The future of manufacturing is undergoing a transformative shift. This is being driven by new supply chain laws and recommendations regarding carbon emissions that are being introduced by government bodies, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the European Union (EU).
For example, the EU regulations, set to come into force in 2025, are aimed at achieving carbon neutrality and fostering sustainable practices. They are requiring manufacturers to rethink their approach to carbon emissions throughout the production process.
In response to these new laws, manufacturers are having to think about adopting innovative technologies and sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint. This includes implementing energy-efficient production methods, such as HPS Advanced Liquid Product Recovery (Pigging) Technology.
Additionally, collaboration and transparency are becoming key drivers in the future of carbon reduction in manufacturing. Companies are expected to collaborate with suppliers to ensure that every aspect of the supply chain is working towards reducing carbon emissions within their own individual processes.
Transparent reporting on carbon footprints will likely become a standard practice, enabling consumers to make informed choices based on a product’s environmental impact.
Manufacturers that embrace these changes stand to not only comply with regulations but also gain a competitive edge. This is because they will become more appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
THE CHALLENGES OF REDUCING CARBON IN MANUFACTURING
The transition to a low-carbon future in manufacturing, driven by new supply chain laws and guidance, is accompanied by several challenges:
- Technological Barriers: Implementing sustainable practices often requires significant investments in technology, research, and business development. Many manufacturers face challenges in adopting these practices due to cost constraints, time limits, or a lack of accessible solutions.
- Supply Chain Complexity: Achieving carbon neutrality involves not only reducing emissions within a company’s operations but also throughout the entire supply chain. Coordinating and influencing suppliers to adhere to carbon emission standards can be challenging, particularly for companies with complex and global supply chains.
- Transition Costs: The initial costs associated with transitioning to sustainable manufacturing practices can be a significant hurdle for companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. Balancing short-term financial constraints with long-term sustainability goals is a delicate challenge with a myriad of perceived risks.
- Resistance to Change: Resistance to change within organizations is a common challenge. Employees, management, and stakeholders may be resistant to adopting new technologies and practices, necessitating effective change management strategies.
Navigating these challenges requires a holistic and collaborative approach, involving not only manufacturers but also policymakers, researchers, and consumers to collectively drive the transition towards a more sustainable and low-carbon manufacturing sector.
REDUCING CARBON WITH HPS PIGGING SYSTEMS
HPS Advanced Liquid Product Recovery (Pigging) Technology is a cutting-edge solution that plays a pivotal role in helping manufacturers significantly reduce their carbon emissions.
Addressing several key aspects of the manufacturing process, pigging helps companies develop a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to production.
One of the primary ways in which HPS pigging systems aid in carbon emission reduction is through their efficiency in product recovery.
Traditional manufacturing processes often result in substantial product waste, requiring additional production runs to meet demand. However, one of the benefits of pigging is that waste is minimized by efficiently recovering up to 99.9% of residual product from full pipelines, reducing the need for overproduction and the associated energy consumption.
This streamlined approach directly translates to lower carbon emissions and a more sustainable production cycle.
Pigging also promotes resource efficiency by giving manufacturers the flexibility to switch between different products within the same production line with minimal product loss. This versatility reduces the overall energy and material inputs required for production, contributing to an eco-friendly manufacturing process.
The technology’s precision and accuracy in recovering residual liquid product can also lead to quicker CIP cycles and reduced changeover times.
Cleaning and maintaining production equipment are resource-intensive processes that typically involve the use of water, cleaning agents, and energy. By improving the efficiency of these cleaning cycles, pigging not only conserves resources but also reduces the associated carbon emissions linked to cleaning operations.
On average, every cubic metre of water consume generates 23lb (or 10.6kg) of carbon emissions. – Water Intelligence
Additionally, the technology enhances overall production efficiency, optimizing the use of energy throughout the manufacturing process. Ensuring that product transfers are swift and residue-free, the need for prolonged downtime and excessive energy consumption is reduced.
HPS pigging technology is a sustainable solution for manufacturers looking to curtail their carbon footprint. Through waste reduction, resource efficiency, and enhanced production processes, pigging aligns with the growing emphasis on environmentally conscious manufacturing practices, making it a valuable asset for companies committed to sustainable production.
HOW WE’RE REDUCING OUR CARBON
At HPS, we believe that reducing carbon emissions in supply chains should start at home. That’s why we’ve been taking action to reduce our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
By reducing our carbon emissions, we lower our contribution to Scope 3 carbon emissions and make our supply chain more sustainable.
Since February 2023, we have successfully managed to reduce our electricity consumption by 26%, our water consumption by 19%, and our paper consumption by 38%.
But our pride and joy on our sustainability journey has been finding out that our advanced liquid product recovery technology reduces carbon output in manufacturing facilities by up to 99.3% per changeover.
We are continuously working with our suppliers to find the best approach to sustainability without compromising on quality or customer care.
Learn More
HPS Product Recovery Solutions was founded from a garage in 1995. Since then, we have grown in size and now supply Advanced Liquid Product Recovery Technology and Liquid Transfer Solutions to companies of all sizes. We work with liquid manufacturers in numerous sectors, including food, beverage, paints, chocolate, pet food, chemicals, home care, personal care, beauty, and more.
Get in touch to find out how we can help you to change your processes and join industry leaders.