- Manufacturing companies are becoming proactive in adopting smart technology to prosper into a sustainable ecosystem
- Lack of awareness about available technology and limited access to green literature are barriers to sustainable revolution
- IRIM supports the organizations to build strategies and spread awareness to evolve in the area of sustainable practices
The major leaders in the global manufacturing network are focusing on sustainability in their operational initiatives. There are different methods that the organizations are adhering to attain the goals of sustainability. India is leap-forwarding in its progress to bring sustainability in manufacturing and is striving towards a sustainable ecosystem. Several leading manufacturing companies are today exemplary in adopting solutions and practices which focus on not only profitable operations but a sustainable and healthy one.
International Research Institute of Manufacturing (IRIM) is one such association that supports organizations to evolve in the area of sustainable manufacturing by engaging and building strategies in strong collaboration. There are various organizations that have appreciated the contribution of IRIM towards achieving green manufacturing.
India Green Manufacturing Challenge (IGMC) is an awarding platform initiated by IRIM to identify and acknowledge the manufacturing units that demonstrated consistent progress in integrating the principles of sustainability in the facilities. “IRIM has a huge list of clientele from the leading manufacturing organizations of the country. We talk to them and find out the critical areas to focus on. Based on the framework and research, we guide them to adopt novel methods.” says, Sai Prasad Rode, Program manager IGMC. The manufacturing units are more proficient in incorporating smart practices build on the foundations of industry-specific knowledge.
UPL India, earlier known as United phosphorous Limited, markets agrochemicals, industrial chemicals, chemical intermediates, and speciality chemicals, and also provides crop protection solutions.”We have taken initiatives to reduce emissions by installing and introducing energy-efficient equipment/machines, process optimization, waste heat recovery, cooling technology, etc. For water recycling/reuse we have recently embraced state-of-the-art OARO technology commonly called forwarding Osmosis (FO) technology for treating and recycling high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids ) wastewater. We also installed SCALEBAN technology by which we can use 160 KLD treated effluent water in cooling towers with high TDS and can go up to 10% TDS,” says Vinod Singh, Plant Manager, UPL India.
The Indian government has proactively manoeuvred to introduce a sustainable ecosystem. Vinod Singh believes that progress has been made in the area of skill development for technicians and other employees, such as in wastewater treatment plants by making necessary training materials available.
Tarun Pandey, Head of Quality Assurance and Sustainability, Century Textiles & Industries explains how the organization has cut down on industrial waste in its commitment to sustainability. “ We have been working towards reduction in energy consumption for over last five years by increasing the use of sustainable fibres,” he added. Century Textiles & Industries is the first Indian fabric manufacturing company to receive STeP certification in 2016 from Hohenstein Institute, Germany, for innovative use of web-based QR codes in Made In Green Tags for its products.
The Union Government has been focusing on “Vocal for Local” and “Made in India” which will prove to be major steppingstones in the journey of the Indian manufacturing sector. The manufacturing sector has been making admirable strides with government initiatives.
The industry is reliant on solar energy to reduce carbon footprint and cost along with ensuring optimum utilization of resources & and various purchases keeping the green quotient in mind. Furthermore, the manufacturing units are leveraging smart technology to harness greener solutions. Fortunately, the industry is well cognizant of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Automation, fine tech technology adoption, Cloud Computing, etc., and is competing on par with the global manufacturing moguls.
Meanwhile, new guidelines at the national and state levels are being enacted for companies to fast adapt and evolve. India still has to go a long way despite the government’s initiatives aimed at eradicating various impediments in realizing green manufacturing. There are certain hurdles that delay a full-fledged introduction of sustainable manufacturing in the Indian manufacturing hubs. Perhaps, lack of awareness about the available technology choices and limited access to green literature is a barrier. For certain organizations, it would be difficult to adopt green practices due to the infrastructure or other issues albeit such a daunting transformation is the only solution for a healthier ecosystem.
