Case Study Investing in Our Planet manufacturing

As the world hurtles towards a future of 9.7 billion people with dwindling natural resources, one word on everyone's lips: sustainability. From fashion to food, energy to transport, sustainability is the buzzword that has become a pressing concern in all areas of life, including the manufacturing sector.

With the continued expansion of industries, the environmental impact of manufacturing processes has become more significant than ever before. Improving sustainability in manufacturing is crucial in reducing the environmental impact of industrial processes and safeguarding the planet for future generations. Businesses are in the fortunate position where automated solutions such as collaborative robots can contribute to sustainability efforts, and can constantly evaluate the evolving technologies that enable sustainable operations.

Themed “Invest in Our Planet”, Earth Day 2023 acts as the perfect opportunity for businesses to look at key considerations in improve their sustainability efforts within the manufacturing sector, and how to combat this growing issue.

Reducing waste generated in the manufacturing process

In Singapore, the amount of waste generated locally has increased sevenfold over the past four decades, with the nation’s only landfill – the Semakau Landfill, estimated to run out of space by 2035. For consumers, implementing waste reduction strategies such as recycling and reusing materials are crucial. In terms of businesses, optimising production processes can help reduce waste and improve sustainability. Manufacturing processes often generate a significant amount of waste, which has a negative impact on the environment. For example, producing more than demand required or products rejected due to unacceptable quality are some of the reasons for wastage in manufacturing.

Adopting flexible and adaptable manufacturing solutions which allow manufacturers to shift towards made-to-order production without committing to large quantities, and automated solutions which delivers consistently high quality products are effective ways to reduce wastage. Some companies addressed these with UR cobots which key characteristic is the ability to reliably perform repetitive tasks with consistent deliverables, and the flexibility to reprogram to another task when product demand changes. Bajaj Auto Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motorcycles and three-wheelers in India, using cobots to carry out repetitive tasks with faultless precision. Using advanced tools is one of the key factors driving the company’s phenomenal growth globally. Preventing waste by optimising production processes can help reduce waste creation at the point of manufacturing and further improve sustainability. With the right equipment, tools, and automation in place, the deployment helps reduce waste, lower operating cost, enhance productivity, and most importantly – reduce waste.

Optimising energy usage

Manufacturing processes are often energy-intensive, and reducing energy consumption can help improve sustainability. Implementing energyefficient practices such as using renewable energy sources, optimizing production processes, and investing in energy-efficient equipment can help reduce energy usage and improve sustainability.

Digitalisation of manufacturing processes supports sustainability by reducing travel costs, optimising energy consumption. It also provides tools that