From Guest Blogger Brooke Chaplain: Limiting Industrial Waste and using Recyclable Materials in Manufacturing

Over the past century, mankind’s ability to manufacture, produce, and distribute goods has grown at a rate that is faster than at any other time in history. Unfortunately, the production of goods has led to the consumption of materials and has produced a large quantity of waste. The manufacturing and production world realizes that these eco-damaging practices are non-sustainable. Therefore, there has been a push in creating sustainable waste management and using recycled materials in manufacturing.
Minimizing Manufacturing Waste

Companies in the United States create 7.6 billion tons of nonhazardous industrial waste each year. As a result of the increasing cost of raw materials, the increasing cost of disposing of waste, changes in waste disposal regulations, and changes in customer preference, the manufacturing sector is looking for ways to minimize their waste stream. Comprehensive waste minimization ensures that facilities are in compliance with federal regulations, reduce their hazardous waste streams, and identify areas where they can downsize their waste generation. Waste minimization has economic benefits. It allows businesses to use raw materials more efficiently, minimizes the expense of hazardous material disposal, and can lead to revenue growth and cost savings.

Keeping Machinery Running at Optimal Conditions

Machinery that is running at less than optimal conditions produces waste in two forms. First, they expend extra energy as they operate. Second, faulty machinery tends to create sub-par materials, which end up being disposed of. Manufacturing and industrial businesses that work to keep their machinery functioning at peak conditions reduce waste and cost. One way they do this is by using diagnostic tools like a dynamometer. A dynamometer, like those available from Power Test Inc., is a tool that measures the force, torque, or power produced by an engine or other rotating prime mover. It determines if a machine is producing sufficient torque to operate a pump, for example. Additionally, the EPA uses s dynamometer in standard emission testing since it can serve as a test bed for multiple engine development activities including engine calibration.

Using Recycled Materials

Using recycled materials minimizes waste because it minimizes the amount of raw materials needed to produce an item. According to Forbes magazine, General Motors uses recycled materials that would otherwise be thrown away, including scrap steel, sludge, worn-out tires, and cardboard in their manufacturing process. As a result, GM is able to save more than $1 billion annually.
Minimize Waste to Protect the Environment

The disposal of manufacturing waste has reached a tipping point. A leader of the British Antarctic Survey, David Barnes, is quoted as saying that, “One of the most ubiquitous and long-lasting recent changes on the surface of our planet is the accumulation and fragmentation of plastics.” Plastics are a byproduct of the manufacturing process. Manufacturers who take steps to minimize their production of waste plastics and other products are doing their part to protect the environment.

Waste management and the use of recycled products in manufacturing are no longer an option. They are a must for the safety and future well-being of the planet.