Converting raw materials into finished products or packaging is responsible for much of their environmental impact and costs. Consider reducing these through the following factors:
- Reduce Energy Use - Can you design your manufacturing processes and factory to be more energy efficient? Do you use any energy intensive processes which could be substituted for viable alternatives?
- Simplification - Can the product or packaging be made in a simpler design from fewer materials to simplify processes and reduce the number of sources of raw material?
- Waste - Can you reduce the amount of waste and waste of different types produced by the manufacturing process? Can you eliminate hazardous waste? Is it possible to recycle or reuse waste on your site to reduce raw material use?
- Natural Resources - Are resources such as water or fossil fuels used in your manufacturing? Can they be used more efficiently through, for example, alternative energy sources or water recycling?
Raw Materials | Manufacture | Retail | Use | End of Life