Greening the Industry: How Smart Technology is Driving Sustainability
- Irion Dekov
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
Author: Talyna Renard
Smart technology is on its way to change the industry. With climate concerns growing more important nowadays, it’s time to reimagine our ways. As sustainability is turning into an imperative, companies are pushed to go green to stay competitive. To meet those new expectations, many are leaning towards smart technology. In this article, we’ll see the main challenges businesses face and explore the top strategies used to solve said problems.
Tackling Energy Consumption Head-On
Energy use is one of the biggest environmental challenges manufacturers face. But smart technology has it under control. Thanks to smart technology, companies have now been given the tools to operate changes during production. These tools can not only be used to monitor energy use in real time, but also instantly adjust it.
Let’s take IoT (Internet of Things) for example. With IoT-enabled sensors, we know exactly how much energy is used on a task. More importantly, we can even track if a machine has to be on or not at all. No more wasted power, just smarter energy management in the production line.
Minimizing Waste with Smarter Materials Management
Waste isn’t only bad for the environment, it also is for business. While recycling is done more frequently, minimizing waste in the first place is a big step towards a greener path. Smart technology here can help reduce waste and optimize the use of materials. For example, AI-powered systems can predict demand, allowing companies to make only what they need. No more overproduction.
Also, automatic sorting systems ensure that waste is separated efficiently. That way, what is recyclable can be sent back into the production loop to be reused later. As we recycle already used parts into new products, there is no need for new raw resources. Waste has now been turned into value.
Greening Supply Chains
Going green doesn’t stop at just the factory. We have to fully commit to the bit and look at the bigger frame. That’s where blockchain comes in. Thanks to it, companies can ensure the traceability and transparency of their materials. They are able to verify if their materials come from ethical and responsible sources or produced through sustainable processes. That way, businesses are fully aware of the entirety of the production line being green, no doubt.
Smart Tools Powering Sustainable Production
Smart technology is not only giving manufacturers a boost in performance but actively helps them cut their environmental footprints at the same time. Here are today’s top tools that are making production cleaner, faster, but more importantly, greener:
· AI and Machine Learning: AI can help improve efficiency as well as eliminate wasteful practices thanks to predictive maintenance and resource management. It can also make testing easier. Teams can run tests digitally before really implementing improvements, limiting errors.
· Digital Twins: These are virtual recreations of real-world systems and environments that can also be used in testing phase. Say bye to costly and wasteful prototypes. As it receives real-time data, it can test many different simulations at the same time to improve all sorts of aspects related to products or processes. Saving your money, time and materials.
· IoT Devices: With sensors continuously collecting data from machines, they’re giving insights on energy use, performance, and efficiency. This can help businesses identify inefficiencies and save energy.
· 3D printing: Perfect for small-scale, on-demand production. It uses only the materials required for a product, leaving little to no waste behind.
· Robotic Automation: Robots speed up production while using less energy for repetitive tasks. They work with high precision, leaving very little defective products behind, and of course the waste that comes with them.
· Circular Economy Practices: Instead of disposing of used materials, companies should aim to repurpose parts and components across other products’ lifecycles. Such approach can save resources, reduce emissions but more importantly keep valuable materials in play.
Looking Ahead: Smarter, Cleaner, Better
In short, smart technologies are completely redefining what sustainability is in the industrial world. It’s not only theoretical anymore. The tools are here, and companies are already seeing the benefits. Sustainable strategies today, powered by innovation, will be the ones leading the industry tomorrow.
To dive deeper into these innovations and connect with leaders driving the change, don’t miss the Smart Manufacturing Forum 2025! Gain practical insights to power your next move.
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