Rethinking "Re" in Manufacturing Sustainability

Conversations about the future of manufacturing often highlight the significance of "re" in sustainability. The well-known trio of "reduce, reuse, recycle" remains important, but the sources point to a more extensive range of "re" actions driving sustainable practices in the industry.

We’re all familiar with three Rs. These foundational principles, for example, are shown in manufacturing pre-treatment processes.

• Reduce: This means using fewer resources from the start. Imagine a factory using special nozzles on their rinse tanks to use less water during the pre-treatment process. That's reducing water waste!

• Reuse: This is like finding a new purpose for something instead of tossing it out. Think of a company collecting the rinse water from one pre-treatment stage and using it in another stage where the water quality is less critical. That's giving the water a second life and saving resources!

• Recycle: This is taking something old and turning it into something new. Picture a factory cleaning the wastewater from their pre-treatment process so they can safely release it back into the environment or even reuse it for other purposes on-site. That's closing the loop on manufacturing!

Expanding the "Re" Universe

Let's explore this expanded "re" idea, covering both traditional practices and innovative approaches:

• Repair: Emphasizing repair extends product lifespans, minimizing waste and supporting a circular economy. This "re" encourages a shift away from a disposable culture toward a more sustainable approach to product ownership.

• Rental: Rental models, where products are offered as a service, promote resource sharing and reduce individual ownership, contributing to a more sustainable consumption pattern.

• Recovery: Recovering valuable materials from waste streams not only reduces landfill burden but also presents new resource opportunities. This "re" encourages innovation in waste management and resource extraction.

• Regenerate: This concept centers on restoring and replenishing natural resources used in manufacturing processes, fostering environmental well-being. This "re" acknowledges the industry's impact on the environment and promotes responsible resource management.

“I love regenerate because regeneration is about the idea that we can create things that are actually healing”, Rhiannon Gallagher, Business Psychologist and Founder of Team Weaving.

• Reinvent: Reinvention across various levels - processes, business models, and individual career paths. This signifies a dynamic shift toward a more sustainable future, demanding adaptability and innovation.

Beyond the Traditional

This expanded "re" concept encourages a deeper understanding of sustainability in manufacturing, moving beyond simply minimizing waste. It advocates for actively rethinking processes, repurposing materials, and regenerating resources.

“One of the challenges that we have in this space, of course, is that we’re asking supply chains to do everything they’re doing now but do it differently,” says Debora Dull, of the Circular Supply Chain Network.

This shift necessitates a reinvention of traditional practices at all levels, from leadership and mentorship to technology adoption and workforce training.

"We source and resource, we plan, and we replan, we move and we remove, we make and we remake," adds Dull, further emphasizing the multifaceted nature of sustainable transformation within supply chains.

Data's Role in the "Re" Era

Data analysis is a key tool for identifying inefficiencies and informing sustainability interventions. Data insights empower manufacturers to optimize resource usage, reduce waste, and track materials throughout their lifecycle. This data-driven approach contributes toa more transparent and accountable supply chain, fostering trust and driving progress towards a circular economy.

Here are a few practical examples of how companies are implementing "re" principles:

• Microfactories located closer to customers to reduce transportation emissions and support local economies.

• Reinvent the job itself by breaking down robot assembly into shorter, manageable tasks to make training more accessible and empower employees.

• Engaging community colleges in talent development to equip the workforce with skills needed for sustainable manufacturing - rethink the future of work.

The Future of "Re" in Manufacturing

A holistic embrace of the "re" principles is key to a sustainable future for manufacturing. This ongoing journey involves consistently re-evaluating practices, re-imagining possibilities, and re-inventing the industry.

"This expanded 're' framework challenges conventional thinking about sustainability in manufacturing. It's not just about minimizing waste, but about actively rethinking processes, repurposing materials, and regenerating resources," says Julia L Freer Goldstein (author, Materials and Sustainability: Building a Circular Future), emphasizing the need for a broader perspective on sustainability.

Success hinges on collective effort, from individual actions to institutional shifts, powered by data insights, technological advancements, and a shared commitment to a circular economy.

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Watch the full ‘Sustainability Series“ on YouTube to learn more about the benefits of sustainability in manufacturing:

Bringing the Circular Economy to Reality

More than Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Navigating Uncertainty and Finding Growth in ESG 

Using Data for Energy and Waste Reduction

Sustainable Materials Manufacturing

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About the Author

‍Carol Mitchell-Lin is an Industry 4.0thought leadership producer. Formerly host of the Women in Manufacturing webinar series and a Founder of the Industry 4.0 Club, Carol served as Vice Chair and Secretary on the Club's Board of Directors. She has more than 20years of experience in the industrial space and combines excellent people skills with solid technical expertise. Connect with Carol on LinkedIn.

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