Can Anything Be Done To Make Manufacturing More Sustainable?

Julie Starr • May 31, 2022



If we want to make the modern economy more sustainable , we need to address inefficiencies in manufacturing. For more than 100 years, manufacturing has been a poster child for environmental challenges. The “dark satanic mills” of the 19th century fired the popular imagination and led many people to believe that manufacturing was humanity’s greatest sin. 

The truth is a little more nuanced than that. Modern factories are actually incredibly clean and careful with their waste production. Heavy-duty chemical pallets for industrial use are often sustainable in their materials, too. But you could be doing more. You could be looking at the materials you choose with more depth. Businesses are doing plenty to ensure that they are sustainable right now.  However, they could go further. In this post, we take a look at all the things that manufacturers could do to make their operations more sustainable .

Save Time

Sometimes simply speeding up your operations or running a cycle faster without using more energy can result in less impact on the environment . If you can get more done in a shorter amount of time, then you can shut down your systems and save on power. In a large-scale production facility, you may be able to reduce how many machines you need to turn out the same quantity of products.

Share Power Between Machines

Factories often lose a lot of energy in the form of heat. When machines spin up to their full-cycle speed, they either dissipate energy into manufactured products or in the form of heat as they wind down. The latter is problematic because it represents wasted energy. 

However, power-sharing among machine tools is becoming more popular. For instance, seaming machines and cutting machines often share power through a single wire. By sharing servos and other opponents that contain kinetic energy the system can redistribute power between different functions when required by the process itself. This is a little bit like how hybrid cars take waste energy from braking and use it to charge the engine.

Choose Your Vendors Wisely

Another thing you can do to make your enterprise more sustainable is to choose your vendors wisely. Find a metal component manufacturer that focuses on reducing their carbon emissions and waste. Look for vendors who actively promote their green credentials.

Reduce Or Eliminate Pollution

Consumers are becoming increasingly educated on the environmental effects of the production of certain materials. They will often reject consumer items made according to manufacturing processes that generate potentially damaging byproducts. For instance, consumers are interested in machinery that uses as little coolant as possible or in manufacturing processes that reduce the number of offcuts. 

Recycle More

Recycling has become a major issue at trade shows and conferences. It is no longer acceptable for companies to fill giant hoppers with waste material and then send them to landfills. Consumers now want them to account for all of the energy that they use in their production processes, not just the energy cost of material that goes directly into products. 

In many cases, manufacturers are addressing this issue by bringing recycling facilities on-site . By moving facilities in this way, they are reducing the energy costs associated with transporting items large distances, cutting down on energy use even further.

A Greener Supply Chain with Micro Fulfillment

By Julie Starr • May 23, 2025
A sustainable supply chain is made possible with some major shifts and minor changes that you may not consider at first. One of these is micro fulfillment, where strategically placed warehouses provide streamlined services to a smaller area. So, what are some of the benefits of changing your logistics? From consolidated deliveries to minimal eco-impact, here are a few. Closer Customer Proximity There are a few ways that micro fulfillment centers are revolutionizing the courier industry. Reduced emissions, local sourcing, and support for urban stability are just three of the many examples. Compact logistics are quickly becoming a solution for businesses that want to make a difference, and through small warehouse space for rent , as and when needed, environmental footprints are diminishing as companies deliver services and goods to a smaller customer area. Consolidated Delivery Options Efficiency is everything in business, but it is even more critical when a company is looking to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Through a micro-fulfillment system, a business is able to reduce the overall number of trips that a courier has to make. With consolidated deliveries concentrated in a smaller geographic area, there are many more options available that contribute to a lower impact, including efficient use of fuel for lower emissions. A Greener Supply Chain with Route Efficiency A company can make many changes when becoming the green link in the supply chain for a healthier logistical operation. However, an average home delivery round for a standard courier service is 50 miles, with 0.42 miles between each drop-off, producing 181g of carbon each. Focusing on a smaller area through micro fulfillment reduce the associated issues with couriers: Being closer to delivery routes reduces the need for extra shipping options. Electric delivery vehicles can be used as there is no need to recharge them. Knowledge of the area helps with routes as drivers can avoid congested areas. Lower Environmental Impact Of course, all efforts to go green and become more sustainable through logistics are to reduce the environmental impact that a business has on the area. Micro fulfillment contributes to this in a way that a wider operation cannot. Shorter routes and enhanced inventory management actively reduce waste. There is also much less energy used, as micro fulfillment centers are designed to be energy-efficient, and EVs and less transport contribute to emission reduction. Enhanced Socioeconomic Benefits There is also a social and economic impact of a business. An enhanced and more sustainable business using local micro fulfillment centers instantly creates more jobs, helping to prop up the local economy. Of course, the efficiency of this type of logistical operation also results in happier customers, increasing the chance of repeat business. From a business perspective, you demonstrate a commitment to ongoing sustainability , appealing to eco-conscious customers. Summary Being closer to customers for delivery helps create a greener supply chain when used with micro fulfillment centers. Local couriers and employees also know the area and can avoid congested areas for streamlined operations. However, there are also social and economic benefits such as job creation, improved customer experiences, and enhanced brand reputation.

Sustainability in Ecommerce: 3 Ways to Make Progress Where It Matters

By Julie Starr • May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.