Innovation and production are crucial and important parts of our economy and lifestyle in the twenty-first century. In fact, many of our manufacturing processes create a more efficient system than we had even fifty years ago. Whether insulating industrial processes, controlling the flow of precious resources, creating a repair for a failing product rather than creating an entire replacement or just producing high quality consumer products that will last the user a long time, good manufacturing is both necessary and environmentally friendly.

But that doesn’t meant the entire industry engages in “green” practices all the time. In fact, some of the most basic (but least necessary) aspects of producing and distributing a manufactured product can be changed or eliminated to make costs lower—both financially and environmentally.

Responsible manufacturing lets our world grow

Paper Use
We’re quickly entering a paperless age, and manufacturing companies should be no exception. With product lines changing as quickly as they do with new technology and innovation, it almost seems silly to print catalogs that will need to be thrown out and revised less than month later. Websites are easy and quick to update and can reach consumers faster and translate into more new business. Similarly, paper promotional mailings are easy for the consumer to misplace or forget about. E-mail and other electronic forms can efficiently reach consumers and create a sense of accessibility between the consumer and your product.

Water Use
Fresh water is quickly becoming one of the most precious but least protected resources in the world. Water costs are starting to go up and will continue to do so in the coming years. Investing in a water recycling system and efficient appliances and machinery will save you money and reduce your ecological footprint.

Product Recycling
Want repeat business? Take a clue from the British carpeting manufacturing business. Many of these companies have started a program where they use old carpet, reprocess it and incorporate it into new carpet. This is a great way to reduce their raw material costs and consumers can bring back old, dingy carpet and use it as credit toward newly fabricated carpet. This is good business and also good sense when it comes to making the most of raw materials. Using them again and again in new products, when possible, can save you and your consumer money.