The Industrial Revolution was a period that brought great technological development. Between 1760 and 1840, industry finally consolidated itself, labor relations changed, and companies managed to increase production capacity thanks to the replacement of human labor by machines.
In the business world, this phase was extremely important for the solidification of capitalism. For the environment, however, this period was responsible for triggering, over the centuries, a series of environmental impacts such as melting glaciers, climate change, and species extinction.
Unfortunately, the use of machines in industry contributed greatly to the spread of these impacts. Precisely for that reason, it is now up to industries to adopt sustainable measures to safeguard the environment and, of course, minimize the effects.
Does your company already have a policy focused on industrial sustainability? Do you manage services and keep control of the team to avoid waste and rework?
If the answer is no, stay tuned! In today's post we will explain why your plant needs to adopt more sustainable measures and which actions can be put into practice.
Happy reading!
Industrial sustainability: why does the company need to care?
Concern for the environment is nothing new. In fact, ever since an increase in the use of natural resources by industries was observed, ecosystem issues were already being discussed by practically every government.
However, it was only in the year 2000, when the ozone hole over Antarctica reached 29.4 million km², that concern for the environment became urgent. With the risk of the gap expanding, industries, leaders, and even the population joined forces to control emissions of CFCs, compounds harmful to the atmosphere.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the hole that opened in the ozone layer over Antarctica closed in December 2020. However, the current generation remains concerned about the impacts that climate change can have on human health and preservation.
This shows that industries need to keep adopting more sustainable measures to control environmental problems and protect nature. Not only that, but also to preserve the community and maintain a good reputation.
Companies that care about the environment gain more visibility
Natura Cosméticos, considered one of the 5 most sustainable brands in Brazil, is an example of a company that cares about the environment. Since 2007, it has run programs aimed at conscious exploitation and controlled management of the country's natural riches. It even invests in a development model to fight deforestation and preserve the Amazon Rainforest.
Another company constantly concerned with ecosystem issues is Unilever, a multinational considered one of the world leaders when it comes to the environment.
The adoption of sustainable measures in its factories, such as better water utilization and waste treatment, aims to preserve the health and well-being of the entire community. Not only that, but also to protect nature and provide better living and working conditions for its employees.
Do such attitudes affect the environment positively? Without a doubt! But we cannot fail to admit that these actions also impact how people view these businesses. And that perception also contributes to the growth and permanence of these brands in the market.
Industrial sustainability is possible at your company
Now that you know why your company needs to care about the environment, let's look at which measures your plant can adopt to minimize environmental impacts.
To better explain these actions and how you can put them into practice, we've separated the sustainable measures into 6 topics. Check them out!
- Water reuse
Water reuse is one of the most assertive practices for making your plant sustainable. Besides generating savings for the company, this measure ensures that drinking water is reserved for nobler purposes such as personal hygiene and human consumption.
You can implement reuse by investing in a rainwater harvesting system or instructing your team to recycle water internally. Or, if you prefer, reuse water coming from treated sewage.
2. Solid waste recycling
Solid waste recycling aims to transform the physical, physical-chemical, or biological state of waste so that it becomes raw material or product once again.
In this case, you can use selective collection to return materials to production, or collect products already distributed in the market to prevent environmental pollution and give the waste its proper destination.
- Use of recycled materials
Using recycled materials is another practice that can make your company sustainable. By preferring these components, you contribute to reducing air, water, and soil pollution, as well as reducing urban pollution and generating energy savings.
You can build a culture of using recycled materials discarded in shared bins so that employees themselves distribute the items correctly. Or by selling this waste to companies specialized in material recovery.
- Team qualification
By investing in qualification, team control, and service management, the company can transform the mindset of all team members, who start to carry out processes and use materials more consciously. This change can generate more savings for the plant, since it reduces waste and minimizes impacts.
You can invest in qualifying your team by offering training sessions and lectures on the subject. Or by holding monthly meetings to discuss ideas focused on industrial sustainability.
- Proper disposal of toxic waste
Because it contains chemical compounds and presents a high degree of toxicity, toxic waste is considered the main villain for the environment and society. To give you an idea, if disposed of incorrectly, it can contaminate soil, water, and air. It also infects human beings, entering the body through direct contact or breathing.
To prevent such disasters from happening, you can instruct your team to wrap this type of material in a plastic bag, separating it from regular trash. Then, deposit it at specific collection points or return it to the store where it was purchased.
- Adoption of technologies that help reduce waste and rework
It may not seem like it, but adopting new technologies is another way for your company to become more sustainable. Plants generally suffer from material waste and rework, and these problems end up affecting the environment and human health, even if indirectly.
To adopt conscious exploitation and controlled handling of materials, and also to provide a safer and more productive work environment, invest in modern technologies that help with service management and team control.
Enjoyed the post? Then stick with us and read our other post "Productivity villain: how to fight rework".
Originally published in Portuguese at useall.com.br.