Sustainability – the future of manufacturing?

Sustainability is key to modern manufacturing, the longevity of the industry and the UK’s economy. We look at the topic in more detail

In the modern manufacturing world, every business in the production chain has a responsibility towards sustainability. This means committing to business practices that are less wasteful and more economical. The impact of sustainable practice reaches far beyond your own walls – it can help the environment, society as a whole and the country’s economy.

This sustainability needs to run throughout the whole of the UK manufacturing sector. Corrotherm, as a supplier of technically advanced nickel alloys, has its own high standards when it comes to sustainable practice. This is why we maintain our industry accreditations and certifications.

What is sustainability?

The dictionary definition of sustainable is “the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level” and also “the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance”. Sustainability is often thought of in the same vein as ‘being green’. Being an environmentally friendly company is certainly a large part of being sustainable. This means encouraging business practices that generate less harmful waste and using materials that have the lowest possible impact on the environment.

It also means using renewable energy sources and reducing energy output. This in turn can actually reduce your overall energy costs, which can increase your profits, making sustainability a sound business decision too.

This leads into another part of the sustainability puzzle and one that links to that first dictionary definition – economic sustainability. Keeping your business at a level where it has a sustainable output is beneficial to the whole of the UK manufacturing industry and economy. Especially true as we enter uncertain times with Brexit around the corner, finding ways to remain economically sustainable is key.

People at the heart of sustainability

People are part of this equation; looking after employees, rewarding their hard work and building loyalty will all pay off in the long term. A reputation for being a sound employer will not only help with the retention of good workers, but will also attract new talent to your company. A strong, committed workforce helps to drive a business forward, increase profits and sales, and therefore create a sustainable business model. A team that feels respected and looked-after is more likely to contribute new ideas and solutions, driving innovation and progress.

Being a sustainable business reaches beyond your core purpose of manufacturing goods. Having high standards and ensuring that every part of your supply chain adheres to the same quality helps build a sustainable industry. Sourcing, testing and ensuring the quality of your materials, for example, leads to better-quality products and happy customers, who are more likely to return for repeat business.

The future of manufacturing

The benefits of running a sustainable organisation are clear. It will improve your business practices, contribute to the UK economy, provide meaningful jobs and help reduce negative impact on the environment.

It’s also the key to longevity and stability within the UK manufacturing industry. As more businesses convert to sustainable practices, the more we are cementing the industry and projecting it into a successful future.

It’s time to think about the investments that need to be made now with a future-focused mindset, seeing the benefits that will occur over the coming years. It will take a cross-industry collaboration to realise this sustainable dream, and it should be high on the agenda for all manufacturers.