Environmentally friendly manufacturing methods are commonly referred to as green manufacturing. Developments in equipment and technology over the past several years have resulted in green manufacturing making sense financially in addition to showing respect for the environment. Respect for the environment can be shown in a number of ways including reduction of waste, prevention of pollution and energy savings.

Energy Savings

Saving energy shows respect for the environment because it means fewer natural resources are consumed. One way to save energy is to make sure the equipment is operating at peak performance levels. Engine dynamometers, while not traditionally thought of as an energy saving tool, can actually be beneficial in that realm. When used to help determine the motor size that is needed to drive a piece of equipment such as a pump, energy is not wasted because a motor that was larger than what was needed had been installed. A dynamometer could also help determine if the motor needs to be serviced. Professionals, like those at Power Test Inc., know that if the test results indicate the motor is not operating at peak performance, it is likely wasting energy. Not only does this mean it is costing more to operate, but it is adding more pollutants to the atmosphere.

Waste Reduction

The most effective way to reduce waste is to not generate it in the first place. Packaging material serves as a good example. With the use of returnable and reusable packaging, landfill waste is eliminated. Finding ways to reuse items that were formally discarded is also an effective tool used in green manufacturing. Things like specifying pallet sizes on which raw material is received in order to match the size pallets used internally or for shipping allows companies to reuse these pallets. It eliminates the need to throw these pallets away only to buy new ones for shipping.

When the amount of material used cannot be reduced at the source or reused in the process, the next best thing is to recycle it. Again, packaging material provides a good example. Cardboard can be compacted and recycled. Things like stretch wrap and banding straps can easily be bailed. Some recycling companies will even install bailers and compactors on-site to aid in the process. Many of these items can actually bring in revenue when recycled. The bigger savings come, however, by not having to pay landfill charges for these items.

While, with today's technology, green manufacturing makes for good business practices, it also helps a company's reputation in the community. This includes both the general public and the regulatory community.