Sustainability is critical to modern manufacturing

Manufacturers across the United States are innovating and redefining processes to create more sustainable operations. By making sustainability a top priority, they are helping ensure the longevity of not only the sector but also its customers.

Current and future manufacturing will not and cannot look the same as manufacturing of days past. Today, we must remain committed to innovative, clean and technologically driven operations to ensure the development of products, processes and services that provide environmental, safety and other benefits to our customers.

Manufacturers understand that sustainability goes beyond minimizing the footprint of operations, and extends to suppliers and customers to deliver sustainable products that are more durable, create less waste and enhance the sustainability of the products to which they are applied.{mosads}

It is important for modern manufacturers to actively engage with customers to ensure they are creating products and services that help them meet their sustainability goals, such as increased energy efficiency and reduced emissions and waste. For example, manufacturers like PPG are developing architectural coatings for homes and businesses that can improve indoor air quality, as well as automotive coating processes that require less energy and shorter cure times. In the future, electric and autonomous vehicles will be enabled by modern innovations in battery coatings and LIDAR-reflective coatings.

Furthermore, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the Sustainability in Manufacturing Partnership earlier this year. According to Ross Eisenberg, NAM vice president of energy and resources policy, this partnership will provide a national platform to highlight manufacturers’ environmental stewardship and encourage the adoption of energy-efficient and sustainable practices. In addition, the agreement will allow manufacturers better access to DOE’s Advanced Manufacturing Office and the expertise and programs it provides to manufacturers seeking to improve their energy efficiency and sustainable practices. This partnership is one of many steps that manufacturing organizations have taken to create more sustainable operations.

Sustainability efforts must go beyond product innovation and operations and extend to employees, communities and customers. This can be achieved by strengthening philanthropic efforts, leveraging a diverse and inclusive workforce and supplier network, and maintaining health and safety as a top priority.

Our success depends on the success of our people – we must ensure they are safe, healthy, engaged and valued for their diverse talents. Through our people and products, manufacturers can make meaningful contributions in communities where they operate.

As manufacturers, we can continue to ensure a successful future and endless opportunity by focusing on a sustainable approach that includes our economic performance, our environmental efforts and our positive impact on employees, customers and consumers.

Manufacturers have a proven track record of reducing environmental impacts and improving sustainable business practices, but we must strive for continued progress. By having a sustainability strategy supported by measurable goals, manufacturers can ensure they continue their positive contributions.

Mark Cancilla is vice president, environment, health and safety, for Pittsburgh-based paint and coatings manufacturer PPG. To learn more about PPG’s sustainability efforts, visit sustainability.ppg.com.