Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Industry

What is sustainability in business and industry?

Sustainability in business and industry refers to how organizations' operations affect ecological, social, and economic environments. Business sustainability is often associated with the harmful impact business operations have on the environment. Even if this is true, the environmental effect is only half of the story. Sustainable businesses or industries should have a minimal negative impact or potentially a positive effect not only on the global or local environment but also on communities. Sustainable businesses implement strategies to eliminate the adverse environmental and social impacts caused by business operations. Business sustainability can only be achieved by improving your business practices by thinking ahead and looking at how your actions impact the environment.

Why is sustainability important for industries?

Sustainable industries are becoming increasingly important. As more industries reach sustainability, adverse environmental impact is being reduced. Hence, sustainable industries are essential for a healthy planet and a better future for everyone. Green business functions won't only be in the local and global environment's best interests but also communities and the businesses themselves. For many companies, becoming more sustainable also means more efficient processes. This means industries opting for sustainable practices can reduce their production time, manage their supply chain processes better, reduce the amount of resources they use, and even lower the cost of the overall production process. Implementing new business practices is challenging and can be costly initially. However, compared to what industries can achieve by going sustainable and how that sustainability focuses on increasing businesses' brand awareness and popularity, that initial cost isn’t much.

What is meant by sustainable industry?

A sustainable industry is any industry that carries out its industrial process sustainably. This sustainable way includes but is not limited to using green energy, reducing the use of non-renewable sources, and better waste management systems.

What is sustainable manufacturing? How can manufacturing be sustainable?

Sustainable manufacturing utilizes economically-sound processes that minimize negative environmental impacts by conserving energy and natural resources during production processes. Sustainable manufacturing also considers employee and community safety. Manufacturing processes can easily be sustainable by using raw materials, natural renewable sources, and less non-renewable energy sources. By making these raw materials and sources of energy changes, businesses work in better harmony with the environment and improve people's lives with better quality, environmentally friendly and non-toxic products.

What Is Green Manufacturing, and why does it matter?

Green manufacturing is a term coined for identifying manufacturing businesses in which fewer natural resources are used, pollution and waste control policies are well in place, recycling and reuse schemes are employed, and emission levels are moderated. Green manufacturers focus on researching, developing, or utilizing new technologies and practices to lessen their environmental impact. What makes green manufacturing a worthwhile cause is its outcome. Businesses that choose to be part of green manufacturing and work towards it will inevitably reduce their energy-related costs, attract new customers, gain tax incentives, boost workforce morale, and contribute to societal change.

What are examples of sustainable manufacturing?

Sustainable manufacturing centers around manufacturing while minimizing waste and reducing the environmental impact. Therefore any activity or policy which allows the businesses to work towards the aforementioned aims can count among sustainable manufacturing examples. These could be increasing the use of smart machinery and digital systems, utilizing better technologies, improving waste management systems, and employing cycle production schemes.

Why should my business care about the sustainable industry?

In today's world, no businesses can claim to be free from environmental responsibility. Environmental impact is affected by how products are marketed, purchased, and operated. This means that you must consider sustainability at all product life cycle levels. Becoming sustainable benefits the environment, communities, brand recognition, and sales. Making a name as a sustainable business or being part of a sustainable industry will undoubtedly increase your brand awareness and associate your business with a positive image. Sustainable practices also allow your business to produce higher quality, long-lasting products that boost your prices and sales.

How can Intengine help my business with sustainable industries?

Whether you are at the beginning of your sustainability journey or further along, Intengine is the place for you. You can find numerous experts with vast industry knowledge and aim to work towards more sustainable practices in every aspect of the production process. You can tap into the Intengine directory to find the best partner for yourself or dig into Intengine's blog to get more insight into sustainability in business.

How can industries improve sustainability?

Depending on the industry, there are various ways to improve sustainability. However, opting for renewable natural resources and reducing waste and emissions are among the general steps any sector can take to improve sustainability. These are a few basic actions that any business or industry can take in order to become more sustainable:

  • -Using circular manufacturing to save energy and reduce waste
  • -Implementing safety measures by utilizing automation tools, AI, IoT, and Cobots
  • -Digitizing internal communication

It is usually easier for organizations to make organization-wide implementations, however, industries should also consider their wider activities, including procurement processes and supply chain systems. These activities typically include various stages and require several stakeholders to work together locally or globally. Therefore they are not easy to manage, and attempts to make them more sustainable require more robust planning. It is always better for industries to put embedded sustainability criteria in their procurement and supply chain systems that require all parties to act and run their part of business accordingly.