Build a Sustainable Manufacturing Facility

Sustainability in a facility includes and goes beyond duty to the environment. It extends to operations, scheduling, and people.

Getty Images 1415792563

Adam Walker, senior manager of sustainability for CRB.Adam Walker, senior manager of sustainability for CRB.Sustainable manufacturing can mean many things, from environmentally-friendly practices to operations, schedules, and people. Regardless, when planning a new manufacturing facility, sustainability must begin at the very roots of a project, says Adam Walker, senior manager of sustainability for CRB, a global design, engineering, construction, and consulting firm.

At the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) 2022 in Las Vegas, Walker explained that if sustainability is not written into the discussion early on, it tends to get value engineered out as funds become tight or are repurposed.

The best way to ensure sustainable practices are written into the plan is to get corporate board aligned, possibly hashing out a way to make sustainability goals possible. Walker said that having the concept in the corporate strategy and corporate social responsibility statement will lead to green company goals, which are far more achievable than in the past. 

“A sustainable facility no longer needs to cost more,” Walker said. “Twenty years ago, it did—the materials cost a lot more—but now the return on investment is oftentimes a lot higher because of the savings sustainable manufacturing gives.”

Planning deliveries to minimize truck usage is an overlooked sustainable method.Planning deliveries to minimize truck usage is an overlooked sustainable method.One particular area that could improve a company’s carbon footprint is transportation efficiency through integrated project delivery. This technique involves including the construction team early in the project to plan for efficient transportation. A more efficient method of staging the project can then be agreed on so shipments come on time, with ordering done in bulk rather than in small individual loads. 

“This allows you to maximize transportation loads, eliminate shipments, and reduce your carbon footprint overall,” Walker explained. It helps to avoid delays in the supply chain if you’ve planned out well in advance. If the load gets there early, you can have staging and layout areas set up onsite to store material until it is time for them to be used.”

Recycling and reusing pallets is another area also often overlooked. Pallets tend to get thrown in the landfill but other solutions could be considered, such as arranging with suppliers to send them back or reuse them at the site.

Proteins Innovations Report
Discover cutting-edge protein packaging innovations from PACK EXPO International 2024! Our editorial team spotlights hygienic equipment and materials designed for the demanding protein sector. From IP66-rated washdown systems and all-servo chub packaging to advanced auto-bagging technology and compostable trays replacing EPS, this report reveals how manufacturers are addressing clean, safe design while improving efficiency.
Take Me There
Proteins Innovations Report
List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO
Looking for CPG-focused digital transformation solutions? Download our editor-curated list from PACK EXPO featuring top companies offering warehouse management, ERP, digital twin, and MES software with supply chain visibility and analytics capabilities—all tailored specifically for CPG operations.
Download Now
List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO