Sustainable manufacturing not only has a positive impact on the environment but also has MANY positive benefits for businesses. Although the idea of being more eco-friendly and earth-conscious may seem daunting, it doesn't have to be and the benefits certainly outweigh the effort it will take. 80 percent of leading companies across the globe have adopted sustainability. Have you considered it before?
Do you like the sound of increased revenue, better brand reputation and reduced business costs? Well, all of that is possible by adopting a more sustainable manufacturing approach. But not only that, there are also more benefits too!
In this post, we'll cover all the benefits of sustainable manufacturing. We'll list the main ones in the hope to inspire your eco-friendly choices for the future.
We’ll cover:
- The environment
- Reduced business costs
- Better brand image
- Increased revenue
- USP
- Encouraged innovation
- Improved health and safety
- Staff retention
The environment
It goes without saying that sustainability is preparing everyone’s lives for the future. It’s future-proofing three different pillars of sustainability; social, economic and environmental. Being sustainable isn’t just about recycling or minimising plastic usage - it’s all small changes that are sustained over a period of time for long-term outcomes. It’s about being conscious of our impact on the environment and understanding the climate crisis we’re currently facing.
Seven percent of climate scientists around the world agree: climate change is happening and it is caused by human activity. This means that manufacturing businesses need to contribute to the positive changes the Earth is needing for the future. Going digital, recycling and reusing products, carefully sourcing manufacturing suppliers and ethical marketing are just a few of the sustainable changes you can make in your manufacturing business. So if you’re adopting a more sustainable approach you’ll be benefiting the environment - FACT.
Reduced business costs
A move towards sustainability could help your business financially. By using energy more efficiently and converting to renewable energy sources to wind or solar will both help you stabilise your energy prices.
Using energy more efficiently will not only help reduce your level of greenhouse gases emitted but you'll also spend less on your energy bills and you'll be able to invest that money elsewhere.
One key energy-saving hack is to ensure you're checking your manufacturing equipment regularly and checking overall maintenance. You can inspect your equipment for poor energy usage and malfunctions - this will ensure you're maximising your machines for optimal sustainability.
Better brand image
There's nothing more rewarding than building on your brand image and receiving positive feedback from your consumers. Consumers are becoming more aware of the necessity for sustainable companies and they're also realising the impact their buying choices have.
A company that is choosing a more sustainable approach is more likely to receive a positive brand reputation and image in comparison to a brand that isn't choosing sustainability for the future. Sustainability pleases your audience = increased sales.
Manufacturing companies should look to create and publish a sustainability document that highlights their approach to sustainability and how they're acknowledging the climate crisis. BMW is one of the many companies that consistently updates their sustainability documents and has a vision for the future - generations to come.
Increased revenue
Making your business more sustainable will also make it more marketable in the long term. So avoiding this necessary environmental change could impact your sales and revenue. Three out of four are willing to pay more for products or services from brands that are committed to positive social and environmental impact.
Make the necessary changes and see your sales increase. Consumers love brands that are doing their bit to help others and planet Earth. After all, if consumers purchase from your brand knowing you're achieving positive outcomes, they'll also feel positively impacted like a ripple effect.
USP
What are your unique selling points? Have you considered that your environmental impact could also be considered a huge positive and determine buyers choices? Well, sustainability can in fact be a great USP for your business.
Brands need to be more committed to adopting sustainability practices for the future. But also, sustainability prepares businesses for future problems. Any business that adopts a sustainable approach shows that they're reliable, ahead of their competitors and focused on longevity.
Encourage innovation
Sustainability and adopting a sustainable approach in business can definitely seem daunting. However, when problems arise this should breed the opportunity for innovation. Where can you improve your operations but incorporate sustainability? How can you recycle your products to futureproof your services? What incentives can you give your customers if they support your sustainability initiatives?
Instead of thinking of sustainability as a difficult challenge. See it as an opportunity to grow your business, increase your revenue and modernise your business. Sustainability will only bring positive results if done correctly so embrace the problem solving and be prepared for real business innovation. It's exciting!
Improved health and safety
By becoming a more sustainable manufacturer, you actually put the health and safety of your employees at the forefront of your business without realising it. Following sustainable practices can reduce water and energy, minimise waste and decrease hazardous emissions.
Aside from ALL of the benefits that directly impact your business positively. Sustainability will also decrease your carbon footprint and make a positive difference to the safety in your workplace - improving the conditions for your employees and the people in your local community.
Staff retention
Sustainability is a team effort in any business. As soon as you ask all members of the team (at all levels) to implement green manufacturing practices, it sparks an atmosphere and working environment that breeds collaboration and teamwork.
When your team notices the impact they have on the business and the future, it'll encourage them to go above and beyond knowing their contributions are vital. If your employees know they're making a positive difference, they'll feel appreciated and honoured to be a part of your journey and research additional methods for innovation.
Candidates may also be more inclined to apply for a job at your business knowing it's prepared for future obstacles and problems. Showing it to be a place for financial security and career stability.
Ready to prepare your business for the future? We'll help you!
If you’re keen to prepare your business for the future then with an expert team on hand to help, it’ll be possible. Our attention to detail, commitment and innovation positions manufacturers as thought leaders in their industry - allowing them to generate increased revenue and leads.
Get in touch with our expert team today and start preparing your business for future success! We can’t wait to hear from you.