Schneider Electric isn’t just a provider of advanced manufacturing automation systems. It is a committed partner to manufacturers of all sizes, and deeply invested in the pursuit of sustainable manufacturing. For industries focusing on smart technologies to drive sustainable production and meet climate goals, specialist help is available. Schneider Electric stands at the forefront, offering both solutions and expertise.
The Role of Sustainability in Modern Manufacturing
As the world grapples with extreme climate events, the manufacturing sector faces a critical choice: to continue with business as usual or to embrace bold, transformative changes. The industrial sector is responsible for about one-third of annual carbon dioxide emissions. It must prioritise environmental sustainability to meet global climate targets.
However, the benefits extend beyond environmental impact. Sustainable practices can also enhance productivity through reduced resource usage and minimised waste. Other essential goals include improved resource efficiency, lower emissions, and heightened social responsibility.
Achieving industrial sustainability requires a holistic, integrated approach, addressing every aspect of production, purchasing, and sales. This includes more effective regulation of harmful emissions and water consumption. Ensuring sustainability is not just a goal but a reality across all operations.
Setting the Course for Ecological and Technical Progress
Many companies are struggling to meet their sustainability targets. A survey conducted by industry analyst Omdia revealed that nearly half of industrial end-users have yet to fully implement sustainability initiatives, with another quarter still in the development phase. A common challenge is outdated facilities and infrastructure that fail to provide sufficient data for effective process reviews, organisational evaluations, or technology assessments. This data deficit makes it difficult to set goals, measure success, and implement essential sustainability measures, such as adopting renewable energy sources.
Energy Efficiency Solutions for Sustainable Manufacturing
Sustainable manufacturing hinges on the ability to digitally track energy usage, material waste, recycling, and supply chain information. Achieving this requires investment in advanced sensing technologies, connectivity, and data visualisation tools, as well as the expertise of a trusted partner to integrate these elements effectively.
Many manufacturers also face significant challenges related to data visibility. When data collection across multiple sites is time-consuming and inconsistent, driving higher levels of plant performance becomes nearly impossible.
EcoStruxure Automation Expert
Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure platform offers a transformative solution for sustainable manufacturing operations, integrating digital tools to maximise production benefits. By adding intelligence and connectivity to previously isolated assets, the EcoStruxure architecture synchronises control and communication across these assets and shares critical information with analytical applications.
This enhanced connectivity improves performance across manufacturing sites leading to increased operational profitability and more attractive workplaces. Additionally, it boosts production-based energy efficiency, enhances asset performance, and extends asset lifespans.
The EcoStruxure Automation Expert takes this a step further by supporting agile, asset-centric automation architectures. This allows for performance control throughout the entire automation lifecycle, delivering real, measurable improvements across all business variables, including profitability.
Creating sustainable manufacturing operations may not be as daunting as it seems when you partner with the UK’s only Schneider Electric Alliance Master Industrial Distributor. See how we can help you move your business forward – just populate and submit our contact form below, and one of our industrial sustainability experts will be back in touch.
