Sustainable manufacturing aims to create products that have minimal negative environmental impacts, are safe for people, and economically viable. It involves using renewable resources, clean energy sources, and efficient manufacturing processes while eliminating wasteful and harmful processes. It also highlights the social obligations that businesses have to protect people and their communities.
Sustainability is an ever-expanding concept in the 21st century, touching new areas of life and business by prompting people to consider alternatives that make an overall positive difference. The United States Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration defines sustainable manufacturing as the creation of products that are manufactured using processes that minimize negative environmental impacts; are safe for employees, communities and consumers; and are economically viable. Meeting these standards can require a wide variety of changes, such as eliminating the use of renewable resources, converting to clean energy sources, and implementing more efficient manufacturing processes.
In the past, most of the production was done without proper consideration for the welfare of people, nature and future life. Sustainable manufacturing differs in that it aims to improve the conditions of the present by considering the impact it will have on the lives of future generations. Eliminate attitudes where consumer demand overshadows the consequences.
One of the main goals of sustainable production is to show a greater level of respect for the environment. There is usually a long list of issues that must be addressed if a business is to meet these standards. Two examples include reevaluating the types of materials used and how they are used. The use of non-renewable natural resources is a major environmental concern because these materials cannot be replaced and some have already been reduced to alarming levels. Finding renewable resources to replace the use of these materials moves a company towards sustainability.
However, even when resources are renewable, sustainable manufacturing further aims to eliminate wasteful and harmful processes. Manufacturers can manage their waste levels by implementing more efficient production methods and recycling or reselling by-products. Elimination of the harmful effects of the production of goods can be achieved by using clean technologies and energy sources.
It is generally recognized that manufacturers are in business to make a profit and most have a responsibility to meet their financial obligations to their shareholders. While sustainable manufacturing does not aim to redefine this aspect of business, it highlights the social obligations that businesses also have. In addition to protecting the environment, we also need to protect people and their communities.
Over time, the ways in which manufacturing can negatively affect people and their lifestyles have been well documented. For example, in many cases large-scale manufacturing operations acquire land previously used for agricultural or domestic purposes, or their manufacturing processes contaminate land and water previously relied upon by surrounding communities. As more and more companies move towards sustainability, these social problems will start to disappear.
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