Many product manufacturers are learning how to make more sustainable choices in their operations. This is not only good for the environment, but it can also lead to better operational efficiency, improve a company’s public image, and lead to other opportunities to make ecologically responsible business decisions. If you run a company, it’s time to think about how you can start implementing more environmentally sustainable changes for the better.
Reducing Paper Waste
Many businesses are moving their recordkeeping processes to digital formats, and they’re also offering customers the chance to cut down on paper waste by going paperless with their receipts, invoices, billing statements, and other paperwork. It’s possible to take this even further and reduce paper waste used in product manufacturing and other internal processes. While paper is generally recyclable, many operations use paper products in ways that make it almost impossible to recycle, and paper used in product packaging almost always ends up in the trash.
Recycling More
Most businesses recycle to some degree, but it’s always possible to take recycling further to reduce a company’s carbon footprint. Businesses engaged in manufacturing processes should look for ways to recycle byproducts or reuse excess raw materials wherever possible. This not only cuts down on waste but can potentially reduce raw material purchasing costs. Recycling is one of the easiest ways to become a more sustainable business.
Reducing Energy Consumption
Many modern companies are taking steps to cut fossil fuel consumption and simultaneously reduce their expenses on basic utilities like electricity and water. Energy-efficient light fixtures last a long time, provide adequate lighting, and result in much less waste as well as less energy usage. Many companies also require employees to shut down their computers at the end of each day, so they are not left running all night while no one is in the office.
Promoting Telecommuting
Companies with internal processes that function primarily in digital spaces should explore the opportunities that telecommuting offers. Most employees are more productive when they can work from the comfort of their own home and submit their work digitally. Telecommuting reduces fossil fuel consumption by allowing employees to avoid driving to and from work every day.
Choose Environmentally Friendly Packaging and Labeling
Many companies produce consumer products that require labeling and packaging, but most of this material will end up in landfills eventually. However, manufacturers can reduce the waste created by their labels and packaging by choosing more sustainable materials.
Biodegradable packaging and labeling substrates will function as intended for the customers’ purposes without contributing to landfill mass. Many possibilities exist, including water-soluble packaging for certain types of consumer products like medical products, pharmaceuticals, food products, and cleaning agents.
Go Beyond Recycling™
Connect with SmartSolve today to begin exploring our line of bio-based, eco-friendly products. During your consultation with our scientific team, you will learn more about how a water-soluble solution can benefit your business.