Common Types Of Manufacturing Waste And How To Avoid Them

Julie Starr • September 7, 2022



For any manufacturing process to be truly efficient, it’s important to find ways to eliminate or, at least, reduce manufacturing waste . This type of waste is any action in the manufacturing process that does not benefit the customer or add value to the product. Manufacturing waste can cost a business a significant amount of money, from defective products to transportation waste. And yet, it’s one aspect of the manufacturing process that many businesses overlook. Here are some common types of manufacturing waste and what you can do to avoid them.  

  • Defects

Defects in manufacturing occur when the product is not manufactured properly and falls short of its intended design. And what happens with most companies is that almost all defective products are discarded, costing money, wasted time, wasted energy, and of course, wasted product. For example, a prescriptive drug or a gummy chewable may become contaminated through the manufacturing process or may break or lose its shape due to a sub-standard manufacturing process. To avoid this, it’s important to reevaluate your product design, create a flexible manufacturing process, and ensure effective quality control and inspection processes. You should also invest in a high-quality manufacturing process and products. For example, if you produce gummies, then it’s best to invest in premium quality molds and a gummy machine . This way, you can minimize the risk of broken or inconsistent shapes in the manufacturing process. 

  • Transport waste

Transport waste occurs when material movements do not directly support or lead to immediate manufacturing, which can happen in several ways. For example, if your manufacturing facility has an improper layout, poor scheduling, or poor production planning, you can easily create transport waste. Transport waste can also happen when a product used in manufacturing is moved about unnecessarily. It could occur when transporting raw materials from a supplier to the manufacturing plant. And it can lead to products being damaged or even misused. To reduce transportation waste, it’s important to find ways to shorten the supply chain, create an effective layout, and work schedule. 

  • Excess processing 

Excess processing happens when you provide more value in a product than your customer needs or requires. Also known as over-processing, it can cost your business some level of financial burden when you invest more-than-necessary material and staff time required to make a product. A good example of excess processing waste happens when a portion of a product is more highly polished using machine and labor when it is not a functionality requirement for the customer.

  • Waste of waiting

Waiting waste refers to an inventory that is sitting idle, whether on waiting shelves or between manufacturing stations. And this can cost your business lots of money and time. A typical cause of waiting for waste is unplanned downtime. That can be caused by production bottlenecks, extra long setups, and poor condition of facility equipment. To minimize or eliminate waiting waste, you can consider redesigning your manufacturing process or shortening it to ensure a single piece and production flow. You can also find ways to standardize employee training, processes, and instructions. 

Leveraging Social Media for Effective Sustainability Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • March 10, 2025
​In today's rapidly evolving political and environmental landscape , transparent communication has become a cornerstone of effective sustainability efforts. At Taiga Company, we recognize that fostering open dialogues with stakeholders is not just a corporate responsibility but a strategic imperative. Social media platforms have emerged as powerful tools in this endeavor, enabling real-time engagement, education, and collaboration.​ The Imperative of Transparency in Sustainability Transparency in sustainability reporting involves openly sharing information about a company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. This openness builds trust with stakeholders—customers, employees, investors, and the broader community—by demonstrating accountability and commitment to sustainable practices. According to the Global Reporting Initiative , credible disclosures based on transparent communication can change perceptions, build trust, and motivate action towards greater sustainability. ​ Moreover, transparent communication allows stakeholders to make informed decisions and fosters a culture of continuous improvement within organizations. It also mitigates risks associated with misinformation and greenwashing, where companies may be accused of falsely portraying their products or policies as environmentally friendly. As noted in discussions on green public relations , transparency is crucial in combating the climate crisis, as it prevents companies from remaining impervious to advocacy and resistant to change if obligations are purely voluntary. ​ Leveraging Social Media for Stakeholder Engagement Social media platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for companies to engage with stakeholders on sustainability issues. Here's how businesses can effectively utilize these platforms:​ Real-Time Communication: Social media enables immediate dissemination of information regarding sustainability initiatives, progress, and challenges. This real-time communication keeps stakeholders informed and engaged, fostering a sense of inclusion and partnership.​ Educational Content : By sharing educational materials—such as articles, infographics , and videos—companies can raise awareness about sustainability topics, influencing public perception and encouraging responsible behavior.​ Interactive Engagement : Platforms like LinkedIn, and Instagram allow for two-way communication, where stakeholders can ask questions, provide feedback, and participate in discussions. This interactivity enhances transparency and shows that the company values stakeholder input.​ Storytelling : Sharing stories about sustainability efforts, employee initiatives, and community partnerships humanizes the company's brand and makes sustainability goals more relatable and compelling.​ Collaborative Campaigns : Social media facilitates collaboration with other organizations, influencers, and the community to amplify sustainability messages and drive collective action.​ Transparent communication through social media is not merely a trend but a vital component of modern sustainability strategies. It empowers stakeholders, enhances corporate reputation, and contributes to the global effort towards a more sustainable future.

Amplifying Climate Action: The Critical Role of Communications in Advancing Davos 2025 Initiatives

By Julie Starr • March 3, 2025
At the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, leaders from around the globe convened to address pressing environmental challenges. The discussions underscored the urgency of climate action and highlighted innovative solutions to safeguard our planet. Effective communication plays a pivotal role in amplifying these efforts, ensuring that critical initiatives gain traction, engagement, and long-term support. Here are three key takeaways from Davos 2025 and the vital role of communications in advancing these initiatives: Launch of the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor A landmark announcement was the creation of the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor , aiming to restore and protect 540,000 km² of land across the Congo basin. This initiative not only seeks to conserve biodiversity but also to foster sustainable economic growth for local communities. The Role of Communications: Strategic storytelling can elevate awareness of the Green Corridor’s impact, ensuring that global audiences understand its significance. Media engagement and public relations efforts can generate widespread support from governments, NGOs, and investors. Thought leadership initiatives can position conservation experts as authorities, driving further collaboration and funding. Integration of Indigenous Knowledge in Climate Solutions Davos 2025 emphasized the importance of blending cutting-edge climate science with the wisdom of indigenous communities. This approach ensures that solutions are contextually relevant and culturally sensitive. The Role of Communications: Effective stakeholder engagement ensures that indigenous voices are heard and respected in global decision-making forums. Social media and digital storytelling can amplify the invaluable contributions of indigenous communities, fostering greater appreciation and inclusion in policy frameworks. Clear, accessible messaging can bridge gaps between scientific research, policymaking, and indigenous traditions, leading to more holistic climate solutions. Recognition of Groundbreaking Environmental Initiatives The inaugural Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) Awards at Davos honored five innovative projects advancing systemic transformations for people and the planet. The Role of Communications: Public relations efforts can shine a spotlight on award-winning initiatives, securing media coverage that attracts further investment and collaboration. Brand positioning and digital outreach can help environmental organizations establish credibility and thought leadership in sustainability. Social media engagement can rally communities around these initiatives, ensuring continued momentum and impact beyond Davos. In conclusion, the insights from Davos 2025 highlight a global commitment to environmental sustainability. Communications serve as a bridge between action and awareness, ensuring that transformative initiatives receive the recognition, resources, and engagement necessary to drive meaningful change. By strategically leveraging media, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement, we can amplify impact and accelerate progress toward a more sustainable future.
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