All about Green manufacturing

Green manufacturing has gone from being a trend, to becoming a necessity in manufacturing. It has been clearly shown that manufacturing firms that have gone green are finding that it saves them thousands of dollars each year. Going green will cut down energy costs, and can even save money on insurance rates. Experts predict that green manufacturing will be the most widely used manufacturing method within the next five years

Manufacturers should understand that if they decide to go green, it can begin in small and simply ways. The overall cost of going green is fairly negligible, for most companies. Here are some ways to get started-

• Recycle materials-This is the simplest way to go green. Recycling is both easy and affordable to put in place.Manufacturing companies need to take a look at the products their company uses, and find ones that can be re-used at the facility. The bottom line is that recycling products within a manufacturing facility, will save any company considerable money. One of the most important aspects of recycling is to make sure that employees have access to recycling stations. An easy solution is to place bins around the facility, where employees can easily access them, to toss products that can be recycled. Rewards and incentives can also encourage them to use the bins, instead of just tossing there used items into the garbage.


• Clearly identify the wastes-Another important step toward going green, is finding all the wastes, in the manufacturing process. Manufacturers should look closely at the harmful wastes and emissions, their business may be producing. Many manufacturers have made a switch to solar or wind energy, to cut down energy costs. In addition changing to organic materials can also cut down on harmful emissions.


• Continue with regular training-In order for green manufacturing to be successful, it is critical that employees understand the importance behind going green, and recycling. Many manufacturers have found better success by offering incentives, to employees that regularly practice recycling and going green. Training can also help make sure your workers know where the recycling bins are, and what items are able to be recycled, and what the overall green manufacturing plan is.


• Look at the manufacturing process-Manufacturers can also begin going green with their products, by looking at each one of them individually, and deciding how they can re-design them. Many manufacturers are also finding ways to build their products with natural materials, and look for machines that produce less waste.


• Purchase only from green suppliers-Manufacturers who are making an effort to go green, are also making it a priority to only purchase raw materials from green suppliers. This way they know that from beginning to end their product is green. Every aspect from the design to the packaging can be greened up in some way.

Manufacturing businesses should realize that while it will take an initial investment on their part to start going green, once they make the investment, they will start to see immediate and profitable results. Green manufacturing experts recommend that when looking at any product, manufacturers should use the three life cycles to design them. The three life cycles simply means designing a product for re-use. In order to really be a green product once the product has gone through its life cycle, it needs to have at least some parts that can be recycled. Many manufacturers are trying to develop products so at least some of the parts can be recycled. The other part of the three life cycles includes: developing a product that can be interchangeable with others.Green products are meant to be recycled and used again in the future or if perhaps if the product is not recyclable, it can be used for many years. Additionally, instead of creating a new product, manufacturers can consider releasing additions or updates to the product.