small, but the more prevalent it becomes in your decision-making process, the more you will achieve in the long run.
Remanufacturing to reduce waste
Combining new, repaired and spare parts to build new products, known as remanufacturing, is an important step in extending product lifecycles and also contributing to the circular economy.
Many high-tech manufacturers report that since introducing remanufacturing into their production processes, they are now able to reuse and recycle in areas of their business they never thought possible. For example, even building materials can be repurposed into different products related to completely different areas of your business.
Introducing remanufacturing practices not only contributes to a circular economy, but also extends the life cycle of products, reduces costs and waste, and can pass the savings on to customers struggling to meet the cost of living. Masu. Companies can go a step further by offering consumers recycling programs for their products.
Long-term sustainability must be prioritized
After all, the key to becoming a long-term sustainable organization is listening and learning from your peers. Industry associations such as the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) provide valuable partnerships for businesses aiming to raise environmental standards and become more responsible. Years of experience in global markets is an invaluable currency in today’s climate, where companies strive to do better but have little concrete expertise or guidance to achieve it. It becomes.
High-tech manufacturers are likely to minimize their environmental impact and increase their bottom line if they invest time in learning from others, auditing their supply chains, and reevaluating their technology choices. you will notice.
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